Jeffries thrilled with PNG after stern half-time words against Canada

The Orchids recorded their first ever World Cup victory with a 34-12 triumph at Headingley

1 Nov 2022

Jeffries thrilled with PNG after stern half-time words against Canada

The Orchids recorded their first ever World Cup victory with a 34-12 triumph at Headingley

By Jack Lacey-Hatton at Headingley Stadium

Papua New Guinea coach Ben Jeffries revealed he had to fire up his side at half-time but was thrilled at their response as they stormed to a 34-12 win over Canada in their opening game.

The Orchids ran in seven tries as they recorded their first ever win at a World Cup, avenging 2017's defeat to the same opponents while laying down a marker for the rest of the tournament at Leeds’ Headingley Stadium.

Former Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and Bradford Bulls player Jeffries said he believes this only the beginning for the team who will create a legacy for women’s sport in Papua New Guinea.

“I’m really thrilled with the performance,” said Jeffries. “I’m very happy because the team would have been nervous, it’s never easy to play in another country for the first time.

“Being away from home is difficult, so to get a big win like that, you have to be pleased.

“We’d never played on surfaces like this. As a staff we are very proud of them.

“We thoroughly deserved it in the end, but it was a firm talking to at half-time. There’s still things to work on but you have to expect that at this stage.

“These girls are here to compete and change rugby league in Papua New Guinea and they will do that.”

Meanwhile Canada coach Mike Castle said the third Papua New Guinea try immediately after half-time was the turning point in the contest.

The Ravens were only down two points at the end of a bruising first half, but player of the match Martha Molowia hit them with a sucker punch straight after the break.

“I think that third try was a big moment for them,” said Castle. “We were absolutely in the contest for the first hour.

“I actually missed it because it was so quick after half-time and I was stuck in the lift! But that obviously changed the momentum of the game. We weren’t able to get on top after that.

“I think that the first half just shows we have a talented group of players and that our defence is pretty strong.

“Our team will keep proving throughout this competition, so there is plenty to be happy with despite the result.

“That was my message to the girls after the match - there is plenty to be optimistic about and if we cut out the silly errors we’ll be in games.”

The Rugby League World Cup promises to be the biggest, best and most inclusive event in the sport’s 127-year history with men’s, women’s and wheelchair teams competing in 61 games across 21 venues throughout England. Tickets are available via rlwc2021.com/tickets

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