Papua New Guinea is on the lookout for a new head coach for the Santos PNG Orchids as they prepare for the Rugby League World Cup in 2026, following a mutual agreement to part ways with Tahnee Norris. The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) confirmed this decision and expressed its commitment to find a suitable replacement to lead the team into a pivotal phase of development and competition.
The upcoming Rugby League World Cup, scheduled for October and November 2026 and co-hosted by Papua New Guinea and Australia, underscores the urgency of this recruitment process. PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka emphasized the significance of this transition, highlighting the Orchids’ goal to build upon their recent successes and proudly represent Papua New Guinea on the international stage.
The Orchids are gearing up for a series of matches, including two fixtures at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby against France on October 17 and Fiji on October 24, before traveling to the Gold Coast to face the Kiwi Ferns on October 31. The team achieved notable success in the recent past, having reached the semi-finals of the RLWC21 in England, where they were narrowly defeated by the Jillaroos. They currently hold the fifth position in the International Rugby League World Rankings, trailing only behind Australia, New Zealand, England, and France.
Tsaka expressed his appreciation for Norris’s impactful leadership during her tenure, stating, “On behalf of PNGRFL and the entire rugby league community in PNG, I want to sincerely thank Tahnee for her dedication, experience, and tremendous effort over the past years.” He acknowledged her crucial role not just in coaching the Orchids but also in fostering the growth of women’s rugby across the nation.
Norris has been an influential figure in the development of young talent, with over ten players making their Test debuts under her guidance, including promising athletes like 19-year-old Fleur Ginn and halves Caitlin Tanner and India Seeto. The burgeoning star, backrower Josephine Howard, is also highlighted as a significant prospect for the future.
“I’m incredibly proud of how far this group has come,” Norris remarked, reflecting on the progress of her players. “Watching our young players step onto the international stage and prove they belong has been one of the most rewarding parts of my role.”
Norris, who has a decorated history in the sport, also coached Queensland’s women’s team in the State of Origin since 2021 and was recognized as the most capped Jillaroo, with 33 Tests played from 1998 to 2013. She was inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame in 2024, joining the ranks of other accomplished female players.
As the PNGRFL begins its search for a new coach, there is a hopeful air surrounding the Orchids’ future, with the expectation that the next leader will continue to elevate the team’s standards and nurture the next generation of athletes.
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