Australian coach Tim Sheens says Jarryd Hayne and the PM's XIII are playing for their country - and for positions in the Kangaroos team - when they face the Papua New Guina Kumuls on Sunday.
Hayne will be in good company in the PM's XIII side, playing alongside representative backs Brent Tate, and Brett Morris, and Kangaroos forwards James Tamou and Sam Thaiday.
The side's coach, Laurie Daley, and Kangaroos coach Sheens agree that the annual match between the PM's XIII and the Papua New Guinea Kumuls has added significance in the lead up to the 2013 World Cup in England and Wales.
"We wanted as many of the senior guys to play in it as possible," Sheens said.
"This is a quality side and Laurie and I are very happy with it: every one of them is a genuine contender for the Kangaroo tour at this stage."
"Tim and the selectors are taking this as a serious game, as you can tell by the quality of this side," Daley added.
"It should be a good game."
The PM's XIII and the Kumuls play on Sunday, September 29 in Kokopo, Papua New Guinea.
Hayne will be in good company in the PM's XIII side, playing alongside representative backs Brent Tate, and Brett Morris, and Kangaroos forwards James Tamou and Sam Thaiday.
The side's coach, Laurie Daley, and Kangaroos coach Sheens agree that the annual match between the PM's XIII and the Papua New Guinea Kumuls has added significance in the lead up to the 2013 World Cup in England and Wales.
"We wanted as many of the senior guys to play in it as possible," Sheens said.
"This is a quality side and Laurie and I are very happy with it: every one of them is a genuine contender for the Kangaroo tour at this stage."
"Tim and the selectors are taking this as a serious game, as you can tell by the quality of this side," Daley added.
"It should be a good game."
The PM's XIII and the Kumuls play on Sunday, September 29 in Kokopo, Papua New Guinea.
