PNG Orchids head coach and captain have vowed to sharpen the team's discipline, possession, and attacking combinations following a tough 40–4 loss to Fiji in their second World Cup clash at the Santos National Football Stadium.
The coach conceded that Fiji’s international experience and high-quality roster capitalized heavily on the Orchids’ handling errors and unforced mistakes, particularly during a bruising first half that left PNG under sustained defensive pressure.
“We gave away too much possession, and they capitalized on it. To compete at this level, we needed to complete our sets, which we simply didn’t do,” the coach stated.
While acknowledging the gulf in international experience, the coach noted that the Orchids contributed to their own downfall by failing to control the football and allowing Fiji repeat attacking opportunities.
Despite the heavy scoreline, the coach praised his side's resilience under fire, noting that the players worked tirelessly. However, continuous defensive sets and Fiji’s clinical ability to exploit field position eventually broke the PNG line.
Orchids captain added that the team drifted drastically from their pre-match strategy, which focused on high completion rates, building pressure, and aggressive standard defense. Instead, PNG gifted Fiji easy yardage and wasted their own attacking opportunities.
“We just went away from what we planned to do. We gave away some cheap carries, so we have to go back, look at the tape, and ensure we are ready for the next round,” the captain said.
The coach further explained that the team’s attacking spine is still developing its combinations and decision-making at the international level. This lack of situational experience, compounded by Fiji’s relentless defensive pressure, stifled PNG's execution when they did secure field position.
Late adjustments also disrupted the team's preparation. A wave of illness swept through the squad during the week, leaving several key players in doubt until the final hours before kick-off and forcing management to alter the starting lineup.
Reflecting on the team's broader journey, the coach emphasized that the Orchids have only been together for a short period, noting that elite defensive systems require sustained preparation.
Looking forward, he stressed that Papua New Guinea must invest heavily in developing spine players and refining their tactical awareness. He highlighted the immense potential of locally-based talent, suggesting that domestic players would benefit enormously from high-performance training and competition opportunities in Australia.
“Athletic ability alone is not enough against top-tier opposition. Players must develop deep game awareness, tactical decision-making, and master the small details that shape modern international rugby league,” the coach remarked.
Closing out the post-match reactions, the captain insisted that while the squad cannot control public criticism following the loss, they can fully control their response. Moving forward, the focus remains entirely on absorbing the lessons from the Fiji defeat and preparing positively for the next challenge.