Mount Hagen born Amelia Kuk has been included in the Oil Search PNG Orchids squad.
The 24 year old debuted for the Australian Jillaroos in last month’s curtain raiser to the PNG PM XIII vs Australia PM XIII game against the PNG Orchids in Port Moresby. She unfortunately missed out in selection into the Australian team.
“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,” the coach said.
Kuk when contacted in Brisbane said: “I was over the moon when the coach called to say that I was selected in the PNG team,” Kuk said.
“I am proud to represent my country and look forward to joining the camp next week.” Kuk joins fellow Queenslander Jazmyn Taumafai as the two overseas players into the PNG side. “Taumafai cemented her spot with an impressive performance in last Friday’s 30 – 6 win over Far North Queensland All Stars in Innisfail,” Miall said. They are among a 24-member Oil Search PNG Orchids squad that was named yesterday by PNG Rugby Football League chairman Sandis Tsaka for the 2017 Women’s Rugby League World Cup.
The team was finalised by coach Dennis Miall following last weekend’s warm up match in Innisfail, Australia. “This is the first time our women rugby league team will participate in a World Cup event and we wish them all 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.
“The matches will be played in Sydney and we will give every support to the team whilst they are in Sydney,” Botten said. “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.” The squad will assemble in Port Moresby next week to prepare for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup which kicks off in Sydney on November 16, 2017.