Orchids Name World-Cup Squad

PNGRFL has officially announced the 23-Woman Squad of the Santos PNG Orchids for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup.

PNG-Based players and staff will depart for Brisbane tomorrow (Monday 10^th) to join the Australian-based players before they travel to England on Wednesday (12^th).

Coach Ben Jeffries said the recent Prime Minister’s XIII loss to Australia has provided valuable indicators the team must work on leading into the World Cup.

“The learnings we took out of PM’s XIII were that we need to focus on both attack and defence, and the defensive components will intensify once we get to the UK,” Jeffries said.

The Orchids will play a warm-up match against English Women’s Grand Finalists York City Knights on the 20^th before their opening pool match against Canada on the 1^st of November.

“Our pre-tournament camp in England will allow us to acclimatize, bond, play a trial game and work hard on the aspects we need to focus on to ensure we’re ready for the tournament,” Jeffries said.

The Orchids will line up against Canada on the 1^st of November, Brazil on the 5^th, and England on the 9^th of November.