Jillaroos star named in PNG Orchids squad

Papua New Guinean-born Amelia Kuk has been named to play for the PNG Oil Search Orchids in next month’s Women’s Rugby League World Cup just weeks after playing against them for the Australian Jillaroos.

PNG

Kuk, who was born in My Hagen, debuted for the Jillaroos in the Orchids first match - a curtain raiser to the PNG PM XIII vs Australia PM XIII game in Port Moresby.

The 24-year-old unfortunately missed out in selection into the Australian team but the Jillaroos loss is PNG’s gain and she will join fellow Queenslander Jazmyn Taumafai in the Orchids squad named on Monday night.

“We contacted her and she was over the moon to join the PNG Orchids,” coach Dennis Miall said.

“She was here last month and got on well with the PNG Orchids so she will not be new to the players. Her inclusion brings that experience to our side.”

Taumafai cemented her spot with an impressive performance in last Friday night’s 30-6 win over Far North Queensland All Stars in Innisfail.

PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said the warm-up match had enabled Tsaka to finalise his squad the historic Womens World Cup.

“This is the first time our women rugby league team will participate in a World Cup event and we wish them all’s the best as they represent PNG. We are grateful for the support from Oil Search Ltd who are the inaugural partners to this national side,” Tsaka said.

Oil Search Managing Director Peter Botten said as a proud PNG company, Oil Search was delighted to be associated with the Orchids in their campaign at the World Cup.

“Oil Search as a proud PNG company is pleased to be associated with the Orchids as they participate in the Women’s Rugby League World Cup for the first time,” Botten said.

“The matches will be played in Sydney and we will give every support to the team whilst they are in Sydney.

“Coming off a win in Innisfail last weekend, their first game away in Australia shows that the women are ready to take on the world. We will be right behind them all the way.”

Papua New Guinea Orchids Rugby League World Cup 2017 Squad