Papua New Guinea’s women’s rugby league team, the Orchids, is set to showcase a new generation of talent as they prepare to face Australia in the Prime Minister’s XIII match. Coach Tahnee Norris has expressed her excitement about the youthful energy and potential within the squad, highlighting the significant presence of teenage players who are poised to make an impact.
The team features four players still in their teens, including fullback Fleur Ginn from the Eels, winger Skaylin Sil, and halves Caitlin Tanner and India Seeto, all aged 19. Additionally, centres Relna Wuruki-Hosea from the Raiders and Ruth Gende are just 20 years old. These young athletes represent a promising future for PNG’s women’s rugby league.
Emerging Talent and Key Players
Among the standout players is Josephine Howard, a 22-year-old lock playing for the Port Moresby Vipers. Howard has caught the attention of NRLW teams following her impressive performance at the Harvey Norman Rising Talent Invitational in Newcastle.
“We are fortunate enough to have a lot of young girls who are coming through our pathways system,” said Coach Tahnee Norris. “They are the future of our sport, they are extremely talented young players and I can’t wait to see them play.”
Skaylin Sil, known for her speed, is another player to watch. Having been named the Santos Cup Player of the Year and Fullback of the Year in 2025, Sil’s agility and skill on the field are expected to be game-changers.
Player Profiles: Rising Stars
- Fleur Ginn (Parramatta): At 19, Ginn has already made her NRLW debut and is known for her versatility, playing multiple positions including fullback and centre.
- Skaylin Sil (Goroka Lahanis): Aged 19, Sil has been a standout player in the Santos Cup and has represented PNG XIII against the Australian Defence Force.
- Relna Wuruki-Hosea (Canberra): At 20, she has been recognized as Canberra’s NRLW Rookie of the Year and has played for Queensland Sapphires.
- Ruth Gende (Port Moresby Vipers): Also 20, Gende has been a key player for the Vipers in the Santos Cup.
Broadcasting to the Pacific
Rugby league fans across the Pacific will have the opportunity to watch the Prime Minister’s XIII Women’s and Men’s matches on free-to-air television. This is made possible through the PacificAus TV initiative and the NRL’s broadcast partners, ensuring that the matches reach a wide audience across 11 countries and seven time zones.
PacificAus TV, an initiative of the Australian Government managed by Free TV Australia, has been instrumental in delivering high-quality content to Pacific audiences since 2020. The matches will be broadcasted through 17 Pacific partners, including EMTV and NBC in Papua New Guinea, Fiji TV, and more.
The Future of PNG Women’s Rugby League
The emergence of these young players signifies a bright future for PNG women’s rugby league. With the support of initiatives like PacificAus TV and the dedication of coaches and players, the sport is poised for growth and increased visibility in the region.
“We have some really exciting prospects and there is a big future we are looking forward to in the PNG women’s space,” Coach Norris added.
As the Orchids prepare to take on Australia, the spotlight will be on these young athletes to demonstrate their skills and contribute to the team’s success. The match not only serves as a platform for showcasing talent but also as an opportunity to inspire the next generation of female rugby players in Papua New Guinea.
