England women arrive ahead of two-test series with Orchids

By PARKER TAMBUA
ENGLAND Women arrived yesterday ahead of their historic two-test series against the Papua New Guinea Orchids with the first match to be played in Goroka and the second in Port Moresby.
The Craig Richards-coached England outfit arrived at the Jackson International Airport at 2pm via Brisbane and transited to Goroka at 3pm.
Richards, whose deputy is former Sea Eagles forward Adam Cuthbertson, said on arrival that the tour was about his side experiencing as much as they could on their first tour of the country.
“We are really excited to be here, it has been a long build-up for this,” Richards said. “First and foremost, we want to see PNG. We want it to be an experience for the girls.
“We are really looking forward to the clash with the Orchids. It is the physical encounter that we want to experience. It’s good to let out the girls feel those intense situations, it’s not only good for me as the coach but for the team as well.”
Richards said the team had some quality coaching and bonding sessions in Brisbane for a few days travelling to PNG.
He said the historic tour was part of his team’s preparations for the 2021 Woman’s Rugby League World Cup in England.
Captain Emily Rudge said her side were anticipating a physical encounter following their most recent meeting with the Orchids at last month’s Rugby League World Cup Nines in Sydney, Australia.
“It was pretty physical when we played them,” Rudge said.
“Some of their girls (Orchids) put on some big hits and we woke up pretty sore the next day.”
St Helens forward Rudge said her team had heard about PNG and its culture and that it was good for them to experience it first-hand.