The game marks the first official NRL trial held in Papua New Guinea under a program supported by the Australian Government, with trials to be played in Pacific nations in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

When the teams arrived at Port Moresby airport on Thursday night, both line-ups were greeted by hundreds of fans.

"I have had an opportunity to play here a couple of times with the Prime Minister's team and I have always really enjoyed it," Bulldogs captain Josh Jackson told NRL.com.

"Obviously they have a great passion for their footy over here and it is great for the players to experience a different culture as well.

"It puts a lot of things into perspective for us as people, things that we take for granted but football wise it is outstanding too.

The facilities here are really good and obviously they have had some really strong performances through the local team, the Hunters, and also the Kumuls as well."

Holland, who has made 60 appearances for the Bulldogs, featured in last week's NRL Nines tournament which saw his side face defeat to both the Sharks (25-4) and Eels (13-10) last weekend.

The Bulldogs will hope to turn the tables this Saturday with kickoff at 6pm while Maitland will play host to the Newcastle Knights vs. St George Illawarra match-up at 5:30pm.

1. Will Hopoate 2. Jayden Okunbor 3. Reimis Smith 4. Morgan Harper 5. Jake Averillo 6. Lachlan Lewis 7. Jack Cogger 8. Renouf To'omaga 9. Sione Katoa 10. Dylan Napa 11. Joe Stimson 12. Dean Britt 13. Aiden Tolman 14. Brandon Wakeham 15. Ofahiki Ogden 16. Tui Katoa 17. Isaiah Tass 19. Bailey Biondi-Odo 20. Matt Doorey 21. James Roumanos 22. Kerrod Holland 23. Jackson Topine 24. Kayne Kalache.

Billy Magoulias, William Kennedy, Brock Gray, Jonaiah Lualua, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Franklin Pele, Jackson Ferris, Teig Wilton, Royce Hunt, Kyle Paterson, Tom Hazelton, Connor Tracey, Cameron King, Sione Katoa, Wesley Lolo, Vito Tevaga, Lorenzo Mulitalo, Kayleb Milne, Braydon Trindall, Scott Sorensen, Siosifa Talakai, Toby Rudolf, Connor Luhan