By Maureen WEI  Sports Tok Magazine Online

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Papua New Guinea (PNG) Orchids Captain and now former St George Illawarra Dragons Prop has signed a two-year deal with the Parramatta Eels for the National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW). This makes her the second Papua New Guinean female representative to be recruited by Eels for the inaugural season, the first one being Ua Rava.

Elsie Albert had been with the Dragons for 3 seasons, of which she played 15 games in the NRLW since 2020. In a Facebook post, Elsie thanked the Dragons.

“I would to appreciate the NRLW Dragons family for not only giving me the opportunity to represent this great club for the last three (3) seasons but also the opportunity to develop as a player and person on and off field. For that I will always be grateful”, she states Meanwhile, the Eels stated that her signing is a huge boost to the Eels squad, bringing power and passion to the women’s game.

Head of Football Mark O’Neill said, “Elsie was identified some time ago by our Coach and recruitment team as a key player who matches the Eels’ style of football. She brings plenty of experience and leadership from her time in the game and this will be of great value to the
entire squad.”

“Elsie has paved the way for many young rugby league players and created huge excitement in the PNG community.
“We look forward to welcoming Elsie to pre-season training.”

Elsie also commented that she appreciated Eel's approach and genuine interest in her.  “I’m looking forward to training with the Eels. Rugby League means a lot to me. It changed meas a person and changed my life after having a rough childhood growing up in PNG.
“I was given one opportunity to come to the NRLW and I grabbed it with both hands.
“It’s an honor to represent the PNG community here in Australia and be a role model for
aspiring athletes back home,” Elsie said.