PNG Orchids have escaped a close chase by Cook Islands Moana in the second week of Pacific Championship at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby yesterday.
Despite beating the Moanas 28-20, PNG Orchids Coach Ben Jefferies said they could have done better.
However, he is proud of the overall performance.
“They (Orchids) probably let themselves down to the back end of the game,” Jeffries said.
He said the players who play in the Women’s National Rugby League (NRLW) brought their experience to the team which many may have expected a big win, as management they are happy.
“This group is so tie up with each other and you can’t understand how proud we are as staff.
“We are happy also because they played in front of the home crowd to get that victory.”
Jeffries said going forward “we need to be better in defence” to avoid such game in the future and to get a clear win.
He also added that the players playing high level NRLW will bring the experience to compliment the locals in the country going forward with the challenges into 2026 rugby league world cup.
Women playing in NRLW “when they come into camp they show standard and intensity at training which helps PNG nationals to understand what it means the a professional.”
“Leading into next world cup, we are looking at getting as many players to the occasion and hopefully transfer them into the world cup.”
PNG Orchids Captain and the player of the match Belinda Gwasamun said they are just happy to be playing together and execute what the coaching staff want them to do.
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Pic Cap: PNG Orchids escaped the high-spirited Cook Island Moanas- PNGRFL PIC
