MEDIA RELEASE

The Chairman of the Australian Rugby League, Mr Colin Love AM, today announced the Prime Minister’s XIII side to play Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby on Sunday 28 September, 2008.

The match at Lloyd Robson Oval will be preceded by the team conducting community work with AusAID aimed at promoting HIV and AIDS prevention messages.

Coaching the Prime Minister’s XIII side for the fourth consecutive year is Mal Meninga, while Parramatta’s Nathan Hindmarsh has been named Captain.

“Mal and the team will be great representatives for Australia, both on the field and within the local community,” Prime Minister Mr Kevin Rudd said today.

“The fans in Port Moresby are amongst the most passionate league supporters you will find anywhere in the world.

“The match not only provides a great opportunity for local fans to see their favourite NRL stars, it will leave a real legacy off the field.

"I wish ‘my team’ all the best and I’m confident Mal’s winning record this year will continue.”

“This is the fourth year we have conducted the Prime Minister’s XIII trip to Papua New Guinea and it has become an important initiative for the ARL,” ARL Chairman Mr Love said today.

“The players spend a large part of the tour promoting important health messages to the Papua New Guinean people.

“The fact the players are worshipped by the Papua New Guinean people makes their community work all the more important and it certainly has an impact.

“We are delighted to have the Prime Minister’s support and look forward to once again helping the fight against the crippling health problems the country is facing.”

2008 ARL Prime Minister’s XIII