Parramatta Eels playmaker Mitchell Moses has been a late inclusion in the Prime Minister’s XIII, following a pair of last-minute withdrawals ahead of this Sunday’s clash with Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby.
Moses’ call-up comes just days after he was named in Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos squad for the upcoming Ashes Tour of England, marking a significant return to representative football after his strong finish to the NRL season.
Late change sparks opportunity
The Australian Rugby League Commission confirmed that Moses was drafted into the squad on Friday to replace one of the withdrawn players — believed to be due to minor injuries and load management after a long NRL campaign.
The inclusion provides Moses with valuable match preparation ahead of the Kangaroos’ three-Test Ashes series, which will be his first since 2003. The PM’s XIII fixture is traditionally a curtain-raiser for the international season and a chance for fringe Test players to impress selectors.
Big season, big opportunity
Moses’ 2025 campaign for Parramatta was hampered early by injury, but he returned in strong form during the latter stages, steering the Eels to several key victories and re-establishing himself among the NRL’s elite playmakers.
His game management, tactical kicking and leadership drew praise from Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga, who described Moses as “one of the most intelligent halves in the game” when confirming his selection for the Ashes tour earlier this week.
“Mitchell’s control and maturity really stood out this year. He’s earned his spot and this game gives him another chance to fine-tune before we head to England,” Meninga said.
PM’s XIII vs PNG details
The Prime Minister’s XIII will take on Papua New Guinea on Sunday, October 12, in Port Moresby, with both the men’s and women’s teams featuring several debutants. The fixture, first introduced in 2005, serves as both a goodwill event and a key selection trial for upcoming international campaigns.
Moses is expected to start in the halves, partnering Tom Dearden, with Daly Cherry-Evans and Nathan Cleary both rested ahead of the Kangaroos’ tour departure next week.
Looking ahead
After the PM’s XIII match, the Kangaroos will fly out to England for their highly anticipated Ashes Tour, where they will face the England national team in a three-Test series starting later this month.
For Moses, the sudden PM’s XIII call-up offers a perfect platform to build rhythm, showcase his playmaking craft, and stake an early claim for a Test jersey in the opening Ashes clash.
“It’s an honour to pull on the green and gold in any capacity,” Moses said. “I’m looking forward to getting out there and representing Australia — and it’s great preparation for what’s to come.”
