Banu excited to be part of Orchids squad for World Cup

By PARKER TAMBUA
WYNNUM Manly Seagulls front-rower Essay Banu says she is thrilled to be named in the Papua New Guinea Orchids squad for the end-of-year Rugby League World Cup in England.
The 20-year-old, from Australia, West Papua and PNG, told The National last week that she was proud to represent her PNG heritage for the first time.
Far North Queensland-born Banu said she had only made her Queensland Rugby League Women’s BMD Premiership debut this year.
“My mother is from Tatana village in Port Moresby,” the former Tully State High School student said.
“One of my grandparents from my dad’s side is from Meruku in West Papua.
“I am honored to be selected into the Orchids squad.
“I am excited not only to experience the World Cup for the first time, but to actually represent my PNG heritage.
“After making my debut with Wynnum early this year, I set my goals and one of them was to play consistent and improve in every game, hoping that it would open doors to new opportunities such as making the Orchids’ World Cup squad.”
Banu first played rugby league with Tully Tigers in the Far North Queensland League.
She then went on to represent Tully State High School in Queensland school leagues which saw her represent the State in several tournaments before being scouted by Wynnum.
Banu said she would be mentally and physically prepared for the sport’s global showpiece event. Meanwhile, she said she was looking forward to playing alongside local-based Orchids players.
“As a young player, I look up to them as they have paved the way for women’s rugby league in PNG,” she said.
“I’m keen to go into camp and soak in all that experience.
“I want to learn as much as I can.”