Cessnock Goannas junior Fletcher Sharpe has capped an incredible debut season in the NRL by earning a spot in the Prime Minister’s XIII squad.

The flying Newcastle Knights winger joins teammate Dylan Lucas and former Greta Branxton Colt Hudson Young in the line-up to tackle the PNG PM’s XIII at Santos National Football Stadium, in Port Moresby, on Sunday 13 October.

Talented local youngster Jesse Southwell will also take her place in the women’s team.

The Prime Minister’s XIII is set to be captained by departing South Sydney Rabbitohs hooker Damien Cook and include promising players in the game including Lachlan Galvin (Wests Tigers), Tallis Duncan (South Sydney Rabbitohs) and Kaeo Weekes (Canberra Raiders). 

The female side, led by Jillaroos champion Kezie Apps (Wests Tigers), features Jaime Chapman (Gold Coast Titans), Teagan Berry (St George Illawarra) and Lauren Brown (Gold Coast Titans). 

“These games represent far more than just a couple of matches of footy for up-and-coming stars,” Anthony Albanese said.

“It’s an important chance to share our love of the game with PNG – our closest neighbour and dear friends.

“It is a great thrill to have one of my favourite Rabbitohs as captain of the men’s team.

“And, I look forward to Damien Cook and Wests Tigers’ Kezie Apps leading their talented PM’s XIII squads in Port Moresby.” 

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys AM congratulated everyone on their selection in a special team. 

“The players chosen are some of the best and brightest in the game, and they get to wear the green and gold with pride,” he added.

“Not only do they get to represent their country, they also have the opportunity to be ambassadors for the game, to change lives.”

With Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga in camp with the Australian squad, the Men’s PM’s XIII will be coached by Test legend Brad Fittler. 

“We have some incredibly talented players making their debuts in the green and gold,” he said.

“I am excited to see what they can do at this level, giving us a real eye to the future.

“This is an important camp not only for the players who will be testing themselves at this level but also being ambassadors for the game in PNG.” 

Women’s Indigenous All Stars mentor Jess Skinner will take charge of the Australian Women’s PM’s XIII.

• The 2024 Australian Men’s Prime Minister’s XIII is as follows (in alphabetical order): Luke Brooks (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles), Ethan Bullemor (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles), Nat Butcher (Sydney Roosters), Damien Cook (South Sydney Rabbitohs) – captain, Tallis Duncan (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Beau Fermor (Gold Coast Titans), Jamal Fogarty (Canberra Raiders), Lachlan Galvin (Wests Tigers), Reuben Garrick (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles), Kobe Hetherington (Brisbane Broncos), Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Gold Coast Titans) , Jacob Liddle (St George Illawarra Dragons), Dylan Lucas (Newcastle Knights), Sam McIntyre (North Queensland Cowboys), Sean Russell (Parramatta Eels), Xavier Savage (Canberra Raiders), Alex Seyfarth (Wests Tigers), Fletcher Sharpe (Newcastle Knights), Kaeo Weekes (Canberra Raiders), Hudson Young (Canberra Raiders)
• The 2024 Australian Women’s Prime Minister’s XIII is as follows (in alphabetical order): Kezie Apps (Wests Tigers) – captain, Shaylee Bent (Gold Coast Titans), Teagan Berry (St George Illawarra Dragons), Krystal Blackwell (North Queensland Cowboys), Lauren Brown (Gold Coast Titans), Keele Browne (St George Illawarra Dragons), Jaime Chapman (Gold Coast Titans), Bree Chester (North Queensland Cowboys), Abbi Church (Parramatta Eels), Kirra Dibb (North Queensland Cowboys), Sophie Holyman (Canberra Raiders), Grace Kemp (Canberra Raiders), Ella Koster (St George Illawarra Dragons), Emma Manzelmann (North Queensland Cowboys), Rory Owen (Parramatta Eels), Lily Peacock (North Queensland Cowboys), Kasey Reh (St George Illawarra Dragons), Monalisa Soliola (Canberra Raiders), Jesse Southwell (Newcastle Knights), Chante Temara (Canberra Raiders)

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