Papua New Guinea’s national women’s rugby league team, the Orchids, is witnessing a wave of young talent that promises a bright future for the sport. Coach Tahnee Norris has praised the emerging stars, with several players in the Prime Minister’s XIII team still in their teens. This youthful infusion is set to play against Australia, showcasing the potential of PNG’s next generation of rugby talent.
Among the standout players are 19-year-olds Fleur Ginn, Skaylin Sil, Caitlin Tanner, and India Seeto. They are joined by 20-year-old centres Relna Wuruki-Hosea and Ruth Gende. The team also includes the highly regarded 22-year-old lock Josephine Howard, who caught the eye of NRLW teams after her performance in the Harvey Norman Rising Talent Invitational in Newcastle.
Young Talent on the Rise
Norris expressed her excitement about the young players, stating, “We are fortunate enough to have a lot of young girls who are coming through our pathways system. They are the future of our sport, and I can’t wait to see them play.” She highlighted Skaylin Sil as a “lightning-fast winger” and mentioned Naomi Kelly, another promising winger who has already made a mark in the Santos Cup.
Fleur Ginn, who plays for the Parramatta Eels, made her NRLW debut this year and has been recognized for her exceptional skills. Relna Wuruki-Hosea, part of the Queensland pathways, is another player to watch, having already been a part of the Queensland Under-19s Origin team.
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
- Other Information: Won Queensland Women’s Under-19s grand final with Brisbane Tigers 2025
Skaylin Sil
- Age: 19
- Position: Winger
- Other Information: 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
Developing Pathways and Future Prospects
This development follows a strategic focus on nurturing young talent through structured pathways. The inclusion of players like Josephine Howard, who is on the radar of NRLW teams, underscores the effectiveness of these programs. Howard’s performance in the Santos Cup and her representation in the PNG XIII against the Australian Defence Force highlight her potential.
The move represents a significant step forward for PNG women’s rugby league, aiming to build a sustainable future by investing in youth. This strategy not only strengthens the national team but also enhances the visibility of women’s rugby league in the region.
Broadcasting to the Pacific
Meanwhile, rugby league fans across the Pacific will have the opportunity to watch the Prime Minister’s XIII matches on free-to-air television. The PacificAus TV initiative, managed by Free TV Australia, ensures that these matches reach audiences across 11 countries and seven time zones. This initiative, supported by the Australian Government, has been pivotal in delivering high-quality content to Pacific audiences since 2020.
The matches will be broadcast through 17 Pacific partners, including EMTV and NBC in Papua New Guinea, Fiji TV, and others across the region. This widespread coverage not only promotes the sport but also inspires young athletes across the Pacific to pursue rugby league.
“We have some really exciting prospects, and there is a big future we are looking forward to in the PNG women’s space,” said Coach Tahnee Norris, highlighting the optimism surrounding the team’s future.
As the PNG women’s rugby league team continues to develop, the focus remains on building a robust system that supports young talent and fosters growth. The upcoming matches and the exposure provided by PacificAus TV are crucial steps in this journey, paving the way for a new era in PNG women’s rugby league.
