PNG Orchids trio extend contract with NRL Women’s teams

Papua New Guinea international Elsie Albert, Ua Ravu and Essay Banu have extended contracts with their respective clubs in the National Rugby League Women’s [NRLW] competition.

The Orchids trio were part of the women’s national side in the Pacific Championships campaign where PNG lost all three games to Australia [0-84], New Zealand [0-36] and Samoa [12-32].

Orchids skipper, Albert, who was Parramatta Eels 2024 NRLW Player of the Year, will remain with the club until the end of the 2026 season after signing a 2-year extension.

“Parramatta is my family away from home, and I am so pleased that the club has provided me with the opportunity to continue my rugby league journey in the NRLW," the Orchids captain said.

“I have really enjoyed my time at Parramatta as both a player and my role with the community, and I am excited to return in 2025 and build on what we produced this year under coach, Steve Georgallis.”

Twenty-eight year-old Orchids utility in Ravu, has also re-signed with Canberra Raiders for the new season.

Following an impressive stint with Orchids in the Pacific Cup, the crafty halfback was listed for the 2024 International Rugby League Golden Boot award.

Ravu made her debut for Raiders in 2023 before continuing her stay with the club as a development player this year.

Despite, sitting out for the rest of the 2024 season, Ravu has remain committed of playing top-grade competition.

She was thrilled for the opportunity to extend her contract for the 2025 season.

“The Raiders gave me my first ever opportunity to be in the NRLW in 2023, so it's pretty special that I've been chosen to stick around for another year," Ravu said.

“After being in the development squad this season, I worked hard on my craft to better myself as a player both on and off the field.

“Although I didn't get to play many games, each game that I played, I felt like I made the most of my time on the field.

“As I had been in the Top 24 squad for the 2023 season, I knew I had the potential to be there again, so with resilience, courage and the best support crew, I was able to focus on all the positives and filter out the negatives to reach my goal.”

Meanwhile, Orchids rampaging forward Essay Banu will remain with the North Queensland Cowboys for two more years after signing a new deal. Banu has been a prominent member of the Cowboys side, dominating the front row position which saw her feature in most of the games this year.