Penrith’s Matt Moylan and Josh Mansour shine as Prime Minister’s XIII defeat Papua New Guinea 34-16 Dean Ritchie in Kokopo The Daily Telegraph October 12, 2014 Panthers fullback Matt Moylan and winger Josh Mansour pushed their Four Nations claims with powerful performances for a Prime Minister’s XIII in Sunday’s 34-16 win over PNG in Kokopo. Moylan was cool, as always, from fullback, Mansour had some powerful carries, while also notching a try. Another young gun to shine was rising Newcastle centre Sione Mata’utia. He was among the best on the field, according to PM skipper Greg Bird. The Australians side led 28-0 after 47 minutes before PNG scored three late tries. Test selectors will announce a 24-man Four Nations squad on Tuesday. Moylan, Mansour and Mata’utia will be heavily discussed. The passionate PNG fans packed the stands to watch the Australian stars. Source: News Corp Australia “It was a pretty physical game and the boys stuck in,” Mansour told The Daily Telegraph. “The end result was pleasing and personally, to get a try, was also pleasing. I am really happy. “I am sure it is everyone’s dream to pull on the green and gold jersey. If the opportunity came I would take it with both hands. We’ll have to wait and see.” Moylan added: “I was pretty happy but there are still things I could fix and have done better. I went alright, I haven’t played for a few weeks. “It was pretty hot and they kept coming. He (Mansour) went really well. He had strong carries all game, like he did all for year for Penrith.” The oppressive conditions saw the Australians lose a lot of fluid. Source: News Corp Australia The match physical and tough in oppressive conditions, and PNG had been in camp for three weeks preparing for the game. Australia though stayed patient and led 16-0 at half-time, as senior players Bird, Robbie Farah and Ryan Hoffman excelled for the Aussies. “Moylan was great from the back,” Bird said. “Steady head, it’s the sort of football we have seen from him all year. Pressure situations didn’t change him. “He stepped up a level here, he was cool, clam and collected and got himself into a fair bit of space.” Pressed about Mata’utia, Bird said: “I thought he was the most impressive. “He locked up that edge and was strong in his carries. He was one of the only tall, rangy backs that could really bend their line back. “He is a star of the future that kid, I was really impressed with him.” Several props stood tall during the game. Aware there are front-row spots available, Aaron Woods scored two tries while Dyan Napa and Josh Papalii also impressed at times. “Conditions were tough,” said Australia coach Tim Sheens. “I am happy with a number of the senior efforts. I got something out of it. “I thought young Moylan had a really good game at the back. Sione played well of the younger blokes. He showed some strength early. “He is still raw, whether we can pick him because of defence, he is still a bit raw in that area of his game but everything else is good. “Mansour was really strong on the wing as well. Ben Hunt had an eighty minute effort while some of the senior guys went really also. “It’s still early and I will have assess it. We will have to make some decision on Monday.” Temperatures were close to 38 degrees in PNG, with the heat and humidity absolutely stifling. The game was played in quarters to help with rehydration although most players lost between two to four kilograms. To stay out of the heat for as long as possible, the team left their resort in full kit and ran straight onto the field for warm-up. The PNG team showed plenty of ticker, the vocal locals crowds spurring them on. With the game being unlimited interchange, PNG used 21 players, hence why they came home strongly. The PM’s side used 18 players. AUSTRALIA 34 (A Woods 2, W Chambers, J Mansour, A Milford tries; M Moylan 3, B Hunt 2 goals) PNG 16. Referee: G Atkins. Venue: Kalaabod Stadium, Kokopo.
Posted on: Sun, 12 Oct 2014 08:45:28 +0000
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