PM’s XIII a good platform to test the depth of Orchids: Norris

Incoming PNG Orchids coach Tahnee Norris says the Prime Minister’s XIII match will be used as a platform to strengthen their preparations for the upcoming Pacific Championships.

PNG will face Australia and New Zealand in the cup tournament at the end of this month and Norris is treating the PMs XIII as an important game to assess the depth of the women’s nation team.

The Orchids coach has named four NRLW players in the PNG PM’s select squad with Parramatta Eels barnstorming prop and skipper Elsie Albert, set to lead the team against a solid Australian opponent.

Norris also given 10 players from the inaugural PNG National Women’s Competition, an opportunity to represent the country in the annual meet.

“I’m excited to see the talent we have assembled in this squad come together and play some of the football we have seen them produce during their seasons,” Norris said when the squad was announced today.

“We have some NRLW experience in the squad who will bring a lot of knowledge to the side, and we have also selected players who were stand-outs in a very competitive Santos Cup competition.

“I am looking forward to seeing the players come together and work hard through the week. This is an important game in itself, but it will also help set us up for the exciting challenge ahead during the Pacific Championships tournament.”

Albert will forefront the Papua New Guinea outfit with assistance from fellow NRLW players Essay Banu and Sareka Mooka of Norths Queensland Cowboys and Canberra Raiders reserve Ua Ravu.

Belinda Gwasamun, Emily Veivers, Gloria Kaupa, Jessikah Reeves, Latoniya Norris-Addo, Roswita Kapo and Sera Koroi from the 2023 roster will once again be featured in Sunday’s game.

Santos Cup player of the year and Central Dabaris powerhouse Marie Biyama has been ruled out alongside Orchid no.54 Shellie Long due to injuries.

Norris will amass the team in Port Moresby this week in preparation for the October 13 match at Santos National Football Stadium.

PNG Prime Minister's XIII Women squad

Belinda Gwasamun – Wentworthville Magpies
Delailah Ahose – Goroka Lahanis
Elsie Albert – Parramatta Eels
Emily Veivers – Norths Devils
Essay Banu - Norths Queensland Cowboys
Freda Anthony – Central Dabaris
Freda Waula – Mt Hagen Eagles
Gloria Kaupa – Wentworthville Magpies
Jenny Wesley – Goroka Lahanis
Jessikah Reeves – Western Clydesdales
Latoniya Norris-Addo – Darwin Brothers
Leila Kerowa – Central Dabaris
Lilah Malabag – Port Moresby Vipers
Lyiannah Allen – Mt Hagen Eagles
Mala Mark – Central Dabaris
Meli Joe - Mt Hagen Eagles
Roswita Kapo – Wentworthville Magpies
Sareka Mooka – North Queensland Cowboys
Sera Koroi – Goodna
Talitha Kunjil – Mt Hagen Eagles
Ua Ravu - Canberra Raiders
Yolanda Taute – Goroka Lahanis