PNG Orchids look to Inspire

Ahead of their opener match on the 19th of November, PNG Orchids Forward Maimai Wei told EMTV News, the atmosphere in camp is full of excitement.

Wei said, this is just the beginning for Women in League in Papua New Guinea, and with the Orchids playing against the best from Canada and New Zealand. They hope to inspire more young women to take up Rugby league.

The long-awaited World Cup matches against Canada and New Zealand in pool B are now only a month away, and the PNG Orchids are raring for the matches.

Prop Maimai Wei said the preparations are ahead of plans.

“The girls are just trying to get mighty prepared for the game and with oil Search coming on board as our major sponsor, we are all so excited and appreciative of the opportunity they are giving us to represent our country, our provinces, our tribes, clans and families”, said the Simbu lass.

Deemed by international commentary as a bold team who faced the World’s number one, the Jillaroos just last month in the Prime Minister’s 13 curtain raiser here in Port Moresby, the Orchids will battle for more than just a win in each match they play come the November game.

In a country as rugby-mad as Papua New Guinea, it may come as a surprise to outsiders that, 4 months ago PNG Orchids was just an idea.

But embracing the World Cup and coming up with a women’s National team is a step in the right direction and one players like Wei want to see go places in the next five years.

“I’m looking forward to going with the girls and having fun and most importantly make this an awareness. I’m also looking forward to the next five years of women development in Rugby League in Papua New Guinea” added the PNG Orchids Prop.

While the other teams will have experience and skills to play at this level, there is something powerful enough to keep the PNG side going, and that is pride and passion.

And true enough it could not be missed from the stands down to the playing field when Wei scored the only try, in their debut as an international team last month.

Now with the forthcoming RLWC matches, PNG Orchids will battle to be heard, to be known and most of all, to be a force to make women in League in Papua New Guinea just as prominent.