PNG might have scored for the first time in three years, but Australia were a class above at Santos National Football Stadium on Saturday, crossing for 12 tries to one to rack up the biggest winning margin in the fixture's history.
While the standard of PNG's second-tier players has improved alongside the growth of the national women's competition, the Santos Cup, so too has that of the Australians.
Several showed they would not be out of place if called up to coach Jess Skinner's Jillaroos for this month's 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
Jada Taylor scored three tries and was almost impossible to handle at times, showing her versatility by playing on the wing, despite playing her club football at No.1.
Half Kasey Reh, centre Tahlia O'Brien, hooker Taneka Todhunter and back-rower Tayla Preston were others who impressed in what was effectively an audition in front of Skinner for a grander stage.
Taylor, playing on the left wing, was first to score for Australia inside five minutes, but it took just four more minutes for Josephine Howard to square things up for PNG.
Fullback Andie Robinson sliced through off a scrum set piece and Taylor crossed for a second before the first drinks break, taken after 20 minutes of play, for Australia to open up a 16-6 lead.
Todhunter then danced her way through some weak defence for Australia's fourth try, and five minutes later she had a double, backing up a Reh break to see the visitors up 28-6 at halftime.
Tayla Preston scored Australia's first in the second half, before Taylor and Todhunter grabbed their hat-tricks, and Jasmin Morrissey, Tahlia O'Brien, Reh and Rory Owen all crossed.
PNG Orchids coach Craig Sandercock, who this year guided Wests Tigers to their first NRLW finals series, would also have enjoyed the opportunity to see the next generation of PNG players.
There was no doubt they were outclassed, and they struggled for time with the ball, having just 37 per cent possession.
However, they had an 85 per cent completion rate and tried hard in defence, before tiring late in each half.
Jecinta Garry and Mala Mark had some good moments, while Howard was extremely busy.
15°C