​PNG Orchids presented jerseys

​The PNG women’s national rugby league team, the PNG Orchids, have been presented a commemorative jersey as part of their historic inaugural match against the Australian Jillaroos this week.

The PNG Orchids were presented the new jerseys from major sponsor Oil Search Limited for their curtain raiser match before the Prime Minister XIII match between the Kangaroos and the Kumuls.

OSL executive general manager stakeholder engagement, Gerea Aopi, said the company was thrilled to support the PNG Orchids.

“This is PNG’s first ever women’s national rugby league team to participate in international events and we are proud to create sporting history alongside them.

“Oil Search is a proud advocate of women’s empowerment.

“We strongly support the campaign to end violence against women through the company as well as the Oil Search Foundation. That’s why we’ve made sure that this message is displayed clearly for everyone to see on the jersey – ‘Strongpla man respektim meri’ – Strong men respect women. This is a message we want the world to see.

“Our national sport should be the domain for both men and women, that’s why we are proud to be the national sponsor of this group of talented women.’’

The Oil Search PNG Orchids will play against the Australian Jillaroos in the curtain-raiser for both the Women’s Rugby League World Cup quest and also for the men’s Prime Minister’s XIII game.

The team was also presented with special training gear as part of Oil Search’s sponsorship.

Author: 
Cedric Patjole