Papua New Guinea Beats France 58–4 in Home Women’s Rugby League World Cup Opener

Papua New Guinea beat France 58–4 at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday in its first Women’s Rugby League World Cup match on home soil. Winger Naomi Kelly scored four tries, matching Belinda Gwasamun’s Orchids international record set against Brazil at the 2022 World Cup. The hosts led 32–0 at halftime after Relna Wuruki-Hosea scored the opening try in the seventh minute. Manon Samarra scored France’s only try early in the second half. Kelly finished with 166 running metres, while PNG captain Elsie Albert recorded 154 metres and 11 tackle breaks.