'Not scared to play': Aussies survive 'try of the year' fright in masterclass win over PNG
Australia survived an early scare from Papua New Guinea to produce a dominant 42-20 victory in the men's Prime Minister's XIII clash.
PNG starred in the opening minutes before a try of the year contender shifted the nation back into the game late in the second half.
Dotoi powered the ball 70 metres down the field before placing a pin point chip and chase for Finley Glare to score.
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"Recall the try of the year, Xavier Coates is in trouble here... because PNG have just picked up a new nomination," Gould said.
"What a beauty for the crowd. Good stuff."
The Kangaroos struggled to break outside their own half as the heavy hitting force of PNG's defence withheld any progress down the field.
But the hosts, who had arrived hungry for success, were quick to put notice on their rivals as they charged over for 12 points in the opening 10 minutes.
An Alex Seyfarth error saw PNG claim their first points, as skipper Judah Rimbu burrowed under the posts from dummyhalf.
Robert Mathias followed minutes later after breaking down the sideline and slicing through a gap to score out wide.
"That is exactly the start they needed to the game," Billy Slater said of the host's on Nine.
"They are not scared to play. Australia is back on their heels in defence," Gould added.
Australia had yet to complete a set when Beau Fermor raced over to pounce on a grubber and score, a moment which shifted the momentum of the game.
The Kangaroos crossed twice more in the first half via Tyran Wishart and Jacob Liddle, who capitalised on Luke Brooks linebreak to score.
Kaeo Weekes crossed for a double in the 48th minute, stepping two defended from 55 metres out to score.
Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Dylan Lucas's efforts extended the Aussies lead to 24.
PNG were not leaving without a fight as Dudley Dotoi set up Finley Glare for a try of the year nomination.
Australia's Sam McIntyre looked to have sealed the scoreline in the 73rd minute but Alex Max broke the Kangaroos momentum, crossing over to increase his nation's score.
