Schnaubelt looks forward to World Cup

By PARKER TAMBUA
TRI-CODE Papua New Guinea international Gemma Schnaubelt is eyeing her first Women’s Rugby League World Cup as she aims to maintain her spot in the Orchids team.
The 23-year-old, from New Ireland and Central, has already represented the country in major rugby sevens and touch tournaments.
Walker has played two tests with the Orchids, both in 2019, when they hosted England in Goroka and Port Moresby.
Playing at fullback, Schnaubelt was an integral contributor to the Orchids’ historic win in the Port Moresby test at the Oil Search National Football Stadium.
She plays in Queensland’s BHP Premiership competition with West Brisbane Panthers. Schnaubelt told The National on Friday she was hoping that the Covid-19 situation would improve ahead of the World Cup which would be held in England at the end of the year.
“Hopefully, it still goes ahead,” she said.
“You never know what to expect between now and the World Cup, with Covid-19 around.
“I’m definitely really excited though.
“I’ve been a part of World Cups for touch and rugby sevens, so it would be amazing to be a part of the rugby league one.
“I’m definitely confident about the current crop of players, not to mention there are also some awesome players who might be included if players were to get injured.
“I’ve been working really hard to stay fit, so it’s just a matter time until the World Cup takes place.”
Schnaubelt can play fullback, wing and has been switching in and out of the centres. But she said she had been challenged this year to take on the five-eighth role.
Schnaubelt said she had a lot of highlights in the three sports. However, she said her favourite one was the Orchids’ test win over England.
“I think playing for my country is one of the highest honours there is, whether it’s in touch, sevens or rugby league,” she said.
“But my favourite highlight of my career has definitely got to be when (Orchids five-eighth) Shirley Joe crossed over the tryline in the dying seconds of the test match against England. To be able to make history with my team, coaches and staff, sponsors and my family, there’s no better feeling that could describe what a day that was.”

Schnaubelt said she was lucky to be able to represent PNG in the Touch World Cup (2019 in Malaysia) and Sevens World Cup (2018 in San Francisco).
“I’m pretty lucky to be able to have played at the highest level for both sports. With rugby sevens, every tour I got selected for was special,” she said.
“It’s not every day you get to travel the world with your teammates and play footy, so every opportunity that came, I was always grateful to be a part of.”
At club level, Schnaubelt also had some success. She won a premiership with West Brisbane in 2019 where she scored a hat-trick in the grand final.
“In 2019, it was my first year back in rugby league and I was grateful enough to be playing alongside Broncos’ National Rugby League Women’s player, Australian Olympic gold medallist and Maroons representative Amy Turner,” she said.
“She was our centre and I absolutely loved being on the wing right next to her. I learnt so much in that short period of time and just enjoyed being a finisher for my team.
“That year with the Panthers was amazing.”
Schnaubelt was born in Port Moresby and moved to Australia when she was five years old. Growing up in Brisbane, she went to Wavell State High School which is a rugby league-oriented school where she learnt about the sport.
Despite living in Australia, Schnaubelt is proud of her Papua New Guinean roots and stays connected to the land of her birth.
“I’m lucky enough that growing up although I’ve spent over 15 years in another country, my parents made sure we were very much in touch with our roots,” she said.
“We would always make sure every holiday that came by, we made the trip back to visit our family. One of the best things I’ve loved while playing for PNG in the three codes is that it’s made me connect with my culture so much more.
“I have a better understanding of the values my country holds and just in general learning about my culture.
“I’m a proud Papuan New Guinea women and I absolutely love representing our nation all over the world.”