LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a recent announcement, it has been revealed that inspirational Papua New Guinea (PNG) captain Elsie Albert has been named in the Orchids squad for their upcoming Pacific Championships match against Cook Islands on October 22.
This is great news for Albert, whose NRLW campaign for Parramatta was unfortunately cut short due to a calf injury, limiting her playing time to just 25 minutes.
However, she will now have the opportunity to showcase her skills on the international stage.
Joining Albert in the Orchids squad are seven other NRLW players, including five from the North Queensland Cowboys.
The Cowboys quintet consists of Essay Banu, Jessikah Reeves, Sareka Mooka, Sera Koroi, and Shellie Long, all of whom made their NRLW debuts this season.
This is a testament to their talent and potential.
It is worth noting that Albert, who is a 27-year-old prop, has been a trailblazer for PNG players in the NRLW.
She made the move to Australia in 2020 and joined the Souths Logan Magpies in the Queensland Cup before being signed by St George Illawarra.
Her inclusion in the Orchids squad further solidifies her reputation as a leader and role model for PNG rugby league players.
Raiders hooker Ua Ravu, who was born in Papua New Guinea and moved to Australia in 1997, has also been named in the squad.
Ravu's father was signed by Leeton Greens in the NSW Riverina, which ultimately led to their relocation.
This demonstrates the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the players in the Orchids squad.
It is worth mentioning that Cowboys coach Ben Jeffries is also the coach of the Orchids.
He has been impressed by the performances of Banu, Reeves, Mooka, Koroi, and Long, particularly during last year's World Cup in England.
As a result, he offered them the opportunity to be part of the new NRLW team, which has proved to be a stepping stone to representing their country in the Pacific Championships.
Overall, the inclusion of these seven NRLW players, including the five from the North Queensland Cowboys, in the Orchids squad is a testament to their talent, hard work, and dedication to the sport.
They will undoubtedly bring their skills and passion to the upcoming match against Cook Islands, and fans are eagerly anticipating their performances.