PLAYERS AND staff from the Tigers NRLW squad have been heavily involved in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
On the playing front, the Tigers are represented by the following NRLW representatives: Australia Jillaroos – Kezie Apps, Shaylee Bent and Sarah Togatuki; NZ Kiwi Ferns – Raecene McGregor (captain), Shaniece Monschau; Samoa – Jetaya Faifua and Christian Pio; and Fiji Bulikula – Losana Lutu.
Tigers Head of Women’s Football, Charmain Steventon, said the NRLW staff were also involved.
“Head Coach Craig Sandercock and Sa Patiole are coaching together with the PNG Orchids women’s team,” she said.
“Richmond Saliba is working in High Performance with Lebanon.
“Belinda Paris is part of the PNG medical team as physiotherapist and David Fauonuku is an Assistant Coach with the Tonga Women’s team.”
Steventon said it spoke volumes to have Sandy and Sa coaching the Orchids together.
“Sandy and Sa have been an awesome coaching combination for us, so to see them take that partnership into the PNG Orchids environment is something we’re really proud of,” she said.
She says Richmond also brings uncompromising standards to the program.
“He expects a lot from our players, but they know those expectations come from how invested he is in helping them improve,” Steventon said.
“With his proud Lebanese background, I know representing the Cedars on the world stage means a lot to him personally.”
She says that working with PNG gives Belinda the opportunity to experience a different high-performance environment, culture and set of challenges.
“I think she will take a lot from that experience just as she will have plenty to contribute,” she said.
Steventon said it was great for Sala and Shaylee to be recalled into the Jillaroos squad after missing out on NSW earlier this year.
“It’s a timely reminder that one selection decision doesn’t define your season or your career,” she said.
“Sala and Shaylee could have allowed the disappointment of missing State of Origin selection to affect them, but instead they came into our environment, worked incredibly hard and produced outstanding NRLW seasons.
“To then be selected to represent Australia at a home World Cup is a wonderful reward for them.”
She said others to watch in the World Cup were Losana Lutu and Shaniece Monschau.
“They’ve spent the NRLW season building something special together at Wests Tigers, and now they get to stand proudly behind their own flags, their families and their cultures.”
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