With Round 1 now only just over a month away, Brisbane Broncos forward Corey Jensen said he was looking forward to the challenge of facing off against defending premiers the Penrith Panthers to launch the club's 2023 season. “Oh, it’s a great challenge … they are definitely the benchmark side for the last two-three years now; (but) our focus all pre-season has been on getting better at what we need to get better at and that’s defensively, and we've worked really hard with that, and come Round 1, we'll have a good understanding of where we are at as a club and where we have to be because they are the benchmark,” Jensen told assembled media following the club’s Friday morning training session. “(Playing the premiers first up), you know where you stand, you know what you have to do … but you know they're going be ready to go from the get-go, they've done that over the last two years, so it's a good test for us. “I'm sure we'll be ready to go; and get through this trial period and hopefully work on the things we've been working on and we'll be ready in Round 1.” [caption id="attachment_34839" align="alignnone" width="673"] Corey Jensen in action for the Broncos against his former team the North Queensland Cowboys last season.[/caption] Jensen – who has earned the nickname ‘mud crab’ due to his wrestling style during training drills – made the move to Red Hill last year and enjoyed a breakout season after spending five years with the North Queensland Cowboys where he played 58 games, finding what he called a ‘new lease of life’. “It was a big move; I've spent my whole life up north there and I'm a bit of a family person, so to come down here and take myself out of my comfort zone was a big thing, and I think it really sparked (things) for me to rejuvenate my career a little bit,” Jensen said. “There's a lot of quality players here and that was a drawcard at the time to come down here and I knew that I still had a lot more better football in me, so I thought a change was good for me and so far, it has worked out well and I'm hoping going into this season that I can have a bigger one. “I felt coming down here was sort of a new lease on life really. I went out there and just wanted to enjoy my football and there’s a great bunch of players here and they're all young and they're willing to learn and are keeping me on my toes. “I want to get better, as they do, so we'll keep pushing each other hard." Last season, Jensen played 18 games for the Broncos and started in 10 of them, but with the Broncos boasting a strong forward pack, remains in competition with the likes of Thomas Flegler to retain starting position this season. “I got a chance to start there and I really enjoyed that; I hadn't had that previously in my career,” Jensen said. “It is a different role being and coming off the bench or starting, so wherever Kevie sees the best fit for me and the team, and I know Flegs is the same. “We both obviously have a preference to start, everyone wants to start, but we have a job to do regardless coming off the bench or starting, and my focus has been on trying to get better each game and each year wherever I'm playing.” Source: NRL.Com

Foreign exchange turnover growth was driven by both increased BPNG interventions and higher receipts from commodity exports. According to the 2022 BSP Quarter 4 Pacific Economic and Market Insights Report, foreign exchange (FX) market turnover for 2022 increased by 17.3% compared to the prior year. BSP Group General Manager for Treasury Mr. Rohan George said, “FX turnover in 2022 was supported by strong commodity prices, in particular Oil, Copper, Palm Oil, and Coffee. These firmer commodity prices assisted to offset the lost FX inflows from the closure of the Porgera gold mine.” “BPNG intervention in the FX market in the December quarter 2022 rose 51% compared to the September quarter” according to Mr. George, Mr. George added, “Outstanding FX orders with BSP fell by 70% in the past quarter, with large end of year FX inflows and Central Bank interventions more than offsetting large crude oil imports and pre-Christmas stocking.” The PNG Kina (PGK) mid-rate was stable against the US dollar (USD) at 0.2840. The stability against the USD allowed the PGK to finish stronger against major currencies, due to the cross currency effect of the strong USD. The PGK finished the year 6.8% stronger against the Australian dollar (AUD), with Mr. George explaining, “recessionary fears amid a tightening of monetary policy in Australia and widening unfavorable interest rate differentials, weakened the AUD early in the 2022 December quarter before rebounding at years end to remain broadly unchanged over the quarter.” When speaking on BSP’s near-term outlook for the PNG FX market, Mr. George added, “After strong FX inflows in the December quarter, we expect post-Christmas import orders to increase in January and February, with FX inflows gaining momentum into the end of March.” “To manage volatility in foreign currency flows, businesses should place FX orders (with correct documentation), as soon as possible, ensure orders are cash backed whilst awaiting execution, tax clearance certificates are current and reflect the expected FX order execution time.” he concluded.

Peru has closed its famous tourist site Machu Picchu indefinitely over the ongoing protests against the country's new president. The government said it closed the site, and the Inca trail hike leading up to it, to protect tourists and citizens. Hundreds of people who were stuck for hours at the foot of the 15th Century Inca citadel have now been rescued. The violent protests, which have seen dozens of people killed, began when Peru's previous leader was ousted. Rail services to Machu Picchu were suspended on Thursday after some train tracks were damaged, allegedly by protesters. It left 418 people stranded at the site, tourism minister Luis Fernando Helguero said at a news conference on Saturday. However by Saturday night, the tourism ministry announced that everyone - 148 foreigners and 270 Peruvians - had been safely evacuated on trains and buses. They are not the first visitors to have been stranded at Machu Picchu because of civil unrest - last month, hundreds of tourists were airlifted out after being stuck there for several days. Sitting high on a mountain in the Andes, Machu Picchu is considered one of the new seven wonders of the world. It is hugely popular with tourists, with around a million people visiting every year. Some visitors arrive at Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, which is a famous multi-day hike. In a statement, Peru's culture ministry said that those who had already bought tickets for the site would be able to use them for one month after the end of the demonstrations, or get a refund. Demonstrators in Peru are demanding fresh elections and calling for the new President, Dina Boluarte, to stand down, which she has so far refused to do. They want her left-wing predecessor, Pedro Castillo, who is in jail and facing charges of rebellion and conspiracy, to be released. Mr Castillo denies the accusations and insists that he is still Peru's legitimate leader. Authorities announced on Saturday that another protester had died following demonstrations in the southern region of Puno, where police stations were set on fire. At least 58 Peruvians have been injured in the protests, according to a report from Peru's ombudsman. In the latest clashes, roads were blocked and police fired tear gas at stone-throwing demonstrators in the capital, Lima. The European Union has condemned the widespread violence and what it called the "disproportionate" use of force by the police. In a statement, it called for "urgent steps to restore calm". Peru has been through years of political turmoil, which came to a head when Mr Castillo was arrested last month for trying to dissolve Congress. Ms Boluarte has resisted calls to step down, including from some regional governors, and earlier this week urged Peruvians to ensure their protests were peaceful.     Source: BBC

Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko MP, has tasked the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) responsible for revising Papua New Guinea’s Foreign Policy White Paper, to conduct an independent review of past revision endeavours to establish a modern direction for international diplomacy. “This priority objective for the EPG will become the basis of the Foreign Policy White Paper to clearly reflect the sovereignty of Papua New Guinea and how the Government will coordinate its Regional and International Engagements moving into the future,” said Minister Tkatchenko. In an official press conference today, Minister Tkatchenko introduced the EPG Members that comprises of Sir Charles Lepani (Chairman), Dame Meg Taylor, Ms. Winnie Kiap, Dame Jean Kekedo, Mr Gabriel Pepson, Mr Gabriel Dusava and Mr Robert Igara. “I want to acknowledge these wonderful citizens who have put their hands up to support our government to ensure that this independent process takes place for the benefit of foreign policy.” “They have had many years and a substantial amount of collective experience with foreign affairs to be part of this very important Foreign Policy White Paper.” “I couldn’t ask for a better line up of professional Papua New Guineans who will make sure we know where we are going, as a government, as a sovereign country, when it comes to foreign affairs.” “It was one of the first things I looked at as foreign minister to look at the current situations (in the Region and abroad) and put Papua New Guinea in a strategic position without fear and without favour.” “There have been so many past reviews of this Foreign Policy White Paper but never approved and implemented so we will ensure that this is done in the next 12 months.” Minister Tkatchenko said the Department of Foreign Affairs is the Government’s premier department that dictates policy agreements and assesses important areas of security, economics and many other relevant sectors. “It's also about having a guide or template for our ambassadors, high commissioners and foreign missions to understand their role and how they work for the benefit of our government and country.” He said the preliminary work of the committee had already begun with the terms of reference being finalized for an official submission to be presented to The National Executive Council. EPG Chairman Sir Charles Lepani thanked the government for having the confidence and trust in them to take on the task of reviewing the country’s foreign policy white paper.

Prime Minister James Marape has presented a total of K28 million in cheques to Enga Province. During his official two-day visit to Enga Province, last Friday (20/01/23), PM Marape made these cheque presentations, to the Wapenamande MP, Hon. Miki Karok and the Enga Governor, Sir Peter Ipatas, in Wapenamanda. The Prime Minister was warmly welcomed and hosted by Wapenamanda Open MP and Vice Minister for Works and Highways Hon.Miki Kaeok, where the PM Marape presented the cheques, totalling up to K28 million. K5 million was presented to start work on the newly proposed Wapenamanda-Lower Lai-Baiyer road while another K5 million cheque was presented to start coffee production and SME registration in the district. Another K5 million was presented for the immediate rehabilitation of the Wapenamanda Emmanuel Lutheran Hospital and assist the district health services. The Prime Minister also announced an additional K3 million to the refurbishment of the Mukurumanda Correctional Service Institution located inside the district. In the presence of the veteran Enga Governor Sir Petet Ipatas, the Prime Minister gave K5 million for the continuation of work at the Huli Opene Technical College and another K5 million to start work on the establishment of the University of Enga project. The Prime Minister spent the night with Hon. Miki Kaeok at the Highlands Lutheran International School, located along the district borders of the Wapenamanda and Wabag districts and attended Sabbath, yesterday. The Pangu Pati parliamentary leader led a powerful parliamentary delegation consisting of Finance and National Planning Minister Hon. Rainbo Paia, Works and Highways Minister Hon. Solan Mirisim, Wabag Open MP and Health Minister Hon. Dr Lino Tom, Kandep Open MP and Minister for Sports, Higher Education, Science and Technology Hon.Don Polye and Mul-Baiyer Open MP Hon.Jacob Maki.

“Avengers” star Jeremy Renner says he broke more than 30 bones in the New Year’s Day snowplow accident that sent him to the hospital for more than two weeks. Renner, who plays superhero archer Hawkeye in the Marvel movie and TV “Universe,” posted a photo on Instagram with a caption that read: “Morning workouts, resolutions all changed this particular new years …. Spawned from tragedy for my entire family, and quickly focused into uniting actionable love I want to thank EVERYONE for their messages and thoughtfulness for my family and I …. Much love and appreciation to you all. These 30 plus broken bones will mend , grow stronger, just like the love and bond with family and friends deepens . Love and blessings to you all.” Renner turned 52 in the hospital. He was injured by a snowplow while clearing a driveway near his Nevada home, leaving him with “blunt chest trauma and orthopedic injuries,” his publicist previously told CNN. He underwent two surgeries and was treated in the intensive care unit. Monday night, the “Mayor of Kingstown” star replied to a Twitter post from the show, writing, “Outside my brain fog in recovery, I was very excited to watch episode 201 with my family at home.” A 911 call log obtained by CNN says Renner was “completely crushed under a large snowcat (vehicle)” and that he had “extreme (difficulty) breathing.” It goes on to read that, “the right side of his chest is collapsed – upper torso is crushed.” Renner’s snowcat, an engine-powered machine used to clear snow, started to roll away while Renner was off the driver’s seat, Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam previously said. Source: CNN Entertainment

If you're finding it hard to see the stars in the sky where you live — you're not alone. Data collected by citizen scientists around the world over the past 12 years shows that the night sky is disappearing due to rapid increases in light pollution. The data, reported in the journal Science, indicates the change in visibility reported is equivalent to an average increase in sky brightness of 9.6 percent per year. "The rate at which people are reporting that they see fewer stars was shockingly fast," said Christopher Kyba, who led the study. Connie Walker, an astronomer and founding member of the Globe At Night program at NOIRLab in the US, said the finding indicated we were in danger of losing our night sky. "If we lose the night sky, we lose part of our cultural heritage and we can't get it back if we're not good stewards," Dr Walker said. Light pollution also affects our environment and health. "But the really good thing is that light pollution is one of the very easiest problems to redress," she said. "Every single person on Earth can do something about it." The power of people Urban centres are surrounded by a halo produced by artificial light known as sky glow. Satellites that whiz around our planet pick up specks of light coming from our growing towns and cities, but they can't measure the total amount of light pollution. "Satellite data is lacking in very, very many ways," Dr Walker said. For a start they cannot pick up light in the blue wavelength that comes from modern LED lights. They also only pick up light coming directly upwards, not sideways from billboards or buildings in general. But humans can. The Globe At Night program asks citizen scientists to count the number of stars they can see in constellations such as Orion and the Southern Cross throughout the year. Dr Kyba, from the Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam in Germany, worked with colleagues to analyse more than 51,000 observations taken on cloudless nights between 2011 and 2022. Around 68 per cent of the observations were from North America and Europe, with a one-off campaign in Australia, and a smattering of observations from Asia, Africa and South America. Light pollution is a local phenomenon, and varies from the global average depending upon your specific location. At a continental level, North America experienced an average increase in light pollution of 10 per cent, while Europe experienced an average increase of 6.5 per cent. While there's not enough data for the other continents, Dr Kyba said the study provided a big picture snapshot that represented changes across the globe. Fred Watson, Australia's astronomer-at-large, said the result was striking. "It's surprising that that is so much more than what we see from the satellite images," said Professor Watson, who is a dark-sky advocate but was not involved with this study. Satellite images suggest light pollution is increasing on average by about 2 percent each year.   What's happening in Australia? The bulk of the Australian data in the study comes from a Guinness World Record attempt to record the night sky in 2020. More than 11,000 people – 9,000 of them in Australia – recorded their observations of the Southern Cross in a single night. "We broke the Globe at Night website," said Marnie Ogg, founder of the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance. Source: ABC Science

Boroko Police in the nation's capital Port Moresby have arrested and charged 25 people for illegal street vending in a public place and they are now detained in the cells awaiting their court appearances. According to the Officer in Charge of Boroko Support unit Senior Constable Petrus Mund, the 25 people were street vending around the Stop and Shop area, the Tabari bus stop, and near the banks which are not designated areas for vending. Most of those who were arrested and charged were selling betel nut, while a few were selling other items. NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika, said police conducted awareness throughout the city, reminding street sellers to stop vending at undesignated locations, such as bus stops, footpaths, shop fronts, traffic lights and other public areas. According to Mr. Sika the police will continue to arrest suspects if they defy the orders issued by the police. He said, " I am pleased with the effort taken by Boroko Police, and I call on the other stations to do likewise." "When we caution and discharge them, they will come back and do the same. The public must also stop from buying from them so they will stop. I want you all to work with the police to keep the city clean and crime free. My police officers and I can only do so much to fight crime, and we need your help and support," Sika said. While acknowledging Metsup Sika's statement, Senior Constable Petrus Mund said his members will continue to clamp down on illegal markets in their area of operations. Meanwhile, NCD/ Central Commander Anthony Wagambie Jr called on the public to respect the job of police officers. He said members of the Constabulary work under very challenging circumstances everyday and people should respect their roles and responsibilities. He said the police are doing it for a purpose and that is to minimise crime and keep the city clean. The 25 alleged offenders were charged under the Summary Offences Act, Section 44B for Illegal Street sales and Under the NCDC Litter Act, Section 11, Sales of Betelnut. They were told to pay K300 police bail or remain in custody while awaiting their court appearances.

A butcher died while trying to slaughter a pig in Hong Kong on Friday, the city’s police said. The 61-year-old butcher, who worked in the Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse on the city’s northern outskirts close to its border with mainland China, was knocked to the ground by the struggling pig and sustained a wound from a 40 centimeter (15 inch) meat cleaver, police told CNN. The butcher had been about to kill the pig – which he had already shot with an electric stun gun – when it regained consciousness and knocked him over, police said. A colleague found the man unconscious with the cleaver in his hand and a wound on his left foot, police said. He was taken to hospital and was later certified dead. The police force said the cause of death has yet to be determined. The city’s Labour Department said it has launched an investigation. “The Labour Department is saddened by the death of the person and expresses its deepest sympathy to his family,” it said in a statement. “We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of the work safety legislation,” a department spokesman said. The city’s Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, which manages livestock slaughterhouses, offered its condolences to the man’s family in a statement. Source: CNN

North Queensland forward Coen Hess believes new recruit James Tamou is “back where he belongs” with the veteran prop set to take his career full circle in 2023. The two hard-running middle forwards will be looking forward to reuniting in the upcoming NRL Telstra Premiership season after the former Australian representative prop announced he would finish his decorated NRL career with the club which handed him his debut 14 years ago. Reflecting on his formative years as a Cowboy, 26-year-old Hess said Tamou was an important mentor when he burst onto the NRL scene in 2015 and believes the former Wests Tigers captain can help lead the next generation of aspiring rugby league players in North Queensland. “I have a past with Jimmy (Tamou) and I’m so glad to see him back. I’ve always seen him as a Cowboy and he really fits in among the group, so in my eyes, he’s back where he belongs," Hess told the media during pre-season training. “He’s another old, experienced head. That helped us last year with 'Pet' (Hiku) and Chaddy (Townsend) bringing a lot of experience to the group and Jimmy is of that calibre of player as well. “He’s been around for a long time and has seen pretty much everything there is to see in the game so to have another guy like that around the club is great. “Mentoring the younger guys and even guys like myself, we can always pick his brain.” After the Bundaberg product spearheaded his side to a remarkable turnaround in 2022, where the Cowboys came just one game short of the grand final, Hess said this year’s focus has been on broadening his skillset as a forward. After starting his career in the backrow, he may also find himself back there to begin the 2023 season following the departures of Tom Gilbert (Dolphins) and Ben Condon (Sea Eagles), and with Heilum Luki (knee) and Luciano Leilua (stood down) unavailable for Round 1. “I’m actually doing a bit of both (front row and second row training). We’ve got a few backrowers missing for different reasons so it’s about being a bit more versatile,” he said. “I had a whole pre-season at front row last year, so I feel comfortable in that role but it’s more just about getting familiar in the back row if so happens that I have to play there for a little bit. “The NRL season is a bit longer this year and you never know what’s going to happen with injuries so pre-season is a good opportunity to get a few reps in everywhere.” A proud one-club-man, Hess has capped 141 games for North Queensland and said he hopes to learn from experienced leaders such as Tamou to “be more of a voice” around the club in 2023. “I see myself a bit more as a leader now and I want to be there for the younger guys if they ever need anything or if I see anything they might be lacking around the club,” he said. “I feel like I am probably in a position to pick guys up on those sorts of things. "I really want to buy into the culture and set the standards that the coaches and we as players want to hold up.” Source: NRL.com

Millions of football fans celebrated in the streets of Argentina and partied through the night after their team's epic World Cup victory last month. But one farmer in the country decided to pay his own a-MAIZE-ing tribute. He planted a specially designed cornfield, which has now created this huge image of Lionel Messi's famous face! In fact it's so big, you can see it from space! Farmer Maximiliano Spinazze was so happy about Argentina becoming World Champions that he decided to get to work on his Messi masterpiece. He used a special coding machine which was able to use an algorithm to calculate where the seeds would need to be planted to create the tribute in his field in Los Condores, in the country's central province of Cordoba. This allowed Mr Spinazze to sow the seeds in a precise pattern to create the image, with certain areas more dense with seeds than others. The darker green areas were created by having more plants closer together, meaning the ground is less visible. The lighter areas of Messi's face have fewer plants growing there. Mr Spinazze says he's thrilled with how his tribute to the legendary Argentina captain turned out. He explained: "For me Messi is unbeatable. "Now they are world champions, I am delighted this can be expressed by planting the crop," he added. Source: BBC

New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan was given a rousing reception back to New Ireland on Thursday the 19th of January after two and a half months away from the Province. Upon arrival he was taken on a tour of the new look Kavieng Airport, an infrastructure project close to his heart. One which he penned off in 1995 when he signed the Lihir MOA as then Prime Minister. Outside the Airport terminal he was met by a patriotic crowd of New Irelanders and Senior Administrative Executives. Chief Maimai’s chanting the New Ireland way to welcome back New Ireland’s most beloved paramount Chief. “ Mi welkamim you long eye blo haus blo you. Olsem you yet I bin kamapim long driman belong you. You fulfilim ol tingting blo you. Mi putim mise lo neck blo you olsem you fulfilim pinis,” said Maimai Lawrence. “Ol pipol blo Niu Ailan welkamin you back long haus boi bilong you. Mipla i sore long you silip long bed. Tasol you kam kamap. Ol steal man, ol go insait natin long haus boi blong you long rausim malagan blong you. Displa Malagan you yet i cuttim. Ino narapela man. As a Prime Minister you did plant it,” said Chief Maimai Tonyrob Penias. Sir J taken aback by the reception responded with a stern and serious, yet uplifting message back to the people of New Ireland. He said there was a lot of hardwork ahead and New Ireland had to continue to rebuild itself through new thinking and bringing new life to the Province. “So yumi olgeta, I want you to work with the Government and the administration with New life, New thinking and we will bring New Ireland forward. And stay ahead of all the other Provinces.” Sir J said he was hospitalized for two months at two different hospitals and up to 10 different Doctors treated him. While he was in hospital he heard rumours that he had passed away. “ Na long ples, ol lain no sa laikim me tumas long politiks blo ol, oli putim pinis long mobile olsem me dai pinis. 7 pla taim olgeta mi dai, na me kam bek to life.” He said no one has the right to condemn anyone to death because everyone’s life has already been predestined by God. “ Taim mama blong me karim me long butana blong em, em displa dei em makim bai mi lusim youpela. Ino yupla ol cow boy, kakaruk man/meri long ples. Na yupla man husait i hambak, me can tokim yupla, nau bai upla go pas.” He emphasized that time spent at the hospital has allowed him to see how important health services are and promised to improve the services in the Province through a Free and subsided Health policy which is currently being worked on. Sir J then made time to pay his last respects to the late Sir Leonard Wilson Kamit who was buried at the CIS cemetary in Kavieng that same afternoon. The next day Sir J continued the momentum by holding a Government situation meeting with all sector heads to get a report on all current and outstanding matters in the province. This included the high rise in lawlessness due to the influx of people from other provinces into New Ireland. Next week the New Ireland Government will hold Provincial Implementation Committee and Provincial Executive Council meetings on Tuesday and the Provincial Assembly sitting on Wednesday to pass the 2023 New Ireland Budget.