Michael Marum issues instructions to his PNG side during training Photo: PNGNRL Facebook
Papua New Guinea's rugby league coach Michael Marum says the Prime Minister's XIII rugby league clash against Australia has been downgraded to an international.
Saturday's game in Port Moresby will mark the 20th anniversary since the inception of the fixture.
Initial reports said the game had gain test match status but Marum said the chairman notified the team about the change last night.
"We were preparing as if we were going to play a test, at the time we were going to speak to the players coming in we couldn't change the our preparations before we got in, and we are happy with the players we got."
PNG lost the fixture 48-8 last year but fielded a depleted squad due to world cup commitments.
Marum said he expected this year's squad to be more competitive.
The Kumuls have never beaten the Prime Ministers XIII, a 24-24 draw in 2007 as close as they've got.
PNG will use the game as preparation for a two match series against the England Knights, a team designed to provide potential internationals with pathways towards the full test squad.
The Knights team has been resurrected after a five year absence.
