Wabo earns PM’s XIII selection

Sanny Wabo has earned a spot in the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s XIII squad following an outstanding season with the SP PNG Hunters in the 2026 Queensland Hostplus Cup. 

Though the PNG Hunters have struggled this year, which saw them receive their first wooden spoon, Wabo has been consistent throughout the season, winning the club’s player of the year and earning a call-up to national representation.  

Wabo has been impressive at the backline, carving up meters, making line breaks, scoring tries, and assisting tries. He has also shown maturity in leading the team and barking orders at the back. 

The fullback came through the ranks of the school rugby league competition. The Lae Snax Tigers saw his talent and signed him in 2019. He stayed with the Tigers for four years and left the club at the end of the 2022 season. 

In 2023, the PNG Hunters scouted the whizz-kid. He wasted no time and made his debut for the Hunters that year under coach Stanley Tepend’s watch, notching up 8 games in his rookie season.

However, given the imposing presence of the rising star Morea Morea Jnr, Wabo has not cemented his spot. Because of Morea Jnr's blistering pace and skill, Wabo would come from the bench and become a fringe player at times.

Thankfully for Wabo, when Morea Jnr sustained a long-term injury during the inaugural Pacific Championship in Port Moresby in 2024, Wabo filled the vacant custodian role and locked the position.

Despite the Hunters’ form slump, Wabo's impressive campaign this season has caught the attention of the PNG Prime Minister’s XIII selectors, providing an opportunity for him to prove his worth on the international stage. 

The Six Mile resident said he is thankful to the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League and the selectors for trusting him to represent his country and play against the Australian PM's XIII side.