Fiji-born Akuila Uate has increased his chances of playing in next month's Four Nations tournament for Australia, after he scored an impressive try for Australia in their 30-18 win against PNG in Port Moresby.

Australia scored 6 tries to PNG's 3 and spent a great deal of the game holding out the spirited Kumuls.

Willie Tonga and Akuila Uate bolstered their selection hopes for next month's Four Nations tournament with strong performances in the Prime Ministers selection win over Papua New Guinea.

Australia coach Mal Meninga said Uate's performance impressed him and he also praised his role in uniting the team in difficult conditions.

Meninga said they hope they take that spirit into the Four Nations, as the boys really have a good attitude as he is happy with how they handled the game against the Kumuls.

The Kumuls held the Kangaroos to a 4-0 half time lead, but the tourists' superior fitness and experience showed in the second half.

Hot conditions saw the game altered into 20 minute quarters for drinks breaks but the heat was also applied with PNG's aggressive play.


Story by: Dreu Vukailagi