PNGRFL WOMEN’S XIII TO CLASH WITH ADF

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) Women’s XIII will take on the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Women’s Rugby League team this Sunday in an international invitational match, forming part of an exciting double-header ahead of the Hostplus Cup Round 13 fixture between the SP PNG Hunters and the Sunshine Coast Falcon Jets.

The current squad in camp includes standout players from the 2024 Santos Cup and NRL Bid Championships, many of whom are considered national prospects. Head Coach Tahnee Norris today announced Belinda Gwasamun and Leila Kerowa as co-captains for the upcoming match, expressing confidence in their leadership.

“Belinda and Leila bring valuable experience to the squad and will be instrumental in guiding our younger players. I’m confident in their ability to lead the team on and off the field,” said Coach Norris.

The match serves as an important opportunity for the Women’s XIII to gain competitive game time ahead of the 2025 Santos Cup preseason, which begins in August. The team has been in camp since last Sunday, also participating in the PNGRFL’s BETTER Program—an initiative aimed at player development both on and off the field.

“As a coaching unit, our focus is on developing this group of athletes and reinforcing the fundamentals they are learning through the BETTER Program and the NRL Bid Academy. This match will help translate that learning into performance,” Norris added.

The international clash between the PNGRFL Women’s XIII and the ADF Women’s Rugby League team will be broadcast live on TVWan 2 at 1:00 PM on Sunday.

The Women XIII are also scheduled for another international fixture next weekend against the Brisbane Broncos NRLW team, set for Sunday, 22 June 2025.