PNG Kumuls

The PNG Orchids have leapfrogged Canada and France into fourth place in the women's standings following their 20-16 win over England on Saturday.

Shirley Joe scored a last-minute try to break the 16-all deadlock and secure PNG's first-ever test match win.

The Kumuls then overcame a half-time deficit to take down Great Britain, with the 28-10 triumph sealing their first win against the Lions in 29 years.

Head coach Michael Marum said it was one of the best games they have ever played.

South Sydney Rabbitoh's Alex Johnston, North Queensland Cowboys Daniel Russell and Hela Wigmen's Stanford Talita are the new faces named in the 20-man test squad.

Long-standing coach Michael Marum said Johnston would add experience to his side, which was much needed when coming up against teams stacked with NRL and Super League players.

"We understand we're coming up against Fiji who you know majority of all the players are from the NRL. We will look at [Johnston's] experience going into the side as we play and prepare to play Fiji in Christchurch," said.

Macdonald was with the St George Illawarra Dragons this season after debuting for Sydney Roosters in 2014.

According to the North Queensland Cowboys official website, Macdonald has arrived at the club’s camp in preparation for the 2019 season.

The 24-year-old recently participated in the PM’s XIII in Port Moresby where Australia beat PNG 34 – 18.

Born in Port Moresby but growing up in North Queensland, Macdonald debuted in the red, black and gold jersey in 2013 – when he was 19 years of age.

So far he has played nine Test matches for the PNG Kumuls. 

Ottio, who had been due to fly to England with Kumuls teammate Wellington Albert on Thursday to join Super League club Widnes, passed away at the Pacific International Hospital in Port Moresby at 2am on Tuesday after collapsing during a road run on Sunday.

Hunters players held a bedside vigil for the 23-year-old, who had asked to join the session with the Queensland Cup premiers at short notice.

Naiqama was disappointed to have to sit out the Bati's 

Fiji led 16-8 at the break but had no answers for a PNG side that helped breathe fresh air into the international game. 

Papua New Guinea's spine proved the difference in the end with halfback Watson Boas scoring a double, his brother Ase kicking four goals and hooker Wartovo Puara Junior proving a handful whenever he touched the ball with two try assists.