Santos PNG Orchids scrum half Lilah Malabag is one of several players in the current team who took up rugby league as a direct result of watching the Orchids’ first Rugby League World Cup appearance in 2017.
Lilah explains: “Back in 2017 I was an AFL player, and I played for PNG Flames (the national women’s Australian Rules Football team) in the AFL International Cup in Melbourne that year.
But then I watched the Orchids on TV in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and decided I wanted to be part of that.
“I had played touch and rugby 7s before, but I started rugby league in 2018, playing with the Hanuabada Hawks club in Port Moresby (alongside Orchids player Maima Wei). I liked the fact I could use my kicking skills in rugby league, as well as the structure of the game.”
Lilah enjoyed a rapid rise to national team honours, being selected to play a friendly against the Brisbane Broncos, and in the Prime Minister’s XIII clash, later in 2018.
She played her first tests for the Orchids against England in 2019.
The 22-year-old, who hails from Western, Central, Gulf and Sepik, credits friend and former PNG national rugby union representative Iga Kere with supporting her to reach the highest level in rugby league.
“I look up to her and she motivates me and gives me advice.
“I’m so happy and proud that I’ve come this far. My family and community in Gordons (Port Moresby) have been getting together to watch the games. They put the TV outside the house and everyone comes to watch. They’ve also been sending videos of support to me and my roommate, Shae (de la Cruz).”
Lilah says one of the highlights of being with the Orchids at RLWC2021 has been the spirit of togetherness in the camp. “We are all together as one family.
Even though we’re in a new environment and have left our families behind, it feels like we are all one family here in England, supporting each other, and that makes me happy.”
Source: Santos PNG Orchids