Marum hails NRLW’s signing of Orchids’ No.9

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE Parramatta Eels’ signing of Papua New Guinea international Therese Aiton for the National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) competition is a big boost for the Orchids, says an official.
PNG Rugby Football League coaching director Michael Marum told The National last week that Aiton’s signing came at a great time as national women’s rugby league team were preparing for next year’s Rugby League World Cup in England.
“I think the Orchid needs more NRLW players and Therese’s signing it’s a big bonus for the national women’s team especially leading up to the World Cup,” the Kumuls coach said.
“From what I heard, she (Aiton) had been consistent in the Queensland league, so she deserved the call-up.
“She will bring her NRLW experience to the Orchids at the end of next year, so we’re all looking forward to that.”
Marum said Orchids skipper and St George Illawarra Dragons prop Elsie Albert was PNG’s only NRLW player, apart from former Brisbane Broncos centre Amelia Kuk.
He said Aiton’s Orchids combination with Albert would add more confidence to the side in Test matches, including the World Cup.
“Elsie is doing great and she is now a professional player,” the former SP Hunters coach said.
“We need more professional players in the Orchid team and it’s good to see Aiton joining the NRLW.”
Meanwhile, former Rabaul Gurias mentor Marum said there were more PNG women who could make it to the NRLW.
“With my coaching programmes around the country, I can see that there is an abundance of talented women,” he said.
“We are slowly making progress, the pathway is there.
“If we can develop the women’s division in all the local competitions, we will see more players bloom like Albert and Aiton.”