Orchids to Appoint New Coach for RLWC26 After Parting Ways with Norris

Papua New Guinea is on the lookout for a new coach to lead the Orchids at the 2026 World Cup following their decision to part ways with Tahnee Norris.

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) announced that Norris would not continue as head coach of the Santos PNG Orchids by mutual agreement.

As the 2026 Rugby League World Cup approaches, set to take place in Papua New Guinea and Australia in October and November, the PNGRFL will promptly initiate a detailed recruitment process to select the next head coach for the Orchids.

PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka emphasized that this transition is a pivotal moment in the team's preparations, as the Orchids aim to build on recent successes and represent Papua New Guinea proudly on the global stage.

The Orchids will host two matches at Port Moresby's Santos National Football Stadium-facing France on October 17 and Fiji on October 24-before heading to the Gold Coast on October 31 to take on the Kiwi Ferns.

Having reached the semi-finals in the RLWC21 held in England, where they lost to the Jillaroos, PNG is currently ranked No.5 in the latest IRL World Rankings, trailing only Australia, New Zealand, England, France, and Samoa.

Tsaka expressed gratitude for Norris's considerable contributions throughout her time in charge.