WITH rugby league being considered a religion by fans in Papua New Guinea, there are high expectations placed on the national teams including the PNG Orchids who are currently placed sixth on IRL rankings.

The Orchids have played in the last two World Cups, failing to win a match in 2017 before reaching the semi-final stage in the tournament of 2022, where they went down to Australia. 

Results in the last two Pacific Championships have been disappointing though, with no victories in either tournament, something they will be eager to correct this year. 

They will have a new coach for the World Cup, while the squad has a sprinkling of NRLW experience, however the majority are not playing at the highest level. 

That’s a situation that may be remedied by the PNG Chiefs, who have expressed a desire to field an NRLW team sooner rather than later.

KEY PLAYERS

CAPTAIN Elsie Albert is the backbone of the squad having played 13 internationals for her nation and 46 matches for Parramatta and St George Illawarra, and is a wrecking ball in both attack and defence. 

Utility forward Emily Veivers, who has played nine international matches for the Orchids, including in the last World Cup, was part of Wigan Warriors’ successful treble-winning side in 2025 before making her NRLW debut for North Queensland this year. 

Young centre, and former Queensland Under 19 player, Relna Wuruki-Hosea is a strong defender and not afraid to make the tough runs when required. 

COACH

NRLW coach, and former Hull KR boss, Craig Sandercock took over from former Jillaroo Tahnee Norris in May.

He has been highly successful with Wests Tigers this season, taking the club from wooden spooners to their first finals series.

PNG and their fans will be hoping he has similar success with the Orchids.

SQUAD

Therese Aiton (Western Clydesdales), Elsie Albert (Parramatta Eels), Essay Banu (North Queensland Cowboys), Anika Butler (Maitland Pickers), Jenny David (Brisbane Tigers), Fleur Ginn (Parramatta Eels), Belinda Gwasamun (Mt Hagen Eagles), Josephine Howard (Central Dabaris), Jasmine Joe (Port Moresby Vipers), Naomi Kelly (Central Dabaris), Shellie Long (Northern Pride), Mala Mark (Central Dabaris), Tia Molo (Brisbane Broncos), Mya Muller (Penrith Panthers), Vanessa Nakas (Central Dabaris), Cynthiah Peters (Rabaul Gurias), Ua Ravu (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Jafinda Sap (Central Dabaris), Gemma Schnaubelt (Western Clydesdales), India Seeto (Brisbane Tigers), Emily Veivers (North Queensland Cowboys), Ivania Wong (ACT Brumbies), Relna Wuruki-Hosea (Canberra Raiders).