GREAT Britain will play in a “deafening” atmosphere against Papua New Guinea on Saturday – and Warrington Wolves prop Joe Philbin is hoping to be fit to experience it again.

During the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, Port Moresby’s Oil Search Stadium became synonymous with colour and noise as the rugby league-mad locals cheered on the Kumuls.

The Lions will play there on Saturday and in the only country on Earth in which rugby league is the national sport, the ground is set to be sold out.

Philbin, who turns 25 on the day of the game, has played their twice – for Ireland in 2017 and England Knights last year – and knows exactly what to expect.

“If the game is sold out, they will get to feel how crazy it really is,” he said.

“It’s one of the loudest stadiums I’ve ever played in – when I played there in 2017, it was deafening.

“They cheer for both sides as well. If there’s a big hit, they cheer no matter who gets smashed.

“Rugby league means so much to them. It brings everyone together and that’s the good thing about sport.”

After the high of making his Great Britain debut in the first Test against New Zealand in Auckland, Philbin was forced to sit out Saturday’s 23-8 loss to the Kiwis in Christchurch.

A hamstring injury picked up in training forced him to watch from the stands, but the Wire powerhouse is confident he will be fit.

“I’d say I’m winning the battle to be fit for the weekend,” he said.

“I’ve passed all the little tests, I just need to get through the last day of training and then I’ll be available for selection.

“It’s been very frustrating. I was so happy to make my debut only to pick up a little, annoying injury to stop me playing.

“That’s the game we play, though. It’s a heavy contact sport and these things happen.

“I’ve stayed calm, done all the right things off the field and I’ve got myself back in a position to play so hopefully I’ll get the nod.”