Papua New Guinea vs France Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup | Pool Stage
by Alex Sarwar ·
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Papua New Guinea broke through in the last Women’s Rugby League World Cup with a first semi-final finish in their history, whilst France failed to win a single game.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / USA – Premier Player
Tickets: Visit this link to access the latest 2026 Rugby League World Cup tickets
Papua New Guinea team news: Albert leads the charge
Papua New Guinea head into this World Cup led by Elsie Albert of Parramatta Eels. She was the only Orchids player to be named in the team of the tournament at the last Women’s Rugby League World Cup.
Squad: Anika Butler, Ivania Wong, Relna Wuruki-Hosea, Tia Molo, Naomi Kelly, Fleur Ginn, Cynthiah Peters, Elsie Albert, Ua Ravu, Jafinda Sap, Belinda Gwasamun, Shellie Long, Emily Veivers, Therese Aiton, Essay Banu, Jenny David, India Seeto, Gemma Walker, Vanesa Nakas, Mala Mark, Mya Muller, Josephine Howard
France team news: No surprises
France haven’t sprung any huge shocks with much of the team who featured for them on international duty during the summer being named again this time around, such as Manon Samarra, Camille Boudaud and Elisa Akpa.
Squad: Manon Samarra, Perle Ramazeilles, Melissa Medina, Amael Vilanove, Haoua Kessely, Camille Boudaud, Lisa Diraison, Elisa Akpa, Cristina Song Puche, Elodie Pacull, Perrine Monsarrat, Stacy Bessiere, Leila Bessahli, Fanny Ramos, Tallis Eranossian, Salome Segala, Louisa Tooman, Justine Roses, Margot Canal, Noemie Samuel, Sarah Louise Vernay, Tessa Benmalek
Will Papua New Guinea go through in Pool B?
Open poll and resultsPapua New Guinea vs France prediction
France’s first main goal should be to gain a victory after losing three from three at the last World Cup. That will be easier said than done though, with fixtures against New Zealand, Fiji and first Papua New Guinea, who themselves will see this as a pool they should qualify from having avoided being drawn against both Australia and England.
France’s defence is unlikely to keep the Orchids at bay for very long and it’s the strength of PNG that could ultimately overwhelm this France unit. Papua New Guinea must also be confident of their fitness levels helping them take advantage of an opponent who should tire quickly as the second period goes on. Back PNG to come out on top by at least 13 points or more.
Papua New Guinea vs France tip: Papua New Guinea to win by 13+ points
