PM’s XIII 2024: Lachlan Galvin, Luke Brooks picked for Australia against PNG, Ali Brigginshaw ruled out

Lachie Galvin and Luke Brooks could unite in the halves for Australia in the PM’s XIII team to play PNG. Plus, Broncos NRLW star Ali Brigginshaw has been ruled out of the game with a broken finger. SEE THE FULL MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TEAMS

Wests Tigers sensation Lachie Galvin is set to make his representative debut while former Tiger Luke Books will end another long drought after the pair were named in the squad for the Prime Minister’s XIII game against Papua New Guinea on October 13.

Galvin, who was ruled out of the running for rookie of the year after being suspended during the season, won’t be the only emerging star in the PM’s squad with the likes of Tallis Duncan, Fletcher Sharpe, Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Xavier Savage also set to feature in a side captained by St George Illawarra recruit Damien Cook.

Brooks, who played finals football for the first time this year, has been given the chance to add to his representative resume – nearly a decade after he played the NRL All Stars.

Canberra half Jamal Fogarty has also been named in the squad but Brooks and Galvin are expected to spend time together in the halves, giving Tigers fans a taste of what could have been had Brooks stayed at the club rather than depart for Manly.

Lachlan Galvin and Luke Brooks have been picked for the PM's XIII.

Jillaroos co-captain Ali Brigginshaw has been ruled out of the Prime Minister’s XIII contention after undergoing surgery on her finger this week.

The Brisbane halfback suffered a broken finger on her left hand during the NRLW season and carried it through the final rounds.

She is expected to be sidelined for a month, but should be available for the second Jillaroos test of the Pacific Championships against New Zealand in Christchurch at the end of the month.

With the most experienced player in the game grounded, it opens the door for rival halfbacks Kirra Dibb, Jesse Southwell, Lauren Brown and Jesse Southwell who have all been named in the team announced on Thursday morning.

It’s a comeback match for skipper Kezie Apps, who played just three NRLW games after suffering a knee injury playing for the Wests Tigers against the Roosters in round three.

She is one a handful of injured stars making a return to the field with Gold Coast stars Brown and Jaime Chapman both named and expected to pull on the green and gold in PNG.

Brown is recovering from a broken arm and missed the final two games of the NRLW season, while Chapman struggled with hamstring problems throughout the year.

It will essentially be a Jillaroos selection process for the Pacific Championships, which kicks off on October 18.

Dally M rookie of the year winner Kasey Reh has been named to cap a brilliant season, as well as rising Eels star Rory Owen.

“These games represent far more than just a couple of games of footy for up-and-coming stars,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

“It’s an important chance to share our love of the game with PNG – our closest neighbour and dear friends.

“It’s a great thrill to have one of my favourite Rabbitohs as captain of the men’s team, and I look forward to Damien Cook and Wests Tigers’ Kezie Apps leading their talented PM’s XIII squads in Port Moresby.”

ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys congratulated all players on their selection in a special team.

“The players chosen are some of the best and brightest in the game, and they get to wear the green and gold with pride,” Mr V’landys said.

“Not only do they get to represent their country, they also have the opportunity to be ambassadors for the game, to change lives.

“On behalf of the Commission, I congratulate the players on their selection in a special team.”

Originally published as PM’s XIII 2024: Lachlan Galvin, Luke Brooks picked for Australia against PNG, Ali Brigginshaw ruled out