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.
Match: PNG Orchids v Kiwi Ferns
Week 3 -
home Team
PNG Orchids
3rd Position
away Team
Kiwi Ferns
2nd Position
Venue: Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Orchids: A major backline reshuffle sees Shae Yvonne De La Cruz come straight in at fullback, pushing Mala Mark to the wing. 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. Leila Kerowa impressed the coach in the last game and earns a starting spot in the second row, while Sareka Mooka will start at lock. Delailah Ahose and Gloria Kaupa move to the bench, with Roswita Kapo, Meli Joe and Talitha Kunjil dropping to the reserves and Freda Waula omitted.
Kiwi Ferns: Raiders star Mackenzie Wiki makes 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 with Otesa Pule added to the bench after she was 18th player against the Jillaroos.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for PNG Orchids is number 1 Shae Yvonne De La CruzFullback for Kiwi Ferns is number 1 Shanice Parker
-
Winger for PNG Orchids is number 2 Mala MarkWinger for Kiwi Ferns is number 2 Mackenzie Wiki
-
Centre for PNG Orchids is number 3 Belinda GwasamunCentre for Kiwi Ferns is number 3 Mele Hufanga
-
Centre for PNG Orchids is number 4 Jenny WesleyCentre for Kiwi Ferns is number 4 Abigail Roache
-
Winger for PNG Orchids is number 5 Lyiannah AllenWinger for Kiwi Ferns is number 5 Leianne Tufuga
-
Five-Eighth for PNG Orchids is number 6 Sera KoroiFive-Eighth for Kiwi Ferns is number 6 Gayle Broughton
-
Halfback for PNG Orchids is number 7 Ua RavuHalfback for Kiwi Ferns is number 7 Tyla King
Forwards
-
Prop for PNG Orchids is number 8 Elsie AlbertProp for Kiwi Ferns is number 8 Brianna Clark
-
Hooker for PNG Orchids is number 9 Therese AitonHooker for Kiwi Ferns is number 9 Brooke Anderson
-
Prop for PNG Orchids is number 10 Essay BanuProp for Kiwi Ferns is number 10 Alexis Tauaneai
-
2nd Row for PNG Orchids is number 11 Leila Kerowa2nd Row for Kiwi Ferns is number 11 Najvada George
-
2nd Row for PNG Orchids is number 12 Emily Veivers2nd Row for Kiwi Ferns is number 12 Amber Hall
-
Lock for PNG Orchids is number 13 Sareka MookaLock for Kiwi Ferns is number 13 Georgia Hale
Interchange
-
Interchange for PNG Orchids is number 14 Delailah AhoseInterchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 14 Ashleigh Quinlan
-
Interchange for PNG Orchids is number 15 Jessikah ReevesInterchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 15 Otesa Pule
-
Interchange for PNG Orchids is number 16 Gloria KaupaInterchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 16 Brooke Talataina
-
Interchange for PNG Orchids is number 17 Yolanda TauteInterchange for Kiwi Ferns is number 17 Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
Reserves
-
Replacement for PNG Orchids is number 18 Lilah MalabagReplacement for Kiwi Ferns is number 18 Cheyelle Robins-Reti
-
Reserve for PNG Orchids is number 19 Roswita Kapo
-
Reserve for PNG Orchids is number 20 Meli Joe
-
Reserve for PNG Orchids is number 21 Talitha Kunjil
PNG Orchids Ins
- Jenny Wesley
- Meli Joe
- Shae Yvonne De La Cruz
- Therese Aiton
- Yolanda Taute
Kiwi Ferns Ins
- Brooke Talataina
- Cheyelle Robins-Reti
- Mackenzie Wiki
PNG Orchids Outs
- Freda Waula
- La-Toniya Norris-Addo
Kiwi Ferns Ins
- Annessa Biddle
- Apii Nicholls
- Tiana Davison
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, author of the official annual of the NRL.
