Santos PNG Orchids debutant Lisa-Marie Alu will be one to watch at the Rugby League World Cup. The 25-year-old was named player of the match in the Orchids’ #RLWC2021 warm-up clash against York after a two-try performance and impressive defensive display.
Lisa-Marie, who hails from Jiwaka but lives in Port Moresby, put herself on the radar of the Orchids’ nationwide selection process in early 2022 with impressive performances in multiple tournaments. But, even before this development in her rugby league career, she was already making an impact in her home province.
She explains: “Last Christmas I went home to Jiwaka and joined a group of women there to put a team together for a tournament in the Highlands. About 20 of us spent a month together in camp staying at one of the player’s houses, training and cooking together. Most of the girls didn’t study or work, so this was something new for them, and I taught them different rugby league skills every day.”
Inspired by her father, who was one of the first players for Waghi Tumbe (Jiwaka’s Digicel Cup team) when it was formed, Lisa-Marie is keen to take a leadership role in developing the women’s game in her region.
“Women’s rugby league is in its early stages in Jiwaka – they like playing but they lack knowledge and skills. I would like to go back there after this World Cup and do more development. Maybe next year we can start a women’s league in Minj. They are really talented women, they can run faster than me, so I’m confident there are lots of future Orchids there if we can identify and train them.”
Source: Santos PNG Orchids