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I think this game is a great annual fixture but I think it needs a bit of a rethink. From PNG's point of view it's likely the Hunters will be going deep in the finals with some regularity for years to come, add to that 1/4 of the NRL clubs and all SL clubs were still playing this last weekend when the game was on.
Why not just play it as full International the week before Australia V NZ? NZ can play another Pacific nation as well on that weekend. IMO this isn't likely but would be the best scenario. Keep the PMXIII game as is but for another Pacific Island (Fiji? Or Rotating?) And reward PNG with a full Test match.
Fiji/Tonga/Samoa V PMXIII
Fiji/Tonga/Samoa V NZ
PNG V Australia
Australia V NZ
Alternatively I would have no problem with it being played post season, maybe on the same weekend as Australia V NZ, giving a few fringe players a chance to impress before the tournament/tour squads are named.
Thoughts?
Why not just play it as full International the week before Australia V NZ? NZ can play another Pacific nation as well on that weekend. IMO this isn't likely but would be the best scenario. Keep the PMXIII game as is but for another Pacific Island (Fiji? Or Rotating?) And reward PNG with a full Test match.
Fiji/Tonga/Samoa V PMXIII
Fiji/Tonga/Samoa V NZ
PNG V Australia
Australia V NZ
Alternatively I would have no problem with it being played post season, maybe on the same weekend as Australia V NZ, giving a few fringe players a chance to impress before the tournament/tour squads are named.
Thoughts?