You have skipped the navigation, tab for page content
Match Preview

PNG Orchids v Kiwi Ferns: Wesley to debut; trio of stars rested

Author
jetwinvip.com
Timestamp

The PNG Orchids will be hoping their home ground support will lift them as they face another challenge against the Kiwi Ferns this week to see who will make it to the Pacific Cup final against the Jillaroos.

Both the Orchids and the Ferns were kept scoreless in their games against Australia in tough outings for each side, but the Kiwi side will be hoping to build on their opening week together to gel.

Back on their home turf, the Orchids will have a number of new faces who bring international experience, with Therese Aiton and Shae Yvonne De La Cruz coming into the squad, while outside back Jenny Wesley - who played in the Prime Minister's XIII - makes her debut.

The Ferns have also have also made a number of changes to their side, including youngster Mackenzie Wiki coming onto the wing for her debut, with three of their stars Apii Nicholls, Annessa Biddle and Tiana Davison rested.

Team News

Orchids: Papua New Guinea coach Tahnee Norris made a handful of late changes to her side in Saturday's team update. Jenny Wesley has shifted from centre to wing, with Leila Kerowa moving from the back row to fill Wesley's place in the centres. The reshuffle will see Sareka Mooka move from lock to second row and Gloria Kaupa promoted from the bench to the starting side. Lilah Malabag and Roswita Kapo have been added to the bench in jumpers No.18 and No.19 respectively. Mala Mark was initially named on the wing but will now be the 18th player. Centre La-Toniya Norris-Addo suffered an ACL injury against the Jillaroos, bringing in youngster Jenny Wesley for her Test debut. Ua Rava moves from hooker into halfback, with new squad member Therese Aiton to start at No.9.

Kiwi Ferns: The Kiwi Ferns will line up 1-17, with no changes in Sunday's team update. Raiders star Mackenzie Wiki will make her Test debut on the wing with Shanice Parker shifting to fullback and Apii Nicholls being rested. Forwards Annessa Biddle and Tiana Davison are also being rested after a busy schedule in recent months, with Wests Tigers second-rower Brooke Talataina called up for her Test debut off the bench. Amber Hall and Alexis Tauaneai move into the starting side. 

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for PNG Orchids is number 1 Shae Yvonne De La Cruz
    Fullback for Kiwi Ferns is number 1 Shanice Parker
  • Winger for PNG Orchids is number 4 Jenny Wesley
    Winger for Kiwi Ferns is number 2 Mackenzie Wiki
  • Centre for PNG Orchids is number 3 Belinda Gwasamun
    Centre for Kiwi Ferns is number 3 Mele Hufanga
  • Centre for PNG Orchids is number 11 Leila Kerowa
    Centre for Kiwi Ferns is number 4 Abigail Roache
  • Winger for PNG Orchids is number 5 Lyiannah Allen
    Winger for Kiwi Ferns is number 5 Leianne Tufuga
  • Five-Eighth for PNG Orchids is number 6 Sera Koroi
    Five-Eighth for Kiwi Ferns is number 6 Gayle Broughton
  • Halfback for PNG Orchids is number 7 Ua Ravu
    Halfback for Kiwi Ferns is number 7 Tyla King

Forwards

  • Prop for PNG Orchids is number 8 Elsie Albert
    Prop for Kiwi Ferns is number 8 Brianna Clark
  • Hooker for PNG Orchids is number 9 Therese Aiton
    Hooker for Kiwi Ferns is number 9 Brooke Anderson
  • Prop for PNG Orchids is number 10 Essay Banu
    Prop for Kiwi Ferns is number 10 Alexis Tauaneai
  • 2nd Row for PNG Orchids is number 12 Emily Veivers
    2nd Row for Kiwi Ferns is number 11 Najvada George
  • 2nd Row for PNG Orchids is number 13 Sareka Mooka
    2nd Row for Kiwi Ferns is number 12 Amber Hall
  • Lock for PNG Orchids is number 16 Gloria Kaupa
    Lock for Kiwi Ferns is number 13 Georgia Hale

Interchange

  • Interchange for PNG Orchids is number 15 Jessikah Reeves
    Interchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 14 Ashleigh Quinlan
  • Interchange for PNG Orchids is number 17 Yolanda Taute
    Interchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 15 Otesa Pule
  • Interchange for PNG Orchids is number 18 Lilah Malabag
    Interchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 16 Brooke Talataina
  • Interchange for PNG Orchids is number 19 Roswita Kapo
    Interchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 17 Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa 

Reserves

  • Replacement for PNG Orchids is number 2 Mala Mark
    Replacement for Kiwi Ferns is number 18 Cheyelle  Robins-Reti

Match Officials

  • Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
  • Senior Review Official: Chris Butler

Last updated:

Stat Attack

  • The Orchids failed to score a point in their only previous Test against the Kiwi Ferns.
  • The Kiwi Ferns have never lost to any nation other than Australia.
  • The Orchids are undefeated in two Tests at Port Moresby.
  • Kiwi Ferns fullback Apii Nicholls will make her 15th Test appearance.
  • Orchids centre Belinda Gwasamun has scored six tries in eight Tests.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, 

Related

Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.