PNG's Rugby League Teams Shine in World Cup Opening Weekend

A Memorable Opening Weekend

The 2026 Rugby League World Cup got off to a thrilling start for Papua New Guinea, as both the Kumuls and the Orchids secured impressive victories during a double-header at the National Stadium in Port Moresby. In front of a raucous crowd of over 11,000 fans, the excitement was palpable right from the beginning.

Orchids Dominate France

The Orchids kicked off the festivities with a stunning performance against France, overwhelming their opponents with a decisive 58-4 victory. Naomi Kelly was the standout player, making history by scoring four tries and breaking the record for the most tries by a PNG woman in a single match. This record was previously held by her teammate Belinda Gwasamun, who netted three tries during the last World Cup in England.

Skipper Elsie Albert praised the team's preparation, stating, "It was a great win in front of a home crowd; everyone performed to the best of their abilities." The backline was particularly fierce, featuring Kelly and Ivania Wong on the wings, along with Relna Wuruki-Hosea and Tia Molo in the center. Anika Butler anchored the team from fullback.

Kumuls Triumph Over Lebanon

Following the Orchids' victory, the Kumuls faced Lebanon in their match, winning convincingly with a score of 42-18. Gairo Voro was instrumental in the game, showcasing his skills with a masterclass display. The 23-year-old playmaker scored the first try early in the game after capitalizing on a Lebanese error, marking the beginning of a series of successful plays.

Voro, who recently received the Championship player of the season award, also set up a try for Nixon Putt that extended the lead further. "Playing in front of such a passionate crowd is a tremendous experience," Voro shared, his excitement heightened by the presence of his mother, who raised him alone.

Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou commended both teams' efforts, noting that Lebanon posed a formidable challenge at halftime with the score at 18-12. However, the Kumuls' home advantage proved vital as they pulled ahead in the second half.

Key Contributions from the Team

In addition to Voro’s performance, veteran captain Rhyse Martin had a flawless day, converting all seven attempts at goal. Other players, including newcomers Luca Moretti and Jack de Belin, made significant contributions. Moretti recorded a staggering 39 tackles, while de Belin assisted Epel Kapinias in a try.

The substitutes also made their mark, with Finley Glare scoring early in the second half before debutant Bailey Biondi-Odi followed suit with his first try shortly after stepping in.

Looking Ahead

With the first matches in the books, both teams will be looking to maintain their momentum. The Kumuls are preparing for a challenging encounter with Samoa in their next game, set to draw another enthusiastic crowd in Port Moresby. Coach Demetriou is optimistic about the team's potential as the tournament progresses, urging fans to rally behind the players once again.

The Orchids, under the guidance of coach Craig Sandercock, are set to face Fiji, marking another exciting competition in their quest for World Cup glory.