Orchids inject new blood to face Kiwi Ferns

Injury has forced changes to the Santos PNG Orchids squad for their home match-up against the Kiwi Ferns this Sunday in Port Moresby.

Debutante, Jenny Wesley is one of the new blood injected into PNG’s national women’s rugby league team.

The young outside back has had a strong season and featured in the Prime Minister’s XIII match earlier this month, after playing in the Santos Cup grand final with Goroka Lahanis.

The Orchids were struck a blow with versatile back, La-Toniya Norris-Addo assisted from the field with an ACL injury in the loss against the Australian Jillaroos.

Norris-Addo has returned to her home in Darwin, Australia to begin her recovery and rehabilitation.

“Unfortunately, we have had an injury to La-Toniya and we will support her in her recovery,” Orchids coach Tahnee Norris said.

“However, this has opened the door for Jenny to come into the Pacific Championship squad and to make her Orchids debut.”

Other squad changes see Orchids Shae Yvonne De La Cruz (#25) and Therese Aiton (#31) coming into the 21-player Pacific Championships squad, having been part of the extended squad selected before the tournament in place of Freda Waula and Freda Anthony.

The players assembled in camp in Port Moresby preparing for their Pacific Championships match against the visiting Ferns at Santos National Football Stadium.