The Oil Search PNG Orchids 38-nil loss to New Zealand marks the end of their Rugby League World Cup journey, but the scoreline did not tell the whole story.
The team slipped back into the country today but they felt their first half performance against New Zealand was the best in their short history.
New Zealand put together a seven-try blitz to record a dominant 38-nil victory over PNG while keeping their position scoreless for the second week in a row.
Despite the Ferns crossing for two tries in the opening ten minutes, PNG Orchids were able to hold out an array of attacking raids to keep the score to just 8-nil at half-time.
Their efforts were to no avail, as the Ferns attackers went through multiple Orchid defenders to sneak their way over the try-line.
Both teams were fighting valiantly in a third-hitting contest that saw some brutally absorbing tackles on either side of the ball.
Just moments later, a blazing kick at the opposing end from PNG halfback Amelia Kuk bounced off the post and planted down after a bit of scrambling by Maima Wei, but the video referee ruled there was a knock-on in the process of scoring.
Oil Search PNG Orchids have certainly come a long way in the two months since their first-ever game against the Australian Jillaroos.
The future looks brighter than ever for women in rugby league in PNG.
(Loop file pic of the Orchids vs Jillaroos match)