Farah and Galloway named in Prime Ministers XIII

[Guest]

Michael Jennings bags hat-trick as Prime Minister's XIII beat Kumuls

From correspondents in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
September 27, 2009

Penrith centre Michael Jennings scored a hat-trick of tries as the Australian Prime Minister's XIII defeated Papua New Guinea 42-18 at Lloyd Robson Oval in Port Moresby on Sunday.
PM's XIII captain Johnathan Thurston, a crowd favourite, converted all seven of his side's tries.

The Australian side outclassed the Kumuls, but their brilliance did not beat PNG's brawn; they capitalised on numerous mistakes by the Kumuls, with several soft tries for the youngsters.

PNG second-rower Sigfred Gande gave the crowd something to smile about 10 minutes from half-time, with a strong run and four-pointer.

And PNG reserve Tommy Butterfield scooted out of dummy half five minutes later for a pushover try that had caught the Aussies napping.

 

[Guest]

PM's XIII beat Papua New Guinea 42-18

September 27, 2009 - 5:34PM

Michael Jennings provided the fireworks on the field and police fired the traditional round of tear gas at fans as the Australian Prime Minister's XIII beat Papua New Guinea 42-18 on Sunday.

Jennings scored a hat-trick of tries at Lloyd Robson Oval before a sell-out crowd of about 5,000 fans, with plenty more outside the gates.

The NSW and Penrith centre scored two tries in a row in the first half then the last try in the Australian side's patchy display.

Coach Mal Meninga said his side's scrappy performance was due to limited preparation.

"Everyone had a go," he said.

"It wasn't the prettiest game but it was a good work out for the boys, I'm sure they'll be nice and sore tomorrow.

"We've only had two sessions together but it was a very spirited display, from both sides," he said.

"Michael Jennings has a tendency to score hat-tricks. He's lightning fast, good with the ball and I think today defended pretty good as well."

Prop David Schillington scored the first of the Australian side's seven tries and captain Johnathan Thurston slotted home seven of seven conversion attempts in front of 5000 fans.

The PM's team started strongly with three quick tries simply outclassing the PNG Kumuls but were caught napping 30 minutes in and PNG returned favour with two soft tries.

The visiting team's 18-12 halftime lead then stretched in the second half as PNG's infamous physical game failed to pay dividends. The home side were penalised four times for spear tackles.

The Kumuls looked good in the second half, cruelly teasing their fans with several failed chances and missed opportunities.

Slowly the home side's resistance crumbled and the Australian side ran away with four more tries to PNG's one.

PNG coach Adrian Lam said the team's young players showed great promise.

"PNG's future looks good, we're well-positioned with the young fellas," he said.

"All the 19-year-olds went really well."

Lam singled out Tyson Martin, Kerry Tapako and Sigfred Gande as PNG stand outs.

"Our completion rate was poor. We just couldn't hold onto the ball, we dropped it too many times," he said.

"We've improved definitely, as a team and on last year, even the knowledge of the plays, our attitude, it's really getting there."

Outside the ground, police regularly fired tear gas and live rounds as warnings to excited fans who didn't have a ticket but wanted to catch a glimpse of their Aussie heroes.

 

[Juro]

Any news on how Farah went?

 

[Guest]

Any news on how Farah went?

Don't know but here's a shot of Heigno with Robbie in the background.

 

[Juro]

Cool photo. Really makes the game look physical, as they all say these games are…

 

[Guest]

I won't bother with a new topic but Lawrence is also out of the Australian train-on squad due to injury.

The below extract is from the SMH regarding the liklihood of Hindmarsh being recalled to the test side:

"Sheens said he would get an update on the injuries at today's training, adding: ''There are a few players already out of consideration in various positions because of injury. 'Pricey' is obviously one. Two of my guys at Wests Tigers - Keith Galloway and Chris Lawrence - are also out and I understand [South Sydney's] Johnny Sutton is as well. [Penrith's] Luke Lewis is another player we need to get an update on."

 

[Geo]

That absolutely sucks….........Boo.......

Hard luck Lawrence and Galloway..... 😢

 

[hybrid_tiger]

Galloway's injury problems are concerning - we need him to stay fit if we are ANY chance at the 8 next year.

 

[Tigerdave]

damn, what a bugger

 

[Hbom]

Galloway's injury problems are concerning - we need him to stay fit if we are ANY chance at the 8 next year.

Relax, he has an off season ahead of him and he is quite young.

 

[hybrid_tiger]

Galloway's injury problems are concerning - we need him to stay fit if we are ANY chance at the 8 next year.

Relax, he has an off season ahead of him and he is quite young.

He has had three off seasons with us and has still spent quite a while on the sidelines.

Preying he stays fit next year. 😛ray:

 

[Hbom]

Galloway's injury problems are concerning - we need him to stay fit if we are ANY chance at the 8 next year.

Relax, he has an off season ahead of him and he is quite young.

He has had three off seasons with us and has still spent quite a while on the sidelines.

Preying he stays fit next year. 😛ray:

Broken toe/foot 2008 and strained knee this year from memory. Not really a trend.

Agreed, vital to our chances.