PNG Haus Bung

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) is proud to name the final squads for the PNG LNG Kumuls and Santos PNG Orchids, who will represent Papua New Guinea at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.The selections mark another significant moment for Papua New Guinea rugby league, with both national teams preparing to take on the world’s best on the international stage.PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina said the naming of the two squads was an important step in the teams’ World Cup preparations and congratulated all players selectedto represent the country.“We are proud to name our PNG LNG Kumuls and Santos PNG Orchids squads for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Representing Papua New Guinea at a World Cup is one of thehighest honours a player can achieve, and we congratulate every player selected.“These squads reflect the talent, hard work, and commitment of our players, as well as the work being done across our pathways, clubs and competitions. We look forward to seeingboth teams carry the pride of Papua New Guinea onto the world stage.”PNG LNG KUMULSHead Coach: Jason DemetriouThe PNG LNG Kumuls will be represented by the following 26 players:PNG KUMULS SQUAD1. Bailey Biondi-Odo — New Zealand Warriors2. Jack De Belin — Parramatta Eel3. Robert Derby — North Queensland Cowboys4. Dudley Dotoi — Townsville Blackhawks5. Joshua Feledy — Manly Warringah Sea Eagles6. Finley Glare — London Broncos7. Liam Horne — Leigh Leopards8. Edwin Ipape — Leigh Leopards9. Zev John — Central Queensland Capras10. Epel Kapinias — London Broncos11. Zac Laybutt — North Queensland Cowboys12. Nene Macdonald — St Helens13. Rhyse Martin — Hull Kr14. Robert Mathias — London Broncos15. Morea Morea — London Broncos16. Luca Moretti — Parramatta Eels17. Sylvester Namo — PNG Hunters18. Nixon Putt — Central Queensland Capras19. Rodrick Tai — Central Queensland Capras20. Valentine Richard — Central Queensland Capra21. Gairo Voro — London Broncos22. Sanny Wabo — Png Hunters23. Khaiya Waiembi — Png HuntersSHADOW PLAYERS24. Kyle Laybutt25. Alex Max — London Broncos26. Jacob Taulani — Newcastle KnightsSANTOS PNG ORCHIDSHead Coach: Craig SandercockThe Santos PNG Orchids will be represented by the following 23-player final squad:SANTOS PNG ORCHIDS SQUAD1. Therese Aiton — Ipswich Jets2. Elsie Albert — Parramatta Eels3. Essay Banu — North Queensland Cowboys4. Annika Butler — Maitland Pickers5. Jenny David — Brisbane Tigers6. Fleur Ginn — Parramatta Eels7. Belinda Gwasamun — Mt. Hagen Eagles8. Josephine Howard — Central Dabaris9. Jasmine Joe — Port Moresby Vipers10. Naomi Kelly — Central Dabaris11. Shellie Long — Northern Pride12. Mala Mark — Central Dabaris13. Tia Molo — Brisbane Broncos14. Mya Muller — Penrith Panthers15. Vanessa Nakkas — Central Dabaris16. Cynthia Peters — Rabaul Gurias17. Ua Ravu — South Sydney Rabbitohs18. Jafinda Sap — Central Dabaris19. India Seeto — Brisbane Tigers20. Emily Vievers — North Queensland Cowboys21. Gemma Walker — Western Clydesdales22. Ivania Wong — Act23. Relna Wuruki-Hosea — Canberra RaidersDEVELOPMENT PLAYERS24. Gian Kaupa — Lae Snax Tigers25. Jacinta Garry — Mt. Hagen Eagle26. Joyce Hobert — Port Moresby VipersThe 2026 Rugby League World Cup will provide both teams with the opportunity to showcase Papua New Guinea’s growing strength and depth in rugby league whilerepresenting the nation on one of the sport’s biggest stages.For the players selected, the tournament will be an opportunity to wear the national colours with pride and build on the strong history and legacy of the Kumuls and Orchids.PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said the selection of the two squads was a proud moment for the players, their families, clubs, and the wider rugby league community.“To represent Papua New Guinea at a Rugby League World Cup is a tremendous honour, and we are incredibly proud of the players selected to wear the PNG LNG Kumuls andSantos PNG Orchids jerseys."“We know what these teams mean to our people. They carry the hopes and pride of a nation, and we encourage Papua New Guineans at home and abroad to get behind ourplayers as they prepare to take on the world."“On behalf of the PNGRFL Board, we congratulate the players, coaches, support staff, families and everyone who has contributed to their journeys. We wish both teams everysuccess at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.”

Moresby Arts Theatre will host the Voices Beyond Limits showcase on October 16, celebrating the creativity and talents of people with disabilities in Papua New Guinea’s arts and culture sector.The event is being led by young Papua New Guinean artist and disability advocate Samuel Rei, who also serves as the theatre’s Inclusion Officer.The showcase will bring together artists, disability organizations, youth groups and community members, featuring drama, music and talent performances, alongside information booths from disability organizations, service providers and community groups.Rei said his role is to help marginalized groups, including people with disabilities, youth and women, participate in MAT events and programmes.The event grew from inclusion and safeguarding training Rei received through Australia’s support for the refurbishment of Moresby Arts Theatre, as well as a series of themed craft markets promoting accessibility and cultural diversity.Australia’s support has also helped improve accessibility at the theatre through upgraded wheelchair access, pathways and accessible amenities.“Accessibility is very important because Moresby Arts Theatre is a place where people gather, express themselves and show their talents and abilities.”“It is important to make the facility accessible for everyone, especially persons with disabilities.”Participating organizations include PNG Youths with Disabilities, Cheshire Disability Services, Calan Services and the PNG Paralympic Committee, among others.Moresby Arts Theatre received a PGK11.3 million Incentive Fund grant for major infrastructure upgrades, which were completed in late 2025.The Incentive Fund is a flagship PNG-Australia partnership led by PNG’s Department of National Planning and Monitoring, the Australian Government and an independent Board.It provides competitive grants of PGK3 million to PGK15 million to Papua New Guinean organizations to deliver locally driven infrastructure and capability investments that strengthen services and expand opportunities.

More than 15,000 disengaged young people have registered on the National Youth Development Authority’s online platform, as Western Highlands becomes the 11th province to roll out the National Youth Engagement Strategy.The announcement was made in Mount Hagen on October 5, with Dei District identified as the pilot district for implementing the strategy in the province.NYDA Director General Joe Itaki said Papua New Guinea already has several policies supporting youth development, but the National Youth Engagement Strategy provides a single framework to coordinate these efforts at the local level.The strategy aims to connect disengaged youth with opportunities in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, cocoa, small and medium enterprises, and technical and vocational education and training.Western Highlands Deputy Provincial Administrator Esley Tikil said disengaged youth make up a significant part of the population but have often been left out of development opportunities.Under the strategy, data collected through the online registration platform will be used to identify young people and refer them to suitable sectors, training and employment pathways.The NYDA and Western Highlands Provincial Administration will now work together to mobilise and register disengaged youth through local-level governments in Dei District before processing and referring them to appropriate opportunities.The province has also called for continued political support and counterpart funding, while asking the NYDA to help connect local youth with skills and labour mobility opportunities.

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) has named a five-member contingent for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, set for October 31 to November 13.Sprinter Kabake Lansana, 17, and swimmer Roxanne Kirarock, 15, will represent PNG, under the leadership of Chef de Mission Dame Iammo Gapi Launa - PNG's first female Olympian.In a statement, Dame Iammo said it was an honour to lead the young team.“It is an honour for me to lead our young athletes at these Games, and to represent Papua New Guinea,” Dame Iammo said."Roxanne and Kabake have earned their place through hard work and commitment, and we are very proud of them," she said.Both athletes have international experience this year, with Kirarock setting personal bests at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in July and Lansana competing at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene in August.PNG received one quota place each in athletics and swimming, allocated by the International Olympic Committee based on World Aquatics rankings and international federation criteria, and not on open entry.Dame Iammo said expectations for Dakar are clear."Our aim is simple, to perform at our very best. We expect our athletes to set new personal bests, and if that takes them onto a podium, we’ll be thrilled,” Dame Iammo said.The two-time Olympian, who carried PNG's flag at Los Angeles 1984, said Dakar is a key step toward Brisbane 2032.“Dakar is also one step on a longer road. Next year we have the Pacific Games in Tahiti and the Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta. And our goal for these athletes is to keep building towards the Olympic Games in 2032 Brisbane as their target.” She said the experience would be valuable for the young athletes."For a young athlete, this kind of international experience is priceless. They will learn how to handle pressure, how to prepare in a world-class environment, and where they stand against peers," she said.She had a final message for the two athletes, “To Roxanne and Kabake, you have already made your families, your communities and your country proud. Go to Dakar with confidence, enjoy every moment, and give it your very best. All Papua New Guinea is behind you.”Meanwhile, Lansana will be coached by Rellie Kaputin, while Kirarock will be coached by Reed Douyere.Representing PNG at Dakar will be the Youth Olympic debut for both athletes.

The efforts by the National Government to assist communities impacted by the El Nino in the country has been further boosted with additional funding support from Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi).Ok Tedi has committed K50 million to support drought relief and recovery efforts across Papua New Guinea (PNG), reinforcing the National Government's response to the current El Niño-induced drought crisis.The commitment comes amid growing concerns over worsening drought conditions, water shortages, food insecurity and the impact on livelihoods across many parts of the country.The National Weather Service has identified a number of provinces as experiencing critical, severe, or moderate drought conditions. Government estimates and assessments by development partners indicate that millions of Papua New Guineans could be affected if conditions persist or worsen.Ok Tedi Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kedi Ilimbit, said the company is committed to supporting the national response efforts while recognising that the Government remains responsible for leading the country's drought response."Ok Tedi stands with the people of Papua New Guinea during this difficult period. Our contribution is intended to strengthen existing Government and humanitarian initiatives and ensure assistance reaches communities most affected by the drought," Mr. Ilimbit said.Ok Tedi will work closely with the National Disaster Centre, Provincial Disaster Offices and other response partners to identify areas where support can deliver the greatest impact.Rather than providing direct cash assistance, the programme will focus on practical and sustainable interventions, including logistics support, water security projects, agricultural recoveryinitiatives and community resilience activities."We are committed to ensuring that all assistance is delivered transparently, responsibly and in a manner that complements ongoing national efforts," Mr. Ilimbit said.Further details on programme implementation will be announced following consultations with Government agencies, humanitarian organisations and other stakeholders.Ok Tedi Mining Limited is a majority state-owned entity that operates an open pit copper, gold and silver mine located in the Star Mountains of the Western Province.

The prime minister has announced that Papua New Guinea will now be providing massive funding support to Tuvalu to support its efforts to reduce the impacts of climate change.Prime Minister James Marape made this announcement on Monday, stating a commitment of K25 million over the next five years to support Tuvalu’s coastal adaptation and land reclamation projects.Speaking at a joint press conference with Tuvaluan Prime Minister Feleti Teo in Funafuti, Prime Minister Marape confirmed that K5 million will be allocated from each annual budget over the five-year committed term.In fact, the first annual instalment of K5 million has already been transferred to Tuvalu’s treasury to initiate immediate funding for local defence measures.The announcement took place during the leader segment of the pre-COP31 planning meetings, which aim to address regional climate vulnerabilities ahead of the global summit.Papua New Guinea's funding will directly support the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project - a national initiative designed to reinforce the country's coastlines and reclaim safe land amid rising sea levels.Prime Minister Marape, who arrived in Funafuti early Monday morning from Port Moresby as the first regional leader to attend the two-day segment, emphasized that Pacific island nations must take immediate, practical action rather than waiting for international climate funds."This is an indication that whilst we wait for everybody else to respond, let's do what we have to do," PM Marape said, noting that his administration is prepared to ship rock, boulders and soil from Papua New Guinea's mountains if requested by Tuvalu to assist with physical reclamation.Prime Minister Teo acknowledged the contribution, stating that the financial resources will be utilised to secure the island nation's highly vulnerable coastline.Prime Minister Teo noted that while international bodies recently adopted a political declaration on sea level rise at the United Nations General Assembly, declarations alone cannot physically fix eroding coastlines without substantial capital.The Prime Minister issued a formal appeal to industrialized nations, including the United States, China, Japan, India, and the United Kingdom, to provide direct financial assistance to small island states facing immediate existential threats.Meantime, the pre-COP31 leader segment event continues through Tuesday in Funafuti, where arriving Pacific leaders will inspect local engineering projects before the broader planning meetings transition to Fiji later this week.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) will be providing financial assistance to Tuvalu to support its climate change mitigation and solution efforts.Prime Minister James Marape says PNG is ready to work with Tuvalu on practical long-term solutions to climate change, including land reclamation, coastal protection, water security, renewable energy and fisheries development.Marape said this ahead of his visit to Funafuti, where he will hold bilateral discussions with Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo and support Pacific climate discussions ahead of COP31. He said PNG strongly believes every possible effort should be made to enable the people of Tuvalu to remain in their sovereign homeland rather than accept relocation as an inevitable consequence of climate change.“Tuvalu is a sovereign Pacific nation with its own people, culture, language, history and identity. Our starting position must be that we help Tuvalu remain Tuvalu,” Prime Minister Marape said.“We should not simply accept that because the sea is rising, the people must eventually leave their country.”“Science and engineering have advanced. Land can be reclaimed and elevated, coastlines can be protected, freshwater can be secured, renewable energy can be developed, and Tuvalu’s enormous ocean resources can provide a stronger economic foundation for its people.” programme.Tuvalu has a land area of only about 26 square kilometres and a population of just over 10,000 people, with more than half living on Funafuti. Prime Minister Marape said Tuvalu was already demonstrating that land reclamation and coastal adaptation were possible. Its long-term adaptation plans envisage approximately 3.6 square kilometres of raised climate resilient land in Funafuti.“For a country with only about 26 square kilometres of existing land, creating another 3.6 square kilometres of safe, elevated land would be transformational,” he said.“Countries such as Singapore have demonstrated over many years what reclamation and engineering can achieve. Tuvalu is geographically and environmentally very different, so its solutions must be designed specifically for its atoll environment, but we should bring the same ambition to this challenge.”Prime Minister Marape said PNG was prepared to discuss practical assistance towards Tuvalu’s adaptation.

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has congratulated 54 newly commissioned police officers and challenged them to serve Papua New Guinea with discipline, integrity, commitment and love for their country. Prime Minister Marape issued the challenge on Friday 2nd October at the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) National Centre of Excellence at Bomana during the Commissioning Parade of Cadet Intake 1 of 2023. The officers have completed three years of cadet training designed to prepare them for leadership and command responsibilities within the Constabulary. Prime Minister Marape said he was moved by what he saw as the officers stood on parade. “In your eyes, I saw commitment, zeal, fire, emotion and love for your country,” he said. “You touched my heart.” He reminded the officers that they were taking on responsibilities extending far beyond the parade ground at Bomana and could be called upon to serve anywhere in Papua New Guinea. 

More than 279,000 students across Papua New Guinea have started their National Examinations, with the National Department of Education warning schools and students against examination malpractice.The examinations for Grades 8, 10 and 12 begin today, with 84,596 Grade 10 students from 547 high and secondary schools sitting their papers from October 5 to 9.This will be followed by 37,430 Grade 12 students from 250 secondary schools, including the seven National Schools of Excellence, from October 12 to 16.A further 157,500 Grade 8 students from 3,815 primary schools will sit their examinations from October 19 to 22.Secretary for Education Dr Uke Kombra said strict measures are in place to protect the integrity of the examinations.“Students and schools are being warned of serious consequences, which include non-certification for students, termination from teaching for teachers, and banning of schools for a minimum period of three years.”Dr Kombra said the Department has issued strict supervisory guidelines to external invigilators across the country.He also said the Department is working with provincial governments, police and security personnel to ensure the examinations proceed without disruption.Contingency arrangements have also been established to respond to possible natural disasters and other unforeseen emergencies.Dr Kombra urged parents, guardians and communities to support students by providing a quiet environment for study and ensuring candidates arrive at their examination locations on time.The Department is also encouraging the public, parents and students to report suspected examination malpractice or paper leaks.Grade 10 marking in the National Capital District will begin immediately after the first examination, with answer sheets to be sent to the provinces for consistent and uniform marking.Grade 12 marking will take place in Port Moresby from October 18 to 29, while Grade 8 papers will be marked in the provinces after the examinations.Dr Kombra also confirmed that the exact number of students who have been nominated to sit for the National exams are from the final confirmation by schools on the Online Student Information Booklets System (SIBS).

The Australian Government-supported PNGRFL Academy has again demonstrated its impact on rugby league development in Papua New Guinea, with 26 Academy graduates featuring prominently in the 2026 Prime Minister's XIII fixtures in Port Moresby.Academy players represented Papua New Guinea across the PMXIII women's matches as well as the Junior Orchids and Junior Kumuls, with several players delivering standout performances, showcasing the strength of the pathways program and the opportunities it is creating for young athletes to progress to the highest levels of the game.One of the highlights of the day was the history-making win by the Junior Kumuls, who secured a famous victory over the Australian Schoolboys. It was a milestone result that showcased the exciting talent emerging from PNG, with nine PNGRFL Academy graduates helping the Junior Kumuls to a strong 18-10 win. The Junior Kumuls were led by PNGRFL Academy coach and mentor Joey Grima, while all three tries were scored by Academy graduates Jason Daniel (two) and Otto Thomas (one).Despite a 32-0 defeat, the Junior Orchids played with heart, resilience, and tremendous potential against a quality Australian Schoolgirls opposition, providing plenty of optimism for the future of women's rugby league in PNG.The Australian PMXIII Men’s and Women’s teams faced tough opposition from their PNG counterparts but ultimately won their games 60-10 and 66-6 in front of a large crowd at Santos National Football Stadium. Crowd favourite and Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mam scored three tries for the Aussies, while PNG Hunters’ Sylvester Namo and NCDC POM Vipers rookie sensation Jeremiah Ben both scored tries for PNG. Acting Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Mr. Adrian Lochrin, said the strong representation of Academy graduates reflected the success of long-term investments in grassroots rugby league development."The PNG RFL Academy continues to open doors for talented young Papua New Guineans, providing pathways that help players realise their potential both on and off the field.""Seeing so many Academy graduates represent Papua New Guinea at the Prime Minister's XIII fixtures highlights the strength of the program and the dedication of the players, coaches and communities who support them."PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina said the performances demonstrated the growing strength of Papua New Guinea’s rugby league pathways.“The win by the Junior Kumuls today is a testament to the vision and hard work of all involved in the PNGRFL Academy. These young men and women have worked hard to earn their opportunities, and they showed us today that they belong on the international stage. With funding support from the Australian Government, the Academy symbolises the great partnership between PNG and Australia.”“With more Academy graduates stepping into representative rugby league each year, the future of our game is incredibly exciting. As we look toward the PNG Chiefs in 2028, these players are proving that Papua New Guinea has the talent, passion and potential to compete with the very best.”

The outstanding performance by the Junior Kumuls over the weekend against the Australian Schoolboys team, has received a big applaud from the prime minister himself.Prime Minister James Marape has congratulated the PNG Junior Kumuls on their historic 18–10 victory over the Australian Schoolboys and commended all Papua New Guinean and Australian teams that competed in the Prime Minister’s XIII rugby league programme at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby city on Saturday 3rd October. Prime Minister Marape said the Junior Kumuls’ first victory over the Australian Schoolboys was a proud moment for Papua New Guinea and an encouraging sign of the young talent emerging through the country’s rugby league pathways. “This is a historic achievement for our Junior Kumuls and for Papua New Guinea rugby league,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Our young men showed courage, discipline and confidence against some of the best emerging rugby league talent in Australia.” “They led 10–0 at halftime, withstood the Australian comeback and finished strongly to win 18–10.” “I congratulate every player, coach and official involved. You have made Papua New Guinea proud.” “This victory shows us that the talent is here,” he said. domestic competitions and elite pathways.”Prime Minister Marape said the victory demonstrated why Papua New Guinea must continue investing in junior development and pathways as the country prepares for the PNG Chiefs to enter the NRL in 2028.

The Sydney Roosters have defeated the Newcastle Knights 19-18 in a thrilling 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final at Accor Stadium on Sunday night.The Knights started strongly in front of 80,814 fans and raced to a 12-0 lead, but the Roosters fought back before eventually securing the premiership in a match that went down to the final minutes.Knights back-rower Francis Manuleleua opened the scoring in the 16th minute after Fletcher Sharpe delivered a pass to put him through a gap. Sandon Smith converted to give Newcastle a 6-0 lead.Kalyn Ponga then extended the Knights' advantage in the 30th minute after collecting a Mark Nawaqanitawase tap-back from a high kick and racing 96 metres to score. Sandon Smith again converted to make it 12-0.The Roosters responded through Mark Nawaqanitawase in the 36th minute. Nawaqanitawase put the ball on the toe after a Rob Toia tap-back and followed through to score. Sam Walker converted, reducing the deficit to 12-6 at half-time.The Roosters continued their comeback early in the second half, with Billy Smith scoring in the 48th minute after breaking free from a Jermaine McEwen tackle. Walker converted to level the match at 12-12.Sam Walker then added a penalty goal in the 54th minute to put the Roosters ahead 14-12.Nawaqanitawase scored his second try in the 60th minute after a Daly Cherry-Evans grubber hit the upright and bounced to James Tedesco, who floated the ball over to his winger. Walker missed the conversion, leaving the Roosters with an 18-12 lead.With 10 minutes remaining, Cherry-Evans produced a crucial moment by calmly slotting a field goal from 18 metres in the 70th minute to give the Roosters a 19-12 advantage.The Knights refused to surrender.In the 77th minute, Greg Marzhew crossed in the corner after Kalyn Ponga and Francis Manuleleua were heavily involved in the lead-up, with Bradman Best providing the final pass. Sandon Smith converted from the sideline to reduce the margin to 19-18.The Knights continued to pressure the Roosters in the closing minutes, but the Roosters held on.James Tedesco made a crucial play in the final minute, cleaning up a bouncing ball under pressure as the Roosters secured the one-point victory.Tedesco was awarded the 2026 Clive Churchill Medal after producing a standout performance. The Roosters captain finished with 385 metres from 35 runs and 14 tackle breaks.The victory gives the Roosters their first premiership since 2019, while Cherry-Evans secured his second premiership, 15 years after his first with the Manly Sea Eagles.The Knights' forwards produced a major defensive effort throughout the contest. Mat Croker made 47 tackles, Cody Hopwood 46 and Jermaine McEwen 42, while Fletcher Sharpe made 29 tackles.The Knights finished the match with 42 per cent of possession and were forced to make 120 more tackles than the Roosters, but continued to fight until the final siren.The Roosters ultimately prevailed 19-18 in one of the closest Grand Finals, completing their comeback after trailing 12-0 early in the contest.Source: NRL