Kuk scores two tries in Broncos’ win over Orchids

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AMELIA Kuk, pictured, scored two tries for the Brisbane Broncos in their 48-14 win over the Oil Search PNG Orchids at Suncorp Stadium yesterday.
Kuk, who is expected to play for PNG in next month’s test against the Australian Jillaroos, scored the first try for the Broncos women when halves Ali Brigginshaw and Kimiora Nati combined nicely in a sweeping left to right backline movement.
Captain and halfback Brigginshaw, one of the best players in the women’s game, led her side with distinction in a game where skill, speed and heavy contact featured.
Tough Broncos prop Heather Ballinger was smashed in the first hit-up of the game by PNG lock Tahina Booth.
Ballinger was on the ground for a worrying minute but was soon back up.
The Brisbane halves were at it again soon afterwards to put Queensland representative player of the year Steph Hancock over.
The Broncos lost Kody House to a HIA in a friendly fire head clash with Meg Ward as they went to make a tackle on PNG centre Naomi Kaupa as she went in to score.
Brisbane fullback Chelsea Baker crossed for a double, the second a scintillating 65m try after a nifty offload from Hancock.
Julia Robinson also scored after Baker chimed into the backline and threw a superb pass.
The 26-4 half-time lead was extended soon after the break by the Broncos when Ward crossed in the corner.
Brisbane’s Lavinia Gould and PNG’s Ray Rambi traded tries before the Kiwi connection of Nati and Teuila Fotu-Moala combined superbly.
Five-eighth Nati held up her pass to perfection and Fotu-Moala scored a cracker.
Orchids prop Elsie Albert went in for a well-deserved try before Kuk scored the four-pointer of the match for Brisbane after Karley Te Kawa beat 10 defenders and the referee in a zig-zag run of 100m.
The trial win was a prelude for the Broncos ahead of the Holden NRL Women’s Premiership which starts in a week.
For the Orchids, the match was a trial for coach David Westley as he prepares his side to play the Jillaroos in early October.
Brisbane Broncos 48 (Amelia Kuk 2, Chelsea Baker 2, Stephanie Hancock, Julia Robinson, Meg Ward, Lavinia Gould, Teuila Fotu-Moala tries; Ali Brigginshaw 6 con) PNG Orchids 14 (Naomi Kaupa, Ray Rambi, Elsie Albert tries; Jenni-Sue Hopper con). – NRL