PNG Orchids to face ADF women and Brisbane Broncos as lead-up matches to international outing

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League [PNGRFL] has confirmed two international friendly matches for the Santos PNG Orchids as part of their preparation for the upcoming Pacific Championships and the Rugby League World Cup.

The PNG Orchids will first face the Australian Defence Force [ADF] women’s side on Sunday, June 15, at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. The match will serve as a curtain-raiser to the PNG Hunters’ home game. A week later, the Orchids will take on the Brisbane Broncos NRL Women’s team in Brisbane on June 22.

Orchids head coach Tahnee Norris said the matches are vital for testing the depth of the team, which includes players from both the domestic competition and overseas.

“These games are really important for us,” Norris said. “They give us a great opportunity to not only showcase women’s rugby league but also to show the players the level we need to reach. It exposes the girls to representative football and plays a big role in their development.”

She added that the friendlies also support coach education and development within the national program.

“It’s an important part of our overall strategy. I’m proud to be here representing the PNG Orchids and PNG Rugby League.”

PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina acknowledged the performance gap between the domestic competition and the international stage, emphasizing the importance of these matches in bridging that divide.

“There’s a disparity in performance when we expect players from a local competition to step up and deliver at the international level,” Hondina said.

“One of Tahnee’s tasks last year was to identify these gaps, and the introduction of the Santos Cup was a step forward in giving players more competitive game time.”

He said the upcoming friendlies are a continuation of this effort.

“With input from Tahnee and our performance and pathways department, we’ve confirmed these two matches to provide more exposure and experience to our girls,” Hondina said.

“The ADF match in Port Moresby and the Brisbane trial against the Broncos are key to closing that gap and improving our chances at the Pacific Championships and the World Cup.”

Norris confirmed that the squad for both matches has already been assembled and is undergoing preparations. It includes a blend of players from the Santos Cup and Australian-based players.