The Blue Heelers Open Women’s team is set for the Grand Finals according to their captain nineteen-year-old youngster, Jessica Rifireka who the team knows as Soko.
The youngster stated that she started playing rugby when she was in primary school in Lae through school games where she went on to play league and then into Rugby Union.
According to Rifireka, she was unable to complete school and stopped at grade 8 due to her dad changing jobs and the family moving to Port Moresby in 2020 but this has not stopped her from persuing her dreams in a rugby career.
Like any other young girl in the sporting world, she looks up to PNG Orchids player Elsie Albert and has big dreams of playing rugby representing PNG and travelling the world and is determined to work hard for a spot in the PNG Palais squad.
“This is going to be my third attempt to make the squad and my aim is to work hard to earn my spot in the 7s squad. I’m not giving up.”
“No matter the ups and downs of life, I know I am strong, and I’ll push through to excel in everything that I do in training and hopefully that will help me in my journey because getting that jersey and representing PNG is something that I have always dreamt of achieving.”
Despite facing problems in her life, Jessica has managed to overcome challenges and still manages to keep going.
She states that her role as captain especially in the field of play is often a challenge for her.
“Sometimes it’s hard, because as much as I try my best to support my team, especially in the field, especially when there is an issue, I always try to reason with the referee over the matter but at the end of the day, the referee is the boss in the field, so we respect his decision.”
She told PNG HAUSBUNG her girls are looking forward to the grand finals this weekend although they are lacking a little in their defensive and passing, they will focus on improving in those areas in preparations.
“Most of our girls are young so they still have a lot to learn, and they need to be more confident in their game.”
“I will support and strengthen my girls as we take the field on Grand Final Day.”
Meanwhile Rifireka said she is grateful to the Blue Heelers Rugby Union Club for bringing them together as a family and organizing activities outside of games which included fellowships and visitations that has made a huge impact in the player’s individual lives helping them to change for the better.
“We just want to thank our Coach, Ase Boas as well for not giving up on us and the boys in our team as well who take time out to teach us whatever little they know about the game.”