ORANGE product Jack Wighton has been named in the Australian Rugby League’s Prime Minister’s XIII to play the Papua New Guinea Kumuls next month.
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The 21-year-old spent time at both Orange CYMS and Bloomfield Tigers during his junior career in Group 10, and following yesterday’s announcement the now Canberra Raiders centre will come off the bench for the Australian outfit in the October 12 match at Kokopo, PNG.
A team selected by NSW State of Origin coach and unabashed Wighton advocate Laurie Daley, the Prime Minister’s XIII boasts some of the best young talent in the game in the form of Panthers duo Matt Moylan and Josh Mansour as well as Knights teenager Sione Mata’utai and Brisbane-bound dynamo Anthony Milford.
Australian head coach Tim Sheens was consulted throughout the selection process and believes Daley’s squad has the right blend of youth and experience.
“The PM’s XIII has some of the game’s most experienced players including Greg Bird, Robbie Farah and Ryan Hoffman,” Sheens said.
“But this match also provides a great opportunity for young players like Matt Moylan, Josh Mansour, Sione Mata’utai, Anthony Milford and Dylan Napa to gain experience alongside regular international players.
“That experience will prove invaluable in the future.”
The team will be captained by Gold Coast Titans forward Greg Bird.
The Australian squad for the Four Nations tournament, which begins in Brisbane on October 26, will be announced following this game.
PRIME MINISTER’S XIII: 1 Matt Moylan (Penrith Panthers), 2 Josh Mansour (Penrith Panthers), 3 Will Chambers (Melbourne Storm), 4 Sione Mata’utia (Newcastle Knights), 5 Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters), 6 Anthony Milford (Canberra Raiders), 7 Ben Hunt (Brisbane Broncos), 8 Aaron Woods (Wests Tigers), Robbie Farah (Wests Tigers), 10 Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders), 11 Ryan Hoffman (Melbourne Storm), 12 Beau Scott (Newcastle Knights), Greg Bird (c, Gold Coast Titans), 14 Michael Morgan (North Qld Cowboys), 15 Brenton Lawrence (Many Sea Eagles), 16 Josh McGuire (Brisbane Broncos), 17 Dylan Napa (Sydney Roosters), 18 Jack Wighton (Canberra Raiders).
