Papua New Guinea’s women’s rugby league is witnessing a youthful revolution, with coach Tahnee Norris applauding the emerging talent within the Orchids team. As they prepare to face Australia in the Prime Minister’s XIII match, the spotlight is on four teenage players who are set to make a significant impact.
Among these young stars is Fleur Ginn, a versatile fullback for the Parramatta Eels, and Skaylin Sil, a lightning-fast winger. Joining them are halves Caitlin Tanner and India Seeto, both 19 years old, while centres Relna Wuruki-Hosea and Ruth Gende are just 20. The team also boasts the highly regarded 22-year-old lock Josephine Howard, who has caught the attention of NRLW scouts following her performance at the Harvey Norman Rising Talent Invitational in Newcastle.
The Emergence of Young Talent
“We are fortunate enough to have a lot of young girls who are coming through our pathways system,” Norris expressed with enthusiasm. “These players are the future of our sport, and I am excited for them to showcase their skills.”
Skaylin Sil, in particular, has drawn attention for her speed and agility. “She is a lighting fast winger, and I am eager to see how she performs,” Norris added. Naomi Kelly, another winger, is also making waves, having won the Santos Cup grand final.
Profiles of Promising Players
- Fleur Ginn (Parramatta Eels): At 19, she has already made her NRLW debut and played 11 games, scoring 12 points.
- Skaylin Sil (Goroka Lahanis): Known for her speed, she was named Santos Cup Player of the Year and Fullback of the Year in 2025.
- Relna Wuruki-Hosea (Canberra): A centre/wing with 6 NRLW games under her belt, she was the Canberra NRLW Rookie of the Year in 2024.
- Ruth Gende (Port Moresby Vipers): A centre who played in the Santos Cup and represented PNG XIII against the Australian Defence Force.
Impact and Future Prospects
The emergence of these young players is not only a testament to the strength of Papua New Guinea’s rugby pathways but also a promising sign for the future of women’s rugby in the region. According to Norris, the integration of these players into the national team is crucial for developing a competitive edge on the international stage.
Josephine Howard’s potential move to an NRLW team underscores the growing recognition of PNG’s talent. Her performance at the Rising Talent Invitational has positioned her as a player to watch.
Broadcasting and Regional Reach
The Prime Minister’s XIII matches are set to be broadcasted across the Pacific, thanks to the PacificAus TV initiative. This initiative, managed by Free TV Australia, aims to deliver high-quality content to Pacific audiences, enhancing the visibility of rugby league in the region.
The matches will be aired across 17 Pacific broadcast partners in 11 countries, including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Samoa, and the Cook Islands, ensuring that fans across the Pacific can witness the talents of these young players.
Looking Ahead
As the PNG women’s team gears up for their match against Australia, the focus will be on how these young players perform on the big stage. Their development and success could pave the way for more young talents to emerge from Papua New Guinea, strengthening the country’s position in women’s rugby league.
The future looks bright for the PNG Orchids, with a new generation of players ready to make their mark. As Norris aptly put it, “There is a big future we are looking forward to in the PNG women’s space.”
