Katrina ANGELI

The Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Mr. Kinoka Feo, recently addressed concerns regarding outstanding payments to universities and colleges, including those related to student tuition and operational costs such as the TESAS funds and the HELP Loan Scheme. The Minister's comments came in response to a statement that was released by Divine Word University's Student Representative Council (SRC) and administration. The minister who spoke to PNG HAUSBUNG, acknowledged being aware of the general concerns, even though he had not yet seen the specific statement from Divine Word University. However, he was aware that the statement likely pertained to delayed payments for student tuition and the operational funding universities rely on. “We were able to pay almost three-quarters of the first semester payments as of Wednesday the 25th of June 2025 with the remaining quarter of the payments still awaiting clearance. “In fact, I was advised by Finance that we have raised all the checks already but were still awaiting clearance in which he was advised as on Wednesday that the checks had in fact been cleared.” Meanwhile, he was advised by the Finance Minister that the final quarter for the first semester payments should be cleared by next week. “This check payments includes all universities and colleges as well as the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP).” He further acknowledged that previous delays have prompted concerns amongst tertiary institutions and colleges, however, expressed confidence that all first-semester payments would soon be fully resolved.

The Minister of Sports and Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Mr. Kinoka Feo on behalf of the Prime Minister and the government, officially farewelled Team PNG ahead of the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau before they departed on Thursday 26th June. As part of the government’s commitment, Minister Feo announced that the government has approved funding support of K4.1 million to cover the team's expenses. In a heartfelt address, the Minister extended sincere gratitude to the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) for their meticulous preparations, ensuring Team PNG is fully ready for the international event. He also acknowledged the vital contributions of the PNGOC President Mrs. Emma Waiwai, PNGOC Secretary General, Mr. Desmond Kaviagu, Team PNG Chef De Mission, Mr. Kinivanagi Karo, the national federations, and especially the sponsors for their unwavering support. The Minister emphasized that this moment was a celebration of dedication, sacrifice, and hard work put in by every athlete. “You have trained hard and pushed through injuries and tough setbacks.” “You are now poised to wear the red, black, and gold on the international stage, not merely as competitors but as ambassadors of our great country.” He reminded the athletes that they are not alone on this journey for behind every one of them is a village, a province and a nation who are supporting them every step of the way. “Ten million people will be cheering for you. Know that you are backed by all of us, your families, your coaches, your fellow athletes and your entire sporting community in PNG.” Highlighting the broader significance of the games, the Minister stated that these games are more than just a competition; they are a platform for unity, pride, and inspiration. “You are role models to the next generation of athletes watching from home. You champions are forged through sheer hard work, dedication, and commitment.” Meanwhile, as the team heads to Palau, the Minister urged them to compete with everything, give their best, and with all their heart. He underscored that winning or losing is secondary to giving their absolute best and representing the nation with pride, humility, and respect. “Let our flag remind you of who you are and where you come from.” “Let it drive you to dig deeper, find the energy, find the courage, find the strength even when it gets tough.” He concluded by reminding them that their journey extends beyond medals, continuing in how they carry themselves, lift others, and inspire pride in Papua New Guinea.

Team PNG will depart the country for Palau today to take part in this year’s 2025 Pacific Mini Games that will take place from the 29th of this month June to the 09th of July. A total of 186 athletes and officials including the General Management Team will travel to Palau. The athletes will be taking part in nine sports including, Athletics, Basketball 3x3, Beach Volleyball, Table Tennis, Softball, Swimming, Va'a, Indoor Volleyball and Weightlifting. President of Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee, Mrs. Emma Waiwai, in a farewell event this week, expressed this event as an honour to send all representatives including the athletes and officials who will be taking part in this year’s Mini Games. She stated that this is not just a competition, but the dedication and unwavering commitment for sporting excellence. She encouraged them to represent the country with pride and as ambassadors of Papua New Guinea. “You carry with you the hopes of a nation, the pride of our people in which the spirit of unity bides us all.” “When you step onto the field, the court, the track or into the arena, you do so not alone but with the strength of a thousand tribes behind you.” She expressed that Team PNG is a reflection of unity with athletes from different province, backgrounds and cultures coming together with one purpose to represent the nation with pride. In addition, Mrs. Waiwai said that this is also an opportunity to show the Pacific what it means to be Team PNG; fearless, focused and full of heart. Meanwhile, with the 2032 Olympic Games coming up, Mrs. Waiwai said that this is just a steppingstone for many of the athletes. “The experience you gain here for this year’s 2025 Pacific Mini Games, will shape the champions we hope to see on the world stage in seven years’ time.” Furthermore, Mrs. Waiwai also thanked the coaches and the management for their time behind the scenes; their guidance and support are the backbone of the team’s success. She also thanked the families of the athletes for their sacrifices, encouragement and unwavering beliefs in the dreams of the athletes. Moreover, she encouraged all athletes to do their best and compete with courage and humility and above all represent the country. Mrs. Waiwai thanked the sponsors from Trukai Industries, Kumul Consolidated Holdings, Vodafone PNG, PacificAus Sports, Coral Sea Hotels, Theodist, University of Institutue of Business Studies, Media Partners, Trophy Haus, Vanguard International, CIty Pharmacy Limited, Rotary Club of PNG, Carbine Club, Paradise Biscuits and South Pacific Brewery.

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) proudly announced the official launch of its new 2025-2032 Strategic Plan, titled, ‘2032 - POWERED BY PURPOSE!’ at its recent Annual General Assembly. This landmark document outlines the PNGOC's long-term vision and strategic direction, designed to amplify its impact leading up to and beyond the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. ‘2032 - POWERED BY PURPOSE!’ is the culmination of extensive consultation with all elements of the PNGOC ecosystem, including Member Federations, key partners, and dedicated Team PNG athletes, coaches, and team officials. The plan reflects a sharpened focus on its core purpose, ‘To enable consistent Team PNG Success at Olympic, Olympic Youth, Commonwealth, Commonwealth Youth, Pacific, and Pacific Mini-Games.’ President Emma Waiwai expressed her delight in presenting the ambitious new strategy as she expressed how delighted she is to present the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee Strategic Plan for 2025-2032- POWERED BY PURPOSE! “This is a pragmatic, yet ambitious plan designed to amplify PNGOC's impact and solidify our commitment to our athletes and the broader sporting community.” “We believe in our purpose, and in the values, strategic priorities, success indicators, and initiatives within this plan. Now it's time to deliver!” The Strategic Plan is built upon three guiding principles; Athlete Centered, Simplified, and Focused, which encompasses four critical strategic priority areas: STRENGTHEN: To enhance the capability of PNGOC and its Member Federations, ensuring leading practice governance structures, diversified revenue streams, and tailored support services are in place. PERFORM: To drive sustainable Team PNG success on the international stage, establishing clear performance-based selection standards, providing world-class performance support, and working towards a new multi-sport high-performance Centre of Excellence in PNG. DELIVER: To implement programs that embody the values of the Olympic, Commonwealth, and Pacific Games movements, fostering sport for development initiatives that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.  HOST: To realize ‘whole of community’ benefits from hosting ‘home’ Games, with strategic objectives including securing hosting rights for the 2035 Pacific Games and co-hosting rights for the 2031 Commonwealth Youth Games. Furthermore, the PNGOC is also committed to strengthening the role of sport as an enabler of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The ‘2032 - POWERED BY PURPOSE!’ plan will guide the PNGOC's strategic decisions, driving increased capability, capacity, sustainability, and performance as the nation powers towards a regional Olympic Games in 2032. This strategic roadmap marks a significant milestone for sport in Papua New Guinea, promising a future of sustained growth, enhanced athlete performance, and greater national pride.

The Rai Coast District Development Authority (RDDA) in Madang province, has taken steps to address the growing threat of sea piracy affecting coastal communities in the district. In response to recent attacks, the RDDA has engaged police authorities to conduct a full-scale investigation into the incidents of sea piracy. Law enforcement officers are now working tirelessly to bring these criminals to justice and ensure the safety of passengers and local boat operators along Rai Coast waters. To further support these efforts, the Member for Rai Coast and Minister for Labour and Employment, Kessy Sawang, MP, through the RDDA has funded the purchase of a brand-new 60-horsepower patrol boat. This boat will be deployed to monitor and secure piracy-prone areas, particularly around Basamuk and Tabalip, with the aim of restoring public confidence in traveling by sea and protecting lives and property. This new boat adds to the two others previously acquired by the Member. One stationed in Saidor and another in Madang Town under the Madang Water Police Unit operating in their respective areas. Minister Sawang has also raised this issue with the police minister for resourcing the Madang Water Police with bigger and faster boats and logistics to curb sea piracy. Meanwhile, the RDDA continues its efforts to locate the body of Late Alphonse Kaleng, a public servant who tragically lost his life at sea in a recent piracy-related incident. Despite extensive search efforts, his body has yet to be recovered. The RDDA remains in close consultation with the family of Late Kaleng to discuss appropriate ways of settling the matter and providing support during this difficult time. The ongoing measures reflect RDDA’s commitment to making Rai Coast waters safer and ensuring that communities can travel without fear. Rai Coast is no place for criminals.

In the past couple of weeks, police have arrested people smuggling cannabis through planes into Port Moresby, which is now a security concern for the police. Deputy Commissioner of Police Special Operations, Donald Yamasombi who has received reports from his police officers regarding the arrest and seizure of cannabis from different terminals at Jackson's International Airport, said this is now a significant security concern for the constabulary both locally and internationally. “If our airline companies are transporting marijuana from villages to Port Moresby, what guarantee will it be to transport it out of PNG to other countries?” “Our security companies, the airline companies, customs, and all the agencies must now work together to strengthen this. They are bringing the drug in larger quantities, as per reports received.” He further added that in the previous weeks, a couple and a taxi driver from Hela province were arrested and charged for having in their possession thirteen kilograms of marijuana that came in from the Highlands region. He also mentioned that recently, on Wednesday, about 10 kilograms of marijuana were brought in from Tapini on a flight from a Twin Hotter Chatter from Woitape in Goilala to Port Moresby. DCP Yamasombi said the marijuana was left unattended at the terminal when police arrived at the scene, but no one claimed the bags, which the police officers took to the Drug Squad office for destruction. He added that officers working at the airports and some of the police officers are not honest in their duties and are involved in illegal activities. He also made reference to a case that is under investigation involving police officers from Seven Mile Police Station and the National Airports Corporation officers. “Some police officers and also some National Airports Corporation officers were caught last month convoying a huge amount of marijuana out of the airport at locations where they were not supposed to be, but they were doing that illegally.” “All the officers involved have been identified and will be charged accordingly.” “The police and the NAC officers should be doing what they are supposed to do so that the people who are smuggling drugs will be scared because the authorities are very tough.” “Because some officers are involved in that, it has made the smugglers think they can do it, and when caught, they can pay their way out.” He also stated that in another incident on May 5th, 2025, a large quantity of marijuana was brought in by Air Sanga that was at the terminal when police officers from the Drug Squad were tipped off. They visited the scene and confirmed that more than five bags of drugs were left unattended at the terminal. DCP Yamasombi said that police officers from the Drug Squad were investigating a previous case where some police officers from the Seven Mile Police Station were involved in conveying a huge number of drugs that were never brought to the Drug Squad office for profiling and labelling as exhibits when they came across the marijuana. He said that according to the initial reports, the NAC officers and Seven Mile officers conspired and took the marijuana out of the terminal in a National Airports Corporation (NAC) vehicle to gate 6, loaded it onto a police vehicle that belonged to Seven Mile, and drove off. He also confirmed that the marijuana never reached the Drug Squad office. He said that the police bosses in NCD were notified of the drug bust, but the exhibits were never taken to the specialist division for verification and labelling. He said this had led them to the investigation that made the NAC officers bring only eight bags that they took on May 14th of this year to the Drug Squad office. According to sources, it was more than eight bags that they removed, but the NAC officers only brought in eight. “Police officers are investigating that, and arrests will be made soon. This arrest will lead to the arrest of those who are party to the movement of these drugs.” “It had been happening in the past, and nothing had been done, so my officers will try their best to make sure they get all those involved charged.” “If it means arresting the airline companies, it will happen because they failed to do proper checks before loading the goods.” “Port Moresby is now full of drug addicts because the authorities are participating in moving drugs to Port Moresby.” “I want to commend the officers from the Drug Squad, NCD police, and all those who were involved in information gathering to build a case that will now be used to monitor the airline companies and other transport companies.”

In a decisive move to enforce accountability and improve whole-of-government performance, the National Executive Council (NEC) has approved the establishment of the National Monitoring and Coordination Authority (NMCA); a central agency mandated to eliminate fragmentation and ensure the effective delivery of government programs. Prime Minister James Marape described the decision as a major structural reform and a key milestone in the Government’s agenda to drive efficiency, coordination, and results across the public sector. “For too long, government monitoring and coordination have been scattered across departments with overlapping mandates and inconsistent outcomes.” “This has led to inefficiency, duplication, and weak implementation. That ends now.” The NMCA will be housed initially within the Department of Prime Minister & NEC and led by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) under the delegated authority of the Chief Secretary, reporting directly to the Prime Minister. Upon full establishment, it will function as an independent authority with its own legal mandate. Mr. David Wereh, former Secretary for Works and Highways, has been appointed as Interim CEO of the NMCA. Widely recognized as the architect of the Connect PNG initiative, Mr. Wereh brings a proven track record of driving large-scale, cross-government reforms. His appointment demonstrates Government’s confidence in his ability to align and mobilize agencies to deliver with greater cohesion and urgency. The NMCA will also consolidate staff currently dispersed across various departments who are responsible for coordination and monitoring functions. It will serve as the Government’s principal mechanism to coordinate, monitor, and evaluate policy and project implementation across all levels of government, including national departments, provinces, and sectors. PM Marape said the Authority would also deploy the use of industry experts and State agencies to cross-verify standards, compliance and delivery for work carried out at all levels of government and State agencies. “We will procure the use of competent accounting, engineering, auditing, and architectural firms, and key bodies like National Research Institute and relevant State agencies to make sure that the intent of Government is actioned.” “We want to check on standards, delivery and compliance, not just in terms of good governance, but also value for money.” “We want this happening at the national, provincial, district (DDA) levels, and within State agencies as well. We want budgets delivered, and government policy and objectives achieved.” Based on this, PM Marape has sounded a strong warning to all public servants to pay heed to the decision of the NEC and the establishment of the NMCA. “Public servants at all levels must understand this. Failure to deliver will no longer be tolerated.” “The era of excuses, inefficiency, and disconnected silos is over. This authority will ensure every toea spent and every directive issued leads to tangible outcomes.” “NMCA will ensure ethical responsibility, transparency, fairness, accountability, and inclusivity across all of the government’s investment programs.” Additionally, the Authority will be overseen by a council reporting directly to the Prime Minister. The State Solicitor and First Legislative Counsel are currently tasked with preparing a legal framework, either by adopting existing or drafting new legislation, for presentation to Parliament. Meanwhile, an interim team is now being assembled by pooling resources from existing departments to begin the groundwork. “Every review and audit over the last decade points to one root problem; weak implementation, poor coordination, no follow-through, and zero accountability.” “Billions have been spent with little to show. This will stop.” “The NMCA is the structural fix to this dysfunction. From now on, the budget must align with the Medium-Term Development Plan, and the plan must be executed as designed.” “No more loose ends, no more excuses.” Furthermore, he strongly stated that they must lift their game. The NMCA will ensure the public service is better organized, more disciplined, and fully aligned in delivering results. “This is how we rebuild trust, drive impact, and make government work again.”

The Media Council of Papua New Guinea (MCPNG) has called on the Special Parliamentary Committee on Communications to continue to be transparent in its regional enquiries into the media, and to fulfil its commitment to enquire further into recent instances of media workers being targeted simply for doing their jobs. The Council said the Committee had announced that the recent suspension then termination of radio talkback show host Culligan Tanda, would be included in their committee inquiries. The Special Parliamentary Committee is currently conducting hearings in major regional centres, and has just completed its Momase enquiries in Madang. Media Council of PNG President Mr. Neville Choi, said these hearings are important to the future of media in the country, and the Council will be present at all remaining ones to ensure mainstream media is represented in its vital role as an important agent of democracy, and to maintain its independence as the fourth estate. “The Council will be following the remaining Committee hearings closely with a view to making a representation for the Committee to review the actions of state-owned enterprises managing media organizations to determine whether company Human Resource policies have been weaponized to target and intimidate media personnel and hold these organizations to account.” “In the case of Culligan Tanda, it was clear that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kalang Advertising Limited had advised Culligan that his suspension directive had come ‘from the top’ indicating that there was someone who had directed for him to be suspended and then terminated.” “This one state-owned enterprise has a track record of targeting and terminating media workers based on the fear of the media emanating from the very senior echelons of management in the SOE space.” “How long will the media continue to be suppressed at the whim of someone who clearly has very low self-esteem and a primal fear of the media?” He further stated that if anyone fears the media that much, then the only logical conclusion to draw is that this person has something to hide. “The media, at least those unafraid to hold truth to power, will continue to do what it does best, expose rots and mismanagement of positions of authority.” “The Council has been completely transparent with its engagement with the Parliamentary Committee and will be holding it to its commitment to enquire into Culligan Tanda’s termination.” Mr. Choi also added that while the terms of reference for the Committee’s inquiries has been updated, it is concerning that leaders continue to place mainstream media in the same pool as social media, which continues to remain unregulated.

Australia is currently supporting Papua New Guinean women to advance their research skills and connections with Australian research institutions. Through this initiative, the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University (RMIT) is providing an intensive training program and workshops in Port Moresby, Lae in Morobe province and Goroka in Eastern Highlands province, covering essential topics such as research fundamentals, data analysis and management, report writing, leadership, collaborative research, data-based decision-making, and policy impact. A highlight will be the opportunity for up to twelve top-performing participants from each location to undertake a four-week advanced training placement at an Australian research institution later this year. These placements will be carefully aligned with PNG research priorities, facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange. Among the more than forty women researchers taking part in a workshop in Port Moresby this week, is University of Papua New Guinea lecturer Patricia Angopa who is excited about the opportunity. “I have been engaged in collaborative research with other colleagues and have presented during the PNG Updates.” “The basic research skills have helped me to be more critical in terms of time management, reading other write-ups or journals and has given me the confidence to become a better researcher.” “I am certain that the workshop will be an opportunity to elevate me further.” Ms. Angopa aims to integrate what she learns through the program into her teaching and hopes to be among those chosen for a placement at an Australian research institution later this year. In addition, the first five-day workshop in Port Moresby is currently underway until the 24th of June. Meanwhile, calls for interest from potential participants for workshops in Lae and Goroka will be issued soon. Women researchers from academia, government, and the private sector are encouraged to apply.

The Papua New Guinea Agriculture and Commercialization Diversification (PACD) project has again successfully completed a one-week long Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) Teacher-of-Trainer training in Kokopo, East New Britain. The training saw a total of thirteen professionals presented at the training last week from the 09th to the 13th of June 2025. The participants were representatives of eleven productive partnerships of the PACD Cocoa Project Management Unit (PMU). The representatives are from East New Britain, West New Britain, Autonomous Region of Bougainville and New Ireland. Partnerships from the Momase region will be held next week in Madang province. According to the PACD GESI Specialist, Kerry Pagau, the GESI program continues the important work started under the Productive Partnership in Agriculture Project (PPAP) embedding gender equality into agriculture development effort. He said the program aims to empower farming families to manage and save income generated from increase cocoa or other production. “The GESI training covers three modules, module one savings, module two is budgeting and module three is gender." "Gender covers a lot of topics which includes leaderships, decision making and participation.” “This is about empowering farming families." "The target that we will be training is the farming families, farming households who are registered as well as unregistered in PACD cocoa project.” He further added that these sessions build their capacity to translate ideas into lessons that resonate within their communities. Financial literacy training has also been integrated with farming practices, ensuring that families understand how to manage increased income. “At the end of our training sessions, we plan to invite banks like MiBank or BSP to help farmers open accounts on-site.” “This ensures that rural populations which is 70% of PNG’s people, can participate in the formal economy.” During the sessions the trainers actively participated asking thoughtful questions and engaged in meaningful discussions. The response has been good the trainers have been very cooperative, and they are excited to go back and run these trainings with the farmers. In addition, day four of the training saw the participants received tablets and session on how they are going to use those tablets for baseline survey in the communities they run trainings in. The trainer explained that all the trainers should be fully aware and fully equip and know how to use the kobo tool loaded in the tablet in their training that is very important. Those data will be submitted online, and it will be captured in PACD Management Information System (MIS). Meanwhile, a participant representing the Growers Association, Pele Melepia shared that that it’s her first time to attend such training and is an eye opener. She said the main drive here is empowering farming families and training will help them to drive something positive to those farming families, to help them make change in their homes and to sustain themselves. “Right now, we are doing farming, but we do not know how to save and how to budget which is not right." "This training will help us and help others also to drive the change into the families and into the community as well.” Celestine Tommy, a participant with the Pemana partnership, stated that this training is a pivotal moment for farmers. “By addressing gender inequality, we are unlocking untapped potential in our agricultural systems.” “Farmers, especially those in rural and remote areas, often face gendered barriers that affect how they access resources, land, and markets.” “Through this program, we’re giving them the knowledge and strategies they need to navigate and challenge these barriers.”

Prime Minister James Marape has announced that, for the first time in Papua New Guinea’s history, people can now drive from Alotau in Milne Bay Province to Port Moresby, opening up one of the most remote parts of the country through the government’s ambitious road connectivity program. “This is a historic achievement. Just as I drove from Kikori to Mt Hagen during Christmas in 2022 witnessing firsthand Gulf people now selling coconuts, crabs, lobsters, and sago." "Highland markets, today, we celebrate a similar transformation as people drive from Alotau into Central Province and on to Port Moresby.” He highlighted how road connectivity is already changing lives. “Instead of travelling by sea, young people from Gulf were able to drive from Kikori to Hagen and then on to Lae to take part in the national basketball championships.” “That’s the real impact of opening up our country through roads.” Prime Minister Marape described the new Alotau-Port Moresby route as an ‘iconic tourism highway’ in the making, stretching from Milne Bay’s white and black sandy beaches through Central Province’s rich culture and scenic beauty. “This is more than a road; it’s a pathway to tourism, agriculture, fisheries, hospitality, forestry, and other rural industries.” While the highway is still in its early development phase and not fully sealed, it represents a major breakthrough in national infrastructure. “This is the first-cut stage. Over time, we will build it into a world-class sealed highway." "For now, it is already operational, and people are using it.” To safeguard this progress, Prime Minister Marape confirmed that new law enforcement infrastructure is part of the broader development vision. “We intend to include police stations along strategic sections of our highways.” “These roads must be safe and secure for our people." "They are meant for business, tourism, and community development, not for criminal activity.” He also revealed a new land policy initiative being developed with the Department of Lands and the Department of Commerce and Industry to ensure landowners along the highways can register their land and use it as bankable collateral to start businesses. “We want our people to go into commercial agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and hospitality." "That’s how we convert road infrastructure into economic opportunity.” “We are already seeing successful ventures like the export of mud crabs from Central direct to Singapore, and we want to see more of that.” In addition, he assured the nation that construction is continuing on remaining links, with less than 30 kilometres left to complete the Alotau-Port Moresby connection. “It is my intention to personally drive the full stretch of the highway from Port Moresby to Alotau in August this year.” He also dismissed recent allegations by the Opposition regarding project mismanagement. “An independent audit is currently underway into the conduct of Works, but that will not stop our determination.” “Our vision is clear: to connect the country and empower our people through infrastructure.” “This is our blueprint. From the Highlands to the coast, from West Sepik to Milne Bay, roads are going in." "Let us use them to lift our people out of poverty and into prosperity.”

In a moment of NRL history and personal triumph, Jed Stuart, son of Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart, scored a try on his debut as the Raiders secured a hard-fought 16-12 victory over the Wests Tigers in Friday night’s game. The emotional win capped a significant week for the Stuart family, adding their names to an exclusive list of father-son duos to feature on the same team. The Raiders burst out of the gates, establishing a commanding 16-0 lead by halftime. However, they faced a stern challenge in the second half as the Tigers launched a spirited comeback, forcing Canberra to defend valiantly in the dying stages of the match. Jed Stuart, playing on the wing, crossed for the Raiders' second try of the game, showcasing an impressive assist from center Sebastian Kris, who delivered a magnificent offload while falling. The debut and subsequent win were the culmination of an emotionally charged week for the Stuart family. Jed shared a poignant moment with his mother before the game. “Before I left to come to Sydney, mum gave me a cuddle and said, ‘You’ve wanted to play NRL since you were three, and now you’re finally doing it.’ That made me cry a fair bit,” he revealed. For Coach Ricky Stuart, it was "the hardest week I've had" as a coach. He admitted to significant pre-game anxiety. “From a father's point of view, I don't want him to come out and be man of the match, I just want him to hold his own." "That's all I wanted, and he did that.” “The number of times I’ve been waking up at 3 am with some real bad thoughts, but didn’t get any of those so it was good.” Interestingly, the decision to bring Jed into the squad was not solely Ricky Stuart's. The coach disclosed that captain Joe Tapine and the Raiders' leadership group recommended Jed replace the injured Savelio Tamale. Tapine even made the significant phone call to inform Jed of his impending debut. “I sat in the car for about ten minutes before trying to figure out what I’m going to say to him,” Tapine recounted. Meanwhile, the Wests Tigers extended their losing streak to five matches with the defeat. This loss marks their third consecutive game with a narrow four-point margin, adding to the growing frustration within the team. West Tigers captain Api Koroisau expressed that it was a bit frustrating in how the match turned out. “There’s only so many times you can be so close and be happy with it.” Furthermore, the Tigers will be looking to break their unfortunate streak in their next outing, while the Raiders will be buoyed by a significant win and a memorable family milestone.