Repping PNG an ‘honor’ Elsie Albert

With the NRLW set to kick off in July and the Rugby League World Cup slated for October, busy times lie ahead for the incumbent PNG Orchids Captain Elsie Albert.

Catching up with the 30-year-old recently at the Parramatta Eels Centre of Excellence, her week’s occupied with training and community engagements, as she prepares for their NRLW season opener against the Tigers on July 5th.

Having played 20 games for the Eels NRLW side since 2023, Albert is by far considered as PNG’s leading female rugby league player with experience to boost the Orchids outfit at the forthcoming World Cup.

With eight games under her name for the Orchids, Albert is expected to lead the side in their campaign against France (October 17) and Fiji (October 24) in Port Moresby and against New Zealand on the Gold Coast (October 31).

Apart from her short-term focus with Eels in the NRLW, Albert has also marked the World Cup fixtures on her calendar and looks forward to donning the national colors with pride when the time comes.

“It is always a proud thing for me to go back and lead the country, not just leading but just to be in the team to play for the country is always an honor. I am very much looking forward to the World Cup "Albert said.

35 NRLW games for both the Dragons and Eels makes Albert a leading PNG woman with experience in top grade football, and the dialogue with the new PNG Orchids Craig Sandercock is already in motion.

“I’ve had a few conversations with the new coach, and he has been really good. He has already put the foot down on what he wants and how the team is going to look like, and I am pretty excited to work him,” she added.

Albert is also grateful towards the Parramatta Eels Club for helping her to receive an Australian permanent resident visa, allowing her to live and work without restrictions.