Papua New Guinea’s women’s rugby league team, the Orchids, is showcasing a promising future as they prepare to face Australia in the Prime Minister’s XIII match. The team features several young stars, with four players still in their teens. Coach Tahnee Norris has expressed her excitement about the emerging talent, highlighting the potential of these young athletes to shape the future of the sport in PNG.
Among the standout players are 19-year-olds Fleur Ginn, Skaylin Sil, Caitlin Tanner, and India Seeto. These athletes, alongside 20-year-olds Relna Wuruki-Hosea and Ruth Gende, form the backbone of a youthful squad that is set to challenge established norms and bring fresh energy to the game.
Young Stars Poised for Impact
Fleur Ginn, who plays for the Parramatta Eels, has already made a mark in the NRLW with 11 games under her belt and a reputation for her versatility across multiple positions. Skaylin Sil, known for her speed, has been a standout performer in the Santos Cup, earning accolades as the Player of the Year and Fullback of the Year.
Relna Wuruki-Hosea and Ruth Gende, both 20, bring a wealth of experience from their time with the Canberra Raiders and Port Moresby Vipers, respectively. Their inclusion in the team underscores the depth of talent emerging from PNG’s pathways system.
Building a Pathway for Success
Coach Tahnee Norris emphasized the importance of the pathways system in nurturing young talent. “We are fortunate enough to have a lot of young girls who are coming through our pathways system,” she said. “I am really excited for them to showcase their skills and what they are going to bring to this team. They are the future of our sport.”
Josephine Howard, a 22-year-old lock, is another player to watch. Her performances for the Port Moresby Vipers have caught the attention of NRLW scouts, particularly after her participation in the Harvey Norman Rising Talent Invitational in Newcastle.
Broadcasting to the Pacific
The Prime Minister’s XIII matches will be broadcast across the Pacific through the PacificAus TV initiative, allowing fans in 11 countries to watch the games. This initiative, managed by Free TV Australia, has been instrumental in delivering high-quality content to Pacific audiences since 2020.
With the matches being aired on 17 Pacific broadcast partners, including EMTV and NBC in Papua New Guinea, the reach of the sport is set to expand, inspiring a new generation of rugby league enthusiasts.
Looking Ahead
The emergence of these young players signifies a bright future for women’s rugby league in Papua New Guinea. As the Orchids prepare to take on Australia, the spotlight will be on these rising stars to demonstrate their skills on an international stage.
The development of young talent in PNG is not just about immediate success but about building a sustainable future for the sport. With continued investment in pathways and opportunities for young women, the Orchids are poised to make a significant impact in the rugby league world.
As the team gears up for the Prime Minister’s XIII match, the excitement surrounding these young players is palpable, and their performances could very well set the stage for a new era in PNG women’s rugby league.
