Australia and Papua New Guinea Set to Clash in Pacific Championships Opener

Australia and Papua New Guinea are set to face each other at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night, marking the start of this year’s Pacific Championships tournament. The Papua New Guinea Orchids will be up against a formidable challenge as they take on the top-ranked Australian team.

The disparity in experience between the two teams is significant, with the Orchids primarily comprising players from the national Santos Cup competition, which is in its inaugural year. Skipper Elise Albert remains the team’s only regular with experience in the NRL Women’s Premiership (NRLW).

Despite a hefty 50-0 defeat in last Sunday’s Prime Minister’s XIII match, the Orchids displayed resilience by keeping the Australian side to just one try in the second half, after trailing 44-0 at halftime. This performance gives them hope as they prepare for the official tournament matches.

The Australian side, eager to demonstrate their prowess following a loss in the previous year’s Pacific Championships, boasts an abundance of talent. However, they acknowledge the Orchids’ potential for physicality and are not underestimating their opponents.

For the Australian Jillaroos, co-captain Ali Brigginshaw is a late withdrawal as she continues to recover from finger surgery. This has led to a reshuffle in the backline, with Jess Sergis stepping into the starting lineup in the centres and Tiana Penitani moving to five-eighth. Kezie Apps will lead the team, which includes three debutants: Quincy Dodd, Olivia Higgins, and Sarah Togatuki.

The Jillaroos’ lineup features eight players from the squad that was defeated in last year’s Pacific Championships final by New Zealand, such as fullback Tamika Upton and playmaker Tarryn Aiken. Lauren Brown, recovering from a hamstring injury, has been omitted from the squad.

The Papua New Guinea Orchids present a consistent roster with no last-minute changes. Under the captaincy of veteran Elsie Albert, the team includes accomplished players such as Essay Banu and Sareka Mooka, both of whom have played for the Cowboys. The experienced centre Belinda Gwasamun, a recent Tahnee Norris Medal awardee, adds further strength to the side.

Both sides are set to showcase their skills, with Australia aiming to reinforce its dominance while Papua New Guinea seeks to build on its promising recent performances.