PM put through his paces ahead of forum

Prime Minister Tony Abbott donned pink and was put through his paces by a women's rugby team as he kicked off a whirlwind visit to Papua New Guinea.

Wearing a pink Paga Panthers team jersey, with the number 13, Mr Abbott took part in early morning running and ball drills in Port Moresby, where he's attending the Pacific Islands Forum.

The prime minister had a look of intense concentration on his face as he focused on not dropping any passes.

One exercise involved trying not to be slapped by a partner.

The team also did a rooster fight stretch, which involved hopping on one leg while pulling on a team mate's arm and trying not to fall over.

Many of the women Mr Abbott met hold sports ambassador roles aimed at encouraging young girls to be active, empowered and stay in school.

Rugby league is the biggest sport in PNG and there are 76 women's clubs.

After the work out Mr Abbott will have a face-to-face catch up meeting with PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill before addressing an Australian-PNG business breakfast.

He'll then join the traditional forum leaders' retreat.