Orchids clinch last-second victory in a pulsating game at Port Moresby!

We are delighted to present a match report of England Women v PNG Orchids produced by Greg Robinson.

Special comments have been added by Leeds Rhinos’ Danika Priim!

England facing off against PNG Orchids in the World Cup 9s.

Danika: ‘It was a perfect start from England with Tara Jones, playing out of position in the centres, scoring the first try within after just a minute. This, along with previous weekend’s win, gave England an added boost of confidence. PNG’s Elisie Albert led the way with some bone crunching tackles – they got on the scoreboard after a controversial score & took the lead.’

Danika: PNG came out flying in the second half and replicated England’s start with a try within 2 mins. England needed to settle but it seemingly added some pressure shown with more unforced errors. The impact of Grace field coming off the bench was exactly what England needed as she added the strength and resilience down the middle to force PNG back in contact.

Danika: ‘PNG’s first try gave the Orchids the confidence to go forward along with a very strong defensive & great first contact. This put England on the back foot’

However England weren’t going to go down easily and, courtesy of some big hits from Grace Field, were starting to restrict PNG’s attacking metres. They got their reward for big defensive efforts when captain Emily Rudge, buoyed from her 4 try performance last week, was too powerful and got the ball down to give England a chance of hope.

The game seemed to be swinging back in England’s favour after a monster kick from Castleford’s Roche which was chased by Leeds’ Caitlin Beevers – forcing a repeat set. England didn’t score in that next set but eventually, Roche drew in defenders and played Naomi Williams, who scored 5m in from the touchline! Stanley managed to convert the tough game which saw a England level the scores!

It seemed that we’d be heading towards a draw.. but with seconds remaining, England’s hearts were shattered. The PNG Orchids broke through the line, stepped under the clutches of Tara Stanley and scored a match-winner, which caused wild celebrations on the pitch and in the stands. PNG are one of the most passionate nations when it comes to Rugby League which became visible when one of their players couldn’t hold back tears during the hooter.

Danika: The test series ended 1-1. A life changing experience and a great opportunity for the younger and less experienced girls to get a feel for International Rugby prior to the 2021 World Cup. Well done ladies, it’s been a great experience to follow but congratulations to PNG on winning their first ever test match on home soil – a historic and momentous occasion in front of an absolutely awesome crowd!

Danika: ‘England getting 2 quick tries in succession helped to gain back some momentum in the second half’

Danika: ‘The PNG crowd were an added man. Their support was audible and they cheered every tackle & break’

PNG fans are arguably the most passionate according to Danika

England are likely to be disappointed with the result and the number of errors, especially considering they received a convincing win over identical opposition just a week ago. For those who were up before early, they were treated to a great clash which was made possible due to the Women’s Rugby League revolution.

Danika ‘Elsie Albert (PNG) was the standout player on her side with Grace Field (England) having a massive impact when she came on – they’re my two women of the match!’

Elsie Albert (pictured), who put in a strong shift for PNG today.

Q&A – Caitlin Beevers (Leeds Rhinos & England)

We are delighted to announce our 3rd Q&A in Rugby League Scene history!

It’s quite a special one as we catch up with England Women International Caitlin Beevers! The 18-year-old is currently on tour in Papua New Guinea but she has managed to take a few minutes out of her busy schedule to chat to us!

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself; your age, why you became a rugby player, current club & position?

I’m Caitlin Beevers and 18 years old. I became a Rugby League player when I was 6 years old and got into it because my Mum and Dad asked my twin brother if he was interested in joining a local team and I interrupted asking ‘what about me?’. I started off at Birstall Victoria but when I was too old to play for the boys team, I took a year out until I found a girls team I’d like to join. During this gap year, I decided to try out refereeing.

Q: 2019 has been a massive year for you – what’s been your favourite part of this year?

I’d say my highlight of 2019 (so far) would have to be my 18th birthday – We (Leeds) won the Super League Women’s Grand Final against Castleford Women in what was the first EVER Women’s game to be broadcast on Sky. Straight after the game, I went to Australia for the Downer World Cup 9s in Australia… that day will be hard to top!

Beevers flying the flag for England at the World Cup 9s Media event in Sydney with the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background. Credit: NRL.com

Q: You made history in Sydney by playing in the first ever Women’s 9s – how did that feel?

It felt amazing participating in the first ever Women’s 9s tournament and even better being treated exactly the same as the men (regarding pay etc). Playing on such a big stage (Parramatta’s Bankwest) was an unbelievable experience and one that I hope to be able to repeat again in the future.

Q: Not only did you play but you were also named in the Women’s 9s Team of the Tournament – what did you think when this was initially announced?

Obviously I was over the moon to be selected as part of the “Team of the Tournament” but also, was extremely shocked as it’s something I could only have dreamt of. Although being recognised in this way was a great honour, the credit must go to all of my teammates for their efforts.

Q: Many people forget this but you’re also an RFL Referee – how do you balance out such a busy life?

Refereeing is a huge part of my life and something I’ve always enjoyed. Knowing the rules as a referee contributes to my playing game massively. It is difficult to juggle both playing and reffing but I really don’t mind because of how much I enjoy them both. At the moment, I’m lucky I can make it work. Whenever I’m not playing or training I will be refereeing.

Then 17-year-old Beevers pictured with her medal after refereeing at the prestigious Wembley Stadium. Credit: Beevers (Twitter)

We also received a couple of questions from one of our followers, Phil Rogers, and have received Caitlin’s answers below!

Q: Do you think the Women’s game gets the exposure it deserves?

The Women’s game is beginning to get recognised – this is shown by the tours that me and my teammates have been/are on and the fact that BOTH the Women’s Challenge Cup & Grand Finals were televised. I think it’s really special as it gives the Women’s game the exposure it truly deserves.

Beevers celebrating her 18th birthday after winning the Women’s Super League Grand Final at the Totally Wicked Stadium on the 11th October! Credit: BBC

Q: How do you think we should get more young girls involved?

I think the way to get more young girls to take part in rugby league is, like mentioned previously, promotion. Having other Super League clubs backing the women & having the players as amazing role models to younger girls will help build the game. They are the future!

As we tweeted out earlier today, you can watch Caitlin in action with England Women tomorrow as they take on the PNG Orchids in their second test.

The game will be LIVE on the BBC with a 5am kick-off time – our Twitter page will also be providing regular updates.

5 Players Who Will Shake Up Super League in 2020

In our first article on our new website, our director Dan discusses the 5 players he thinks will shake up Super League in 2020.

Anthony Gelling (Warrington)

Everyone knows Gelling for his humorous social media posts but after a couple of years away, he is returning to Super League!

Gelling, 29, played for New Zealand Warriors in 2018 & had been playing for Widnes in 2019 but due to their financial problems, could not stay there any longer. He has a new home for 2020 but it’s not with his former club, Wigan. Instead, it’s with the reigning Challenge Cup Winners Warrington Wolves.

Anthony Gelling after he ‘picked Warrington’s pockets’ back in 2016. Credit: SARL

Gelling has just performed out of his skin during his inaugural 9s tournament by participating with the Cook Islands side which shocked both Tonga (30-7) & Fiji (12-10) so Warrington fans have high expectations.

George Burgess (Wigan)

Yorkshire-born Burgess has ended his 8-year stint with South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL to join Wigan as one of their marquee signings in 2020!

George Burgess (pictured) after Souths had been eliminated. Credit: Getty Images

The England International often plays as a prop but recently, has been in controversy with two incidents regarding eye gouging – both of which saw punishments – which means that he has not played in the last few months.

However, George will enter pastures new in 2020 by beginning his Super League career with the Warriors – a side who have a number of well-known & gifted players including heavily-experienced veteran Sean O’Loughlin, rapid wingers Dom Manfredi & Joe Burgess and Liam Farrell, who has been granted a testimonial year. All of the above players have been recognised for their skill by being participants in previous Super League Dream Teams.

Gareth Widdop (Warrington)

One of Warrington’s marquee signings who, along with other marquee Blake Austin, will form their half-backs for 2020.

Wolves star & England International Gareth Widdop playing for NRL’s St George. Credit: Sky Sports

30-year-old Widdop will be beginning his Super League career and like George Burgess, will bring a plethora of NRL experience. Widdop has played 196 NRL games with 125 of these being with his most recent club, St George Illawarra, where he was awarded the prestigious accolade of Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year in 2017 for a series of impressive performances. The past two years have been tough for the England International as he, unfortunately, dislocated his shoulder twice & therefore, needed reconstructions.

Warrington fans have already seen Widdop play at the Halliwell Jones as he featured in the St George side which defeated the Wolves 18-12 back in the 2015 World Club Series.

James Maloney (Catalan)

A very impressive gain for Super League is the Australian half-back Maloney, who will join the Perpignan-based Catalan Dragons after signing as their marquee from Penrith Panthers on a 3-year deal.

Maloney brings the most experience over to the UK with an impressive 249 NRL appearances across 5 different clubs; Melbourne Storm, NZ Warriors, Sydney Roosters, Cronulla Sharks & Penrith Panthers. Maloney also brings over his 14 games of State of Origin experience including two performances during Game II & III in last year’s series which New South Wales went on to win for the second successive year.

James Maloney (pictured) attempting to kick at goal during the famous State of Origin. Credit: 9WWOS

Catalan will have to wait a while to see their stalwart player in action – their first home game is Round 1 against Huddersfield Giants (Saturday 1st Feb)

Mahe Fonua (Hull FC)

Finally, we have chosen Tongan international Mahe Fonua, who will return for his second stint with Hull FC for 2020 and beyond!

Fonua, along with his 58 previous games for Hull where he scored 31 tries, will bring over his 72 additional games of NRL background (51 for Melbourne & 21 for West Tigers). Alike with Widdop, the past two years have been tough for Melbourne-born Mahe as he has sustained a broken arm & a season ending injury.

Fans will remember incredibly powerful Fonua for his contributions towards FC’s two Challenge Cup victories (2016 v Warrington & 2017 v Wigan) along with his performances which earned him two appearances in the Super League Dream Team.

Mahe Fonua celebrating with the Hull FC faithful after their Challenge Cup victory! Credit: Daily Mail

When could you see these players in Super League action?

You may see Gareth Widdop, Anthony Gelling & George Burgess in action on Thursday 30st January as the 2020 Super League kicks off LIVE on Sky Sports with a recently-renewed rivalry as Wigan take on Warrington at the DW Stadium (KO: 7:45pm)

As we mentioned earlier, Catalan Dragons & James Maloney will first be action on Saturday 1st February at the Stade Gilbert Brutus as they battle the Huddersfield Giants (KO: 5pm GMT).

To see Mahe Fonua, Hull FC fans are going to have to wait even longer. The Black and Whites’ opening round fixture sees them play the Leeds Rhinos as part of a history-making double header at Emerald Headingley on Sunday 2nd February (KO: 4:45pm).