'Incredible' Tigers rookie caps rise with rep selection

Lachlan Galvin has capped off an incredible rookie campaign, earning selection for the Australian Prime Minister's XIII squad to take on Papua New Guinea. The teen sensation was a shining light for the Wests Tigers this season, spending the majority of the year in the No.6 jumper and cementing himself as a future superstar. Galvin is one of many young guns selected in the squad by head coach Brad Fittler ahead of the clash on October 13. Titans speedster Alofi Khan-Pereira, Rabbitohs forward Tallis Duncan and Raiders winger Xavier Savage have also been picked in the 20-man touring group. Damien Cook will captain the side, with Luke Brooks and Nat Butcher some of the other experienced players called up for the fixture. "We have some incredibly talented players making their debuts in the green and gold," Fittler said in a statement on Thursday morning. "I'm excited to see what they can do at this level, giving us a real eye to the future." PM Anthony Albanese said the combination of fresh blood and older heads should hold the Aussies in good stead. "We tried to get a balance there of some real up and comers, future stars … then mixing it up with some veterans," he told SEN Radio. "Damien Cook will be the captain, he will lead the team around the ground with great distinction. We try to have players from all the clubs represented so I think that gives everyone the opportunity." The women's team has also been announced for a match against PNG, with Kezie Apps to lead the side that includes young guns Rory Owen and Kasey Reh. "The team features some real experience alongside some young players who will be pushing for representative honours well into the future," coach Jess Skinner said.

Men's Prime Minister's XIII squad:

Luke Brooks, Ethan Bullemor, Nat Butcher, Damien Cook (c), Tallis Duncan, Beau Fermor, Jamal Fogarty, Lachlan Galvin, Reuben Garrick, Kobe Hetherington, Alofi Khan-Pereira, Jacob Liddle, Dylan Lucas, Sam McIntyre, Sean Russell, Xavier Savage, Alex Seyfarth, Fletcher Sharpe, Kaeo Weekes, Hudson Young.