Brave performance in Pacific Test: Coach

Courage and resilience by the Oil Search PNG Orchids shone through at the inaugural women’s Pacific Test Invitational at Sydney’s Leichhardt Oval at the weekend.

Despite a 28-0 loss to the Fiji Bulikula, Oil Search PNG Orchids Coach Nigel Hukula said he was extremely proud of the team’s effort.

“The numbers on the board are secondary. The numbers the Oil Search PNG Orchids produce in the future by these ladies’ effort today is what will be counted,” he said.

“They competed till the end with grit and resilience, which is testimony to what PNG women are made of.”

The team, led by captain Amelia Kuk and vice-captain Carol Humeu, put on a strong performance against Fiji as displayed by solid high powered tackles and robust agility. Despite the chilly winter’s breeze, the game was well attended by a strong number of supporters for the PNG national women’s team, including key PNG Government officials and business leaders.

Oil Search remains a strong advocate of women’s empowerment and a proud sponsor of PNG’s first women’s rugby league team who made their debut in the 2017 Women’s Rugby League World Cup.  

Oil Search’s involvement for the past few years has helped raise the team’s profile in PNG and worldwide – using the national sport of rugby league to raise awareness of gender equality and empowering women to represent, lead and inspire.

The Company’s recent signing of a three-year sponsorship agreement with PNG Rugby Football League is set to have a positive effect on the women’s game through development of a schoolgirls under-18 program.

(The Oil Search PNG Orchids took on the Fiji Bulikula in the inaugural women’s Pacific Test Invitational at Sydney’s Leichhardt Oval on Saturday, 22 June. Fiji won 28-0)

Author: 
Press release