Santos PNG Orchids centre Belinda Gwasamun and PNG Kumuls centre Brandon Nima will make history today, becoming the first husband and wife to represent PNG in rugby league on the same stage.
Both will wear the number 3 jersey for their teams in the Prime Ministerās XIII fixtures against Australia. Gwasamun and her Orchids teammates will take the field first at Suncorp Stadium at 5.50pm, followed by Nima and the Kumuls at 7.35pm.
Brandon first represented PNG in the two-match series against England Knights in 2018 when Belinda was taking a break from her rugby league career to look after their newborn son, Hayden. Belinda returned to playing in 2019 and represented PNG in the two-match series against England women that year.
āThis is the first time a couple has played at the same event representing PNG in rugby league, and Iām so proud weāve both made history and wearing the same jersey number as well,ā Belinda said. āThis is something Iāll always remember, and our son will remember it too.ā
Hayden, who turns four in late October, will be watching todayās matches on TV in the PNG city of Mount Hagen with Belindaās parents. With Belinda already confirmed in the Orchids squad for the Rugby League World Cup, if Brandon makes the final Kumuls squad, it could be a busy few months for their extended family.
Source: Santos PNG Orchids
