LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Australian Women's Prime Minister's XIII team showcased their dominance by defeating the Papua New Guinea Orchids 50-0 in Port Moresby.
The Australian squad, guided by coach Jess Skinner, relied heavily on veteran players Quincy Dodd, Kasey Reh, and Kirra Dibb, while wingers Phoenix-Raine Hippi and Caitlin Turnbull each scored three tries.
Additionally, it was announced that the new NRL franchise from Papua New Guinea will be named the Chiefs.
In front of a packed crowd at the National Football Stadium, Prime Minister James Marape revealed that this name was chosen through a fan competition that received over 20,000 entries.
The Chiefs are scheduled to join the NRL in the 2028 season.
Nineteen-year-old Gold Coast Titans talent Hippi was particularly impressive, continually pressuring the Orchids' defense, scoring three tries and assisting two others.
On a hot day in the PNG capital, teams benefited from extra drinks breaks during each half. Despite the score difference, the Orchids demonstrated significant improvement compared to their earlier defeat by the same margin in 2024.
Hippi opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a well-placed cut-out pass from Reh, and just four minutes later, she managed to score again, skillfully keeping her balance as she touched down near the corner.