The head coach of the Santos PNG Orchids Tahnee Norris will not continue her service, PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) Sandis Tsaka has announced.
Mr. Tsaka said by mutual agreement, that Mr. Norris will not continue for the forthcoming 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
Mr. Tsaka, expressed gratitude for Norris’s significant impact 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.
Related article on Orchid’s head coach departure: https://www.nrl.com/news/2025/12/16/png-orchids-to-appoint-new-coach-for-rlwc26-after-parting-ways-with-norris/
“Tahnee has played a pivotal role not only in leading the Orchids but also in developing the women’s game across the country. We wish Tahnee every success in her future pursuits and thank her for her legacy within PNG Rugby League.”
Under Norris’s leadership, over the last two years the Santos PNG Orchids in the last two years have participated in the Pacific Championships. A feature of Norris’s leadership is the focus development of young players with over ten players making their Test Match debut.
“I’m incredibly proud of how far this group has come. 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 said.
With the 2026 Rugby League World Cup set to be hosted in Papua New Guinea and Australia in October and November 2026, PNGRFL will immediately commence a thorough recruitment process to identify and appoint the next Head Coach for the Santos PNG Orchids.
This transition marks an important step in the team’s preparations as they look to build on recent achievements and represent PNG with pride on the world stage.
Further updates on the recruitment process and team preparations will be provided in due course.