Can the Orchids bloom again?

PNG Orchids in action against the Cook Islands Moana in the first clash of the Pacific Championships bowl game last week at the Santos National Football Stadium (NBC News)

These are difficult days for the PNG Orchids, who have now suffered four consecutive losses at the international level.

The national women’s rugby league team has not tasted victory since October 22, 2023, when they defeated the Moanas 28–20 in Port Moresby.

The Orchids’ latest defeat came last Saturday, going down 34–6 to the Cook Islands Moana on home soil, continuing a worrying slide in form and leaving coach Tahnee Norris still searching for her first win in charge.

In their last four outings, the Orchids have managed to score just 18 points while conceding a total of 188, prompting growing frustration among fans on social media.

Recent results:

Oct 18, 2024: Australia Jillaroos 84 def. PNG Orchids 0

Nov 3, 2024: New Zealand 36 def. PNG Orchids 0

Nov 10, 2024: Samoa 34 def. PNG Orchids 12

Oct 25, 2025: Cook Islands 34 def. PNG Orchids 6

The losing streak is expected to impact PNG’s standing in the International Rugby League [IRL] Women’s Rankings, where they currently sit fifth.

That ranking was achieved following the Orchids’ impressive run to the semi-finals of the 2022 Rugby League World Cup, but recent performances have raised questions about their progress since then.

Speaking after last weekend’s loss, Norris said her focus now is on restoring pride when the Orchids meet the 15th-ranked Tonga women’s side next Saturday, November 1.

“We want to regain some pride in our performance and show that we can compete at this level,” Norris said.

The Orchids have already lost to two teams ranked below them in Fetu Samoa [12th] and Cook Islands Moana [9th] and will be desperate to avoid another upset.