Oil Search PNG Orchids

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.

Winless so far, the Orchids have suffered losses to England (36-8) and Canada (22-8) in the 2017 Women’s Rugby League World Cup.

The Rugby League World Cup 2017 website (www.rlwc2017.com) reported that Orchids head coach Dennis Miall was proud of his side despite the result and is looking forward to an improved performance against New Zealand on Wednesday.

“We gave our best and that’s as far as the girls can go,” he said.

“The experience itself they have gained out of this will be taken on by all the girls.”

The brave side came out on top against Papua New Guinea in an incredibly physical match to close out the second round of the group stages.

After an impressive defeat in their first major hit-out three days ago against New Zealand, Canada brought that same resilience tonight in a game where they defended superbly.

Papua New Guinea were attacking in front of a vocal pack of supporters in the Monty Porter Stand, and they were treated to the perfect view of the opening try of the match when Christie Bulhage completed a right-to-left shift and barged her way over.

Miall (pronounced My-all) said it was not what the team expected as England gave a very tough game last Thursday (November 16).

Orchids didn’t do the little things that we were supposed to do, and that was what let the team down, according to Coach Miall.

The experience from England got the better of the PNG girls as the game unfolded however, the real pool matches for the Orchids start today when they take on Canada.

The Canadian team has a rugby union background, and their ability to adapt to the 13-a-side game on field was pleasing for coach Mike Castle.

The Simbu lass shared her rugby league story with TVWan sports, recalling how her first hit was the hardest that she dropped the ball.

Last night though, Kaupa scored PNG Orchids’ first try against England in the 2017 Women’s Rugby League World Cup match.

If there’s one thing that Kaupa stands for, it’s ‘self-belief’.

Kaupa was probably the most excited raring to wear the red, black and gold jumper since making the Oil Search PNG Orchids team.

Playing in their first-ever match at the 2017 Women’s Rugby League World Cup, the Orchids got off to a promising start with Naomi Kaupa pouncing on a loose ball to score out wide.

The English hit back immediately through a barging run by Shona Hoyle, who burst through the PNG defence for a four pointer.

Tara-Jane Stanley successfully added the extras to put her side in front after 13 minutes.

The Orchids regained the lead when centre Anne Oifua crossed over to make it 8-6.

Botten was speaking at a function at Sydney’s iconic Opera House to welcome the Orchids to Australia for the 2017 Women’s Rugby League World Cup. Oil Search is the naming rights sponsor for the PNG Orchids.

Acting Australian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop also attended the occasion on Tuesday, encouraging the team to give it their best.

Oil Search PNG Orchids have named their team and the rest of the squad from outside centres will gather in Port Moresby tomorrow.

Papua New Guinea is among Australia, Canada, Cook Islands, England and New Zealand and will take part in the Women's RLWC2017, which will be held as a stand-alone event for the first time and be run concurrently with the men's tournament.

Pool matches and the semi-finals will be played at Southern Cross Group Stadium, Sydney, with the final to be decided in Brisbane as a double-header with the men's final on 2 December.

A double to Joan Kuman gave PNG a 14-6 lead at half-time over the girls from far North Queensland.

PNG proved too strong in the second half leaving their opponents scoreless.

Tries to Delilah Ahose and Elvinah Aaron helped PNG steer home to a comfortable win.

The Orchids will return to the country today.

Meantime, the final 24-player squad for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup will be named early next week.

Photo credit: PNG Orchids Facebook Page

Taumafai, whose mother was born in PNG, is eligible to play for the Orchids and brings a wealth of experience.

Based in Brisbane, Taumafai is a cousin to PNG LNG Kumuls forward Kurt Baptiste. She will join the Orchids in Cairns.

Oil Search PNG Orchids coach, Dennis Miall, in a media statement today said Taumafai has represented Queensland in the women’s rugby league interstate challenge against New South Wales and will play in this warm up match.