Injury has forced changes to the Santos PNG Orchids squad for their home match up against the Kiwi Ferns this Sunday, with Jenny Wesley in line to make her Test debut.
Young outside back Wesley has had a strong season and featured in the Prime Minister’s XIII match earlier this month after playing in the Santos Cup grand final with Goroka Lahanis.
The Orchids were struck a blow with versatile back La-Toniya Norris-Addo assisted from the field with an ACL injury in the loss against the Australian Jillaroos. Norris-Addo has returned to her home in Darwin and will begin her recovery and rehabilitation.
“Unfortunately, we have had an injury to La-Toniya and we will support her in her recovery,” Orchids coach Tahnee Norris said.
“However, this has opened the door for Jenny to come into the Pacific Championships squad and puts her in line to make her Orchids debut.
“Jenny was part of the squad who played in the Prime Minister’s XIII game this month and she fit in well with the squad and worked hard on and off the field, and deserves her opportunity to join the Pacific Championships playing squad.”
Other squad changes see Orchids Shae Yvonne De La Cruz (#25) and Therese Aiton (#31) come into the 21-player Pacific Championships squad, having been part of the extended squad selected before the tournament in place of Freda Waula and Freda Anthony.
The players assembled in camp in Port Moresby on Sunday to prepare for their Pacific Championships match against the visiting Ferns at Santos National Football Stadium on Sunday, November 2. They will next head to Sydney for the final game of the campaign.
PNG Orchids Pacific Championships squad
Belinda Gwasamun – Wentworthville Magpies
Delailah Ahose – Goroka Lahanis
Elsie Albert – Parramatta Eels
Emily Veivers – Norths Devils
Essay Banu – Norths Queensland Cowboys
Gloria Kaupa – Wentworthville Magpies
Jenny Wesley* – Goroka Lahanis
Jessikah Reeves – Western Clydesdales
Leila Kerowa – Central Dabaris
Lilah Malabag – Port Moresby Vipers
Lyiannah Allen – Mt Hagen Eagles
Mala Mark – Central Dabaris
Meli Joe – Mt Hagen Eagles
Roswita Kapo – Wentworthville Magpies
Sareka Mooka – North Queensland Cowboys
Sera Koroi – Goodna
Shae Yvonne De La Cruz – Souths Logan Magpies
Talitha Kunjil – Mt Hagen Eagles
Therese Aiton – Western Clydesdales
Ua Ravu – Canberra Raiders
Yolanda Taute – Goroka Lahanis
*denotes possible debut
(first name alphabetical order)
