In a year when he was part of the NSW team that finally reclaimed the State of Origin title from Queensland, Bird will cap off 2014 by leading the Prime Minister’s XIII for their tour of Papua New Guinea.

The Gold Coast Titans forward, who turns 30 tomorrow, will lead a host of experienced and up and coming NRL stars on the tour culminating in a clash with the Kumuls Kokopo on October 12.

The match is seen as a first step towards representing the Kangaroos for young players.

Star Penrith fullback Matt Moylan has been rewarded for a stellar NRL season with his selection.

Moylan was a key figure in the Panthers’ surprise surge to the preliminary final and following their exit from the NRL title race courtesy of Saturday’s 18-12 loss to Canterbury, the boom rookie was chosen in coach Tim Sheen’s team.

Moylan earned selection alongside his Panthers teammate Josh Mansour and fellow representative rookies Newcastle utility back Sione Mata’utia, Brisbane-bound playmaker Anthony Milford, Broncos halfback Ben Hunt, North Queensland’s Michael Morgan, Canberra’s Jack Wighton and hard-hitting Sydney Roosters prop Dylan Napa.

Sheens said he was happy with the mix of youth and experience in the side ahead of Australia’s Four Nations campaign, with a number of withdrawals of experienced stars opening the way for those such as Moylan.

“The PM’s XIII has some of the game’s most experienced players including Greg Bird, Robbie Farah and Ryan Hoffman,” he said.

“But this match also provides a great opportunity for young players like Matt Moylan, Josh Mansour, Sione Mata’utai, Anthony Milford and Dylan Napa to gain experience alongside regular international players.

“That experience will prove invaluable in the future.”

TEAM

Matt Moylan, Josh Mansour, Will Chambers, Sione Mata’utia, Daniel Tupou, Anthony Milford, Ben Hunt, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah, Josh Papalii, Ryan Hoffman, Beau Scott, Greg Bird (capt), Michael Morgan, Brenton Lawrence, Josh McGuire, Dylan Napa, Jack Wighton.