Papua New Guinea’s women’s rugby league team, the Orchids, is set to showcase an impressive array of young talent in their upcoming match against Australia. With four members of the Prime Minister’s XIII team still in their teens, the future of PNG women’s rugby looks promising. Coach Tahnee Norris has expressed her excitement about the young players who are making waves in the sport.
The team features standout players such as 19-year-old fullback Fleur Ginn, who plays for the Eels, and winger Skaylin Sil. Joining them are halves Caitlin Tanner and India Seeto, also 19, while centres Relna Wuruki-Hosea and Ruth Gende are just 20 years old. These young athletes are poised to make significant contributions to the team.
Rising Stars on the Field
Coach Norris is optimistic about the potential of these young players. “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, they are extremely talented young players and I can’t wait to see them play.”
Among the players, Skaylin Sil is noted for her speed and agility, qualities that have made her a standout winger. Naomi Kelly, another talented winger, has also been making strides, having played in the Santos Cup and won the grand final.
“We have some really exciting prospects and there is a big future we are looking forward to in the PNG women’s space,” said Norris.
Profiles of Promising Players
Fleur Ginn
- Age: 19
- Position: Fullback/Centre/Wing/Five-eighth
- NRLW games: 11
- Points: 12 (3 tries)
- NRLW Debut: Parramatta v Cronulla at Sharks Stadium, 3/7/2025 (Rd 1)
- Other information: Won Queensland Women’s Under-19s grand final with Brisbane Tigers 2025
Skaylin Sil
- Age: 19
- Position: Winger
- Other information: Played fullback for Goroka Lahanis in Santos Cup grand final 2025, named Santos Cup Player of the Year and Fullback of the Year 2025
Relna Wuruki-Hosea
- Age: 20
- Position: Centre/Wing
- NRLW games: 6
- Points: 8 (2 tries)
- Other information: Canberra NRLW Rookie of the Year 2024
Impact on PNG Women’s Rugby
The emergence of these young players is a testament to the strength of PNG’s development pathways in women’s rugby league. The team is not only looking to compete but also to inspire future generations of female athletes in Papua New Guinea.
Josephine Howard, a 22-year-old lock who plays for the Port Moresby Vipers, is another player to watch. She has attracted interest from NRLW teams following her performance at the Harvey Norman Rising Talent Invitational in Newcastle.
According to Norris, “These young players are not just the future of our team, they are the future of rugby league in PNG.”
Broadcasting the Future
The Prime Minister’s XIII Women’s and Men’s matches will be broadcast across the Pacific through the PacificAus TV initiative, an effort by the Australian Government managed by Free TV Australia. This initiative ensures that high-quality content resonates with Pacific audiences, expanding the reach and impact of rugby league in the region.
The matches will be accessible on 17 Pacific broadcast partners across 11 countries, including PNG’s EMTV and NBC, and Fiji’s Fiji TV and Mai TV, among others. This widespread coverage highlights the growing popularity and significance of women’s rugby league in the Pacific.
As these young stars take the field, they not only carry the hopes of their team but also the aspirations of a nation eager to see its women excel on the international stage. The future indeed looks bright for PNG women’s rugby league.
