Prime Minister Scott Morrison runs the water as PM’s XII crush Fiji 52-10
On a night when the result didn’t really matter, Prime Minister Scott Morrison ran the water for the PM’s XIII in their big win over the Fiji PM’s XIII.
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Eleven tries, 13 line breaks, 17 Australian stars, seven State of Origin champions … and one brave Pacific nation.
With a barefoot Scott Morrison running water for his team while sitting sideline and offering a kicking tee for goal kicker Paul Momirovski, Australia’s Prime Minister’s XIII crushed Fiji PM’s side 52-10 in a steamy Suva.
Bati though showed enough guts, fearlessness spirit and spine to last an eternity.
Bula for them.
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Despite missing 47 tackles, the all-amateur Fijians scrapped, struggled and scrambled against the $10m Australian team - all for a match payment of $203 a player.
Not one Fijian player had a footy contract, 17 of them are unemployed. Yet the Bati didn’t know how to surrender.
Tina Turner’s Simply The Best blared out over the ANZ Stadium PA system at fulltime – it could have been directed at both sides.
Australian winger Kyle Feldt scored inside the first minute with prop Payne Hass crossing two minutes later to set up the a large yet expected victory.
South Sydney’s Campbell Graham crossed next, then Parramatta’s Clint Gutherson grabbed three in a row.
Fiji did register a try just before quarter time through winger Alipate Tobe, who works for the military. It extracted a raucous cheer from the crowd. The Bati scored again in the third quarter.
“It was a good, tough hit-out,” said PM halfback Ben Hunt. “I know the scoreline blew out but it was a physical game. They had some big boys in their team and they were flying out at us.”
It was a powerful PM’s side that included Jake Trbojevic, Cody Walker, Clint Gutherson, Mitch Moses, Wade Graham, Tyson Frizell, Ben Hunt and Payne Hass. This was a classic mismatch.
The Australians certainly helped grow rugby league over the past week across Fiji – the result irrelevant to some degree.
“This is a chance of a lifetime for the local players,” said Fiji coach Brandon Costin.
The crowd built up late but was slightly disappointing, perhaps a reflection of Fiji’s decision to overlook their NRL stars, including local hero, Parramatta’s Maika Sivo.
For many of the Australians it was valuable game time ahead of looming Tests against New Zealand and Tonga, along with next week’s World Nines at Bankwest Stadium.
There was one significant injury with Storm centre Curtis Scott injuring an ankle in the first half. It was the same ankle damaged earlier this year and left the ground in a moon boot.
“They made us work and it got the cobwebs out – I was really happy with their attitude,” said PM coach, Mal Meninga.
Morrison flew into Suva for the game and presented players with their green and gold jumpers.
In a pre-game speech to players, Morrison said: “It’s great to see the blend of youth and experience in the team, which is what the PM’s team is all about.
“To back up and be part of this (game), every time you put on the green and gold is a great credit to you and a great honour to do – it’s not just as great rugby league players and great professionals in sport, but you’re doing it as an important cause for our country.
“Rugby league in Fiji is on the rise, there’s a lot of interest. It’s great to see the connection between our countries I know you’ll play a great game and I look forward to doing it again next year. I wish you guys all the best. And don’t get injured. That’s the message from the clubs.”
Originally published as Prime Minister Scott Morrison runs the water as PM’s XII crush Fiji 52-10