SYDNEY - A late try from Akuila Uate earned the Australian Prime Minister's XIII a 24-18 victory over Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby on Sunday.
Uate struck in the 76th minute after the Kumuls had clawed back an 18-4 halftime deficit to level the scores.
First-half tries from Feleti Mateo, Michael Jennings and Beau Ryan put the tourists in front at the break.
Skipper Scott Prince kicked four goals for the Mal Meninga-coached team.
Meninga was full of praise for the Kumuls' performance and admitted his side were given a huge fright.
"They made it tough for us," said Meninga.
"If you look at the Kumuls, they played a really structured game and they made us work for it. But anyway, we got away with a victory and hopefully everyone was entertained."