Australia has named two experienced squads for the prime minister's first rugby league matches to be played in Fiji next week.
The annual fixture had been played in Papua New Guinea since 2005 but with the Fiji National Rugby League gaining traction in its efforts to get a team into Australian domestic competitions, a match has been organised in Suva.
It will mark the first time the Australian Prime Minister XIII men's and women's teams will take on their Fiji counterparts.
The Sharks' Wade Graham will captain the Australia PM XIII Photo: Photosport
Cronulla Sharks skipper Wade Graham will captain the men's side, which includes 12 debutants.
The squad includes five full Australian internationals and 10 representatives from the 2019 State of Origin series.
Coach Mal Meninga said the match was a key fixture in the representative calendar for a number of reasons.
"It's part of the representative pathway that rewards the players strong performances from the Premiership season, as well as showcasing the positive impact rugby league has for communities throughout the Pacific," he said.
The women's side will be captained by Sydney Roosters and Queensland player Karina Brown.
Their coach Brad Donald said there were 13 players from last year's PM's XIII women's squad play in the NRLW this year, which showed the elite pathway is working.
"It's an incredible opportunity for these women to be on show, empowering communities and women throughout to the Pacific both on and off the field," Donald said.
Luke Nadurutalo, seen here with his Pacific Games Gold, will captain Fiji's PM XIII Photo: Vinnie Wylie
AUSTRALIA PM'S XIII:
Men: Clinton Gutherson, Kyle Feldt, Paul Momirovski, Brad Parker, Blake Ferguson, Cody Walker, Mitchell Moses, Paul Vaughan, Ben Hunt, Payne Haas, Wade Graham (c), Tyson Frizell, Jake Trbojevic, Jai Arrow, Reuben Garrick, David Fifita, Reed Mahoney, Nathan Brown, Thomas Flegler.
Women: Karina Brown (c), Brydie Parker, Patricia Raikadroka, Bobbi Law, Tess Staines, Kirra Dibb, Quincy Dodd, Samantha Economos, Michaela Peck, Taimane Levu, Kaitlyn Phillips, Jasmin Allende, Caitlan Johnston, Asipau Mafi, Laken Paitai, Kaarla Cowan, Brianna Clark, Christian Pio, Tayla Preston, Kristine Vaalepu.
Fiji PM's XIII:
Men: Luke Nadurutalo (c), Maika Tudravu, Pio Seci, Josua Waqavere, Ropate Tobe, Mosese Qionomacawa, Penioni Tagitumua, Waisea Nasekai, Apimeleki Lutu, Tikoko Noke, Jeff Vatubua, Maika Serulevu, Jowasa Drodrolagi, Inia Toka, Ratu Seru Cakobau, Osea Sadrau, Timoci Namotokula, Rupeni Korosaya.
Women: Josephine Maejiirs (co-c), Roela Radiniyavuni, Tanika Marshall, Sesenieli Donu, Limaina Wai, Vasiti Ramotiqa, Canecia Sims, Asena Rokomarama, Vilisi Vakaloloma, Eloise Vunakece, Timaima Ravisa (co-c), Jiowana Sauto, Makelesi Lalabalavu, Merewairita Nai, Wainikiti Deku, Analei Netzler, Sereana Naitokatoka, Sereima Rauqe.
