The Australian Government-supported PNG NRL Academy program supplied a record number of players to the Papua New Guinea representative teams that participated in the weekend’s Prime Minister’s XIII rugby league matches against Australia, highlighting the success of the pathway in preparing young players for elite level competition.
The Junior Orchids team, which recorded its narrowest margin to date against the Australian Schoolgirls (a 20-12 loss) featured 11 players from the Academy. The highest number of representatives were from the New Guinea Islands region: Williamina Hauna, Rayleen Kerry, Irene Luana, Jarishma Fonataba and Rhonda Joseph; with players also coming from the Academy pathways in NCD: Ukere Sabumei, Joyce Hobert, Christine Raiam, Goroka: Christolite Diunde and Meriso Jomino; and Mount Hagen: Brenda Koi.
The Junior Kumuls, who also experienced a tight 22-14 loss to the Australian Schoolboys, featured seven Academy representatives from three regions: captain Joseph Kora, Jeffrey Philip and Araga Eresi from NCD; Hercules Kondo and Otto Thomas from Goroka; and Nathaniel Apa and Ames John from Mount Hagen.
Junior Kumuls captain and NCD Academy product Joseph Kora said: “It was a great moment for me to be named captain of our national team. Without the Academy program and the help of coach Joey Grima and all the staff, I wouldn’t be playing at this level. The Academy has helped me a lot in everything, on and off the field.”
At the senior level, the PNG Prime Minister’s XIII Women’s team featured three players who were part of the inaugural Academy cohort in 2024 – Josephine Howard and Ruth Gende from NCD, and Skaylyn Sil from Goroka. Ruth Gende will also be part of the Santos PNG Orchids squad for their upcoming Pacific Championships matches against Cook Islands on 18 October and Tonga on 1 November in Port Moresby.
PNG Prime Minister’s XIII Women’s player and Goroka Academy representative Skaylyn Sil said: “The transition from the Academy to the PMXIII team was smooth. In the Academy we learnt about marker systems and quick play-the-ball, so it was easy for me when we did these things in training with the senior team. Being part of this team is one of my dreams, and I’m grateful for this opportunity.”
Ewen McDonald, Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea and Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs, said that: “Australia is proud to be standing side by side with Papua New Guinea’s junior rugby league development programs by supporting talent pathways in several regions through the PNG NRL Academy. The high number of Academy players representing their country in this year’s fixtures, and the close contests between the junior PNG and Australian teams, demonstrates the importance and value of these pathways. I particularly congratulate Josephine, Ruth and Skaylyn for their selection to the senior women’s team, and we look forward to seeing them represent the Orchids for years to come.”
The next PNG NRL Academy season will begin in November with a new cohort of around 1000 players selected from schoolboys and schoolgirls competitions in eight different regions throughout PNG.
Ends.
Joseph Kora celebrates a try.
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