Rugby League World Cup 2021

K300,000 For Orchids World Cup Campaign

The financial boost goes towards the Orchids campaign for the Rugby League World Cup in October 2022 in England.

The cheque presentation ceremony was held between BSP and PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) yesterday, 11th of August, at the Santos stadium.

BSP now joins platinum sponsors Digicel, National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) and Santos.

Officiating at today’s presentation were BSP General Manager Digital, Nuni Kulu flanked by PNGRFL CEO Stanley, PNG Orchids Chairlady, Okaro Yoki and Orchid’s head coach, Ben Jefferies.

Teams Named For Orchids Trial

Thirty-four (34) eligible players will face off in a trial match on Saturday 13 August at the Santos National Football Stadium to assist with final squad selections.

Orchids coach, Ben Jeffries will travel from Australia to Papua New Guinea this week to observe training sessions and the match, which are being delivered by PNG-based Orchids staff and Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL).

Radley set to play for England at World Cup

Radley met with England coach Shaun Wane during his recent trip to Australia and RFL officials confirmed that the Roosters forward had now declared his eligibility and determination to press for inclusion in World Cup squad.

If selected for England Radley would not longer qualify to represent for Australia as players cannot switch between tier one nations - and he would therefore also be ineligible to play Origin for NSW. 

League of nations: Stars representing 40 countries

Naiqama, who has joined the Roosters after returning home from England with three consecutive Super League premierships for St Helens, reflected on the growth in the number of Fijian stars in the NRL ahead of this weekend’s Multi-Cultural Round.

“I remember when I was a young kid, Petero Civoniceva and Lote Tuqiri were literally the only two big names, but now there is Viliame Kikau, Maika Sivo and so many other Fijians playing in the NRL,” Naiqama said.

Jeffries To Coach PNG Orchids At World Cup

Jeffries, who earlier this month coached the Indigenous All-Stars women to an 18-8 over the Māori women, said that he is honoured to coach the Orchids in their second World Cup appearance.

“I see PNG as an untapped playing market in the women’s game,” Jeffries said. 

“If they play with the passion and pride that they normally demonstrate with some football smarts added in, it is a good recipe for success.

‘He’s keen’: Jack de Belin set to play for minnows at 2022 Rugby League World Cup

De Belin spent more than two years out of the NRL while fighting to clear his name in court and two hung juries ultimately saw charges against him dropped.

The former NSW Blues player returned to the competition with the Dragons this year and he now has more representative duties in his sights.

De Belin, 30, qualifies for the Kumuls via his grandmother and coach Michael Marum is keen to pick him.

“Jack is eligible,” Marum told AAP.

'Biggest and best': World Cup delay worth the wait

RLWC2021 organisers have announced new dates and some venue changes for the rescheduled tournament, which will conclude with the men’s and women’s finals at Old Trafford on November 19 and the wheelchair final also in Manchester on November 18.

Australia’s opening game against Fiji on October 15 has been shifted to Leeds from Hull, which will instead now host New Zealand’s second match against Jamaica on October 22, while a quarter-final initially set down for Anfield has been moved to Wigan.