Papua New Guinea’s women’s rugby league team, the Orchids, is witnessing a surge of young talent, as coach Tahnee Norris celebrates the inclusion of several teenage players in the Prime Minister’s XIII team set to face Australia. Among the promising stars are 19-year-olds Fleur Ginn, Skaylin Sil, Caitlin Tanner, and India Seeto, along with 20-year-olds Relna Wuruki-Hosea and Ruth Gende.
This youthful infusion is seen as a beacon of hope for the future of PNG women’s rugby. The team also boasts 22-year-old Josephine Howard, a lock for Port Moresby Vipers, who has caught the attention of NRLW teams following her performance at the Harvey Norman Rising Talent Invitational in Newcastle.
Emerging Talent in Focus
Coach 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. 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 standout players is Skaylin Sil, a lightning-fast winger who has already made a name for herself in the Santos Cup. “Skaylin is a bit exciting to see how she goes,” Norris added, highlighting her anticipation for the upcoming matches.
Profiles of Promising Players
The team features a mix of emerging and established players, each bringing unique skills to the field:
- Fleur Ginn (Parramatta): A versatile player at 19, Ginn has already made her NRLW debut and played a crucial role in Queensland’s Under-19s grand final victory.
- Skaylin Sil (Goroka Lahanis): Known for her speed, Sil was named Santos Cup Player of the Year and Fullback of the Year in 2025.
- Relna Wuruki-Hosea (Canberra): At 20, she has been recognized as Canberra’s NRLW Rookie of the Year and has represented Queensland in national championships.
- Ruth Gende (Port Moresby Vipers): Another 20-year-old talent, Gende has already represented PNG in international matches.
- Josephine Howard (Port Moresby Vipers): A highly regarded 22-year-old, Howard’s performance has put her on the radar of NRLW teams.
The Bigger Picture
The emergence of these young players is part of a broader strategy to strengthen PNG’s presence in women’s rugby league. The inclusion of teenage talent in the national team highlights the country’s commitment to developing its rugby league infrastructure and nurturing future stars.
According to Norris, the pathways system in PNG is crucial for identifying and developing young talent. This system has already produced players like Fleur Ginn, who have made significant impacts at both the national and international levels.
“We have some really exciting prospects, and there is a big future we are looking forward to in the PNG women’s space,” Norris concluded.
Broadcasting the Game
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, thanks to the PacificAus TV initiative and the NRL’s broadcast partners. This initiative, managed by Free TV Australia, has been instrumental in delivering high-quality content to Pacific audiences since 2020.
The matches will be broadcast across 17 Pacific partners, spanning 11 countries and seven time zones, ensuring widespread access to the games. This effort not only promotes rugby league but also strengthens cultural ties across the Pacific region.
Looking Ahead
The future of PNG women’s rugby league looks promising with the emergence of these young players. The focus on youth development and international exposure is expected to elevate the sport’s profile in the country and inspire a new generation of female athletes.
As the Orchids prepare to face Australia, the spotlight will be on these young stars to see how they perform on the international stage. Their success could pave the way for more opportunities and greater recognition for women’s rugby league in Papua New Guinea.
The road ahead is filled with potential, and the PNG women’s rugby league team is poised to make significant strides in the coming years.
