Air Niugini, in partnership with the Australian government will service this route under the Australian government’s Pacific Flight Programme which underwrites flights during the initial establishment phase. The programme has supported over 450 flights in the Pacific since December 2020 and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic across 14 routes and 11 countries. This has helped keep Pacific communities connected, maintain supply chains and deliver critical medicines. The programme removes airlines’ commercial risk operating an agreed flight, assuring regular and scheduled flights for passengers and cargo. Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Alabaster said the weekly flights will be operated by the airline’s Boeing 767 aircraft every Tuesday from Brisbane to Palau via Port Moresby with the return flight on Wednesday. He said “As a regional operator in the Pacific we understand the importance of connecting communities and helping rebuild them after the COVID pandemic. We see real benefit to Palau with access from the Australian market to help re-build their tourism business and the cargo uplift of the B767 will be of immense value to the many businesses in Palau looking to import goods.” Airfares between both Brisbane and Palau, and Port Moresby and Palau are set to ensure Palau is a competitive destination for those looking for destinations other than Fiji, Bali etc. Palau remains one of the world’s most pristine environments and a world topping dive destination. With affordable fares and weekly flights, Air Niugini is sure this new route connecting Australia, PNG and Palau will be a winner. The fares are now available for sale. “The tourism market is vitally important to the country of Palau and direct access for the Australian market to take advantage of the wonderful diving and outdoor product unique to Palau will be a major boost to the local economy.” Mr Alabaster concluded.  

Lionel Messi’s lifelong dream of guiding Argentina to World Cup glory will remain alive until the last day of Qatar 2022, as La Albiceleste outclassed a weary-looking Croatia in a 3-0 victory in Tuesday’s semifinal. Two first-half goals, the first a Messi penalty and the second a solo effort from Julian Alvarez, put Argentina in a commanding position at the interval, a position that Croatia never looked like recovering from. Alvarez secured the victory with Argentina’s third goal in the second half following a wonderful Messi assist, providing the South American team and its 35-year-old captain with a chance to banish the demons of the 2014 final defeat, as well as securing the country’s first World Cup title since 1986. Messi spent parts of the game feeling his left hamstring, though you wouldn’t have guessed he was in any discomfort by the way his mazy, twisting run bamboozled Joško Gvardiol, one of this tournament’s best defenders, to create Argentina’s third goal. Messi’s near superhuman powers are undoubtedly dwindling as he plays into the twilight of his career, but the little magician still has the ability to deliver moments of genius just when his country needs him most. [caption id="attachment_32418" align="alignnone" width="906"] Julian Alvarez celebrates with Lionel Messi after doubling Argentina's lead.[/caption] His goal against Mexico in the group stages, the assist against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals and his overall performance in Tuesday’s semfinal have provided yet more memorable moments to a nation of 45 million people that consider him to be not far from a deity. As many as 40,000 Argentina fans are estimated to have traveled to Qatar for this World Cup, according to the Argentine embassy in Qatar, and it sounded like all of them were inside the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday night. As the clocked ticked deeper into injury time and the victory was beyond doubt, the Argentina bench and coaching staff began to join in with the rhythmic songs and chants that were being bellowed from the stands. After the final whistle, the Argentina’s players stood in front of the huge wall of blue and white shirts and took in the adulation of their adoring fans. It is almost impossible to believe that this is the same team that lost 2-1 to Saudi Arabia just three weeks ago in its opening group stage match – a performance so insipid and devoid of inspiration that it left some wondering whether Argentina would even make it out of the group. Now, against either France or Morocco, Messi will have one final chance to lift the trophy he craves the most. A date with destiny In Messi and Croatia’s Luka Modrić, both captains have led their countries in losing World Cup finals and this would be the last chance for both to get their hands on football’s most coveted prize. Neither side featured among the tournament favorites ahead of Qatar 2022, but Croatia stunned the world four years ago in reaching the final and did so once again in the previous round in Qatar, eliminating pre-tournament favorite Brazil on penalties in a display of sheer grit and determination. Modrić, Croatia’s star player and a living legend in the small Balkan nation, is battle-hardened in the biggest matches and, alongside Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic, has been part of arguably the best midfield in Qatar. Argentina, similarly, has also improved as the tournament has gone on – though it was hardly able to get any worse after that stunning defeat to Saudi Arabia. The team, which now seems to believe the script is written for Messi’s last dance to end in glory on Sunday, is almost unrecognizable from the one that took to the pitch that day. Though Croatia started the match marginally the better of the two teams, these players had played as many minutes as were possible so far in Qatar, winning against Japan and Brazil on penalties following two energy-sapping spells of extra time. Their tired legs seemed to show early on in the Lusail Stadium and even one mistake at this level is likely to prove costly. [caption id="attachment_32420" align="alignnone" width="906"] Argentina's players celebrate with their fans at full time.[/caption] That proved to be the case for Croatia as, surprisingly, Modrić of all people gave the ball away in midfield and Gvardiol failed to track Alvarez, leaving Dominik Livakovic – twice Croatia’s shootout in Qatar – exposed one-on-one against the Manchester City forward. Alvarez poked the ball around Livakovic, whose outstretched leg brought the striker down and Messi made no mistake in converting the resulting penalty, smashing it high into the top corner. That was Messi’s 11th World Cup goal, taking him past Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup finals. The match quickly looked as though it was getting away from Croatia as Alvarez made it 2-0 just five minutes later. Borna Sosa’s poor cross into the box sparked an Argentina counterattack, with Alvarez running three-quarters of the length of the pitch and, after two fortuitous ricochets in the box, buried the ball past Livakovic. Only a stunning reflex save from Livakovic prevented the score getting any worse for Croatia before half time, but it would take something extra special, even for a team that is used to conjuring footballing miracles, to come back from this one. However, Croatia offered little going forward in the second half, a combination of weary attacking play and stout Argentine defending, and its stay of execution lasted until the 70th minute. Messi picked up the ball deep and ran Gvardiol ragged, before finding Alvarez inside the box to send the Argentina fans inside the Lusail Stadium into raptures. Argentina, written off by many as inferior to other World Cup contenders, wasn’t supposed to make it to the final match in Qatar, but a determined and single-minded Messi has helped ensure that it has. Source: CNN News

Kokoda Hospital in Oro (Northern) Province will provide better services to 25 thousand people in the Kokoda region following a 1.1 million Kina refurbishment of its facilities. The project, co-funded by the Australian Government and the Oro Provincial Government under the Papua New Guinea ̵Australia Partnership and Kokoda Initiative, was officially opened on the 80th Anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign in November 2022. The refurbishments will promote high quality and equitable health care for communities in the northern regions of the Kokoda Track with improved access for persons with disabilities, extensive repairs to maternity and pediatric wards, antenatal clinics and the hospital ablutions and the provision of vaccine fridges. Australian High Commissioner Jon Philp attended the opening of the refurbished hospital alongside Oro Governor, the Gary Juffa, local member Henry Amuli MP, and Governor for Central Province, Rufina Peter MP, and Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Isi Leonard MP. This project is one of many initiatives of the partnership between the governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea to improve health services and outcomes in the PNG. Australia supports a broad portfolio of health initiatives covering communicable diseases, maternal and child health, health systems strengthening, the COVID-19 response and health infrastructure. Mr. Juffa said “Oro Provincial Government is happy to co-finance the project and improve access to vaccinations, maternal and child health clinics and in-patient services for expectant mothers and children”. Australian High Commissioner said, “together, PNG and Australia are working to achieve goals set out in PNG’s new National Health Plan, and to realize the PNG Government’s ambitions for the health sector: access to quality health facilities close to where people live, in rural and urban areas across PNG.”

The issues surrounding the National Airports Corporation are far from over even after the government stepped in to stabilize operations by suspending controversial Managing Director Rex Kiponge over management issues and appointing a caretaker Managing Director in Joseph Tupiri. Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Walter Schnaubelt made no reservation after revealing in a media gathering that NAC was financially broke. “Now that we have installed an acting Managing Director, part of his conditions of employment include drafting a terms of reference (TOR) to seek a financial institution to come and conduct a full audit of NAC. I need to know exactly where we are financially.” The minister said he is not pointing fingers at anyone right now – however the public will be informed on the outcome of the audit after its completion. “I hope that all staff within NAC will be paid accordingly, because we do have financial constraints as we speak right now. There’s not enough money in NAC and that’s the dilemma going forward.”  The Minister also stated that there’s a lot of confusion in the suspension of Mr. Kiponge. He denied having any personal issues with Mr Kiponge to get rid of him. Minister Schnaubelt said non-compliance issues were piling up while Mr. Kiponge didn’t perform to the standards and requirements of the governments expectations hence his suspension.

Officers from Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) went for Coral maintenance and monitoring trip to Motupore Island, Bootless Bay in Central Province on Sunday 11th of December 2022. This trip was the second visit. Staff from CCDA went to maintain and monitor corals they planted in August in the Bootless Bay. According to CCDA’s Adaption and Projects Division, General Manager Mr Jacob Ekinye, corals provide an ecosystem for life underwater. They protect coastlines from the damaging effects of wave action and tropical storms. Corals are source of nitrogen and other essential nutrients for marine food chains and they also assist in carbon and nitrogen fixing etc… Mr Ekinye said ; “In Climate Change, Adaption and Projects division we have nine(9) priority areas like landslides, sea level rise, coastal flooding, inland flooding and one of them is coral reef bleaching so this is one of our priority we really want to get out and do things like this. We are only discussing without getting out to the field. Where coral is, there is fish and it benefits our coastal villages and for our maritime provinces. They depend on the sea for survival. What we are doing is not a small thing. This is small initiative but we are fighting climate change globally.” Mr Ekinye commended Kokoda track Development & Livelihoods Association Inc and Lakwaharu Coral group for their initiative and efforts in rehabilitating the marine ecosystem through the activity of coral planting. Kevin Egu from Lakwaharu Coral said it is important to maintain and monitor coral by cleaning and removing algae so corals can grow. This coral gardening activity in Bootless Bay area is being undertaken by Master Farmers Kevin Egu and his uncle, Koivi Egu and community members from Tubusereia village in Central province. This reef restoration activity is sponsored by Kyeema Foundation of Brisbane, Australia. Kevin and his uncle Koivi work together with Kyeema Foundation to address the ever-increasing climate change issues affecting coral reefs in PNG. Kyeema Foundation sponsors this activity in PNG with support the from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program.

Any “estimate” is just that, an “estimate” based on whatever method the party doing the estimation employed. The estimate may either be close to the actual (truth) or far away from it depending on the method used. This applies for the population as well. Population estimates are based on methods used by Demographers (generally) in the estimation. Population estimates should never be taken to mean actual or factual. The only factual or rather close to factual will be the census figures (i.e. depending on how credible the census operation is) which we will know after the census is done. Without the Census, we can only project or estimate. PNG needs the Census to be done next year as planned and not delayed further. So, we can know the actual population (or close to actual) for policy and planning purposes. For example, population data is needed to calculate per capita GDP; unemployment rate; employment figures; death rate; population density; incomes; and so forth. Population data is also necessary to plan for the provision of public goods and services such as schools and health facilities, water, electricity, etc. So, do we know the population of Papua New Guinea? The obvious answer is no, in the absence of a recent or current census. But estimates are available, which as mentioned above, are subject to methods employed. The recent UNDP estimate of PNG’s population of 17 million has caused a stir and debate among researchers, academics and public officials and politicians. The NRI estimate of the PNG population for 2022 is 9,422,000 (McMurray and Lavu 2020), which as the authors put it, is conservative. So, the actual population is most probably above the 9.4 million estimate. But how far above that? We will have to wait for the census. A look at past censuses could shed some light. In 1980, the population was 2,881,933. It grew by 25.2% to 3,607,954 in 1990 and by 43.9% to 5,190,786 in 2000 and by 40.2% to 7,275,324 in 2011. NRI’s estimate of 9.422 million is a growth of 29.5% from the 2011 population. The UNDP’s estimate of 17 million is a growth of 133.7% from the 2011 population. Is one of these estimates correct and the other wrong? Not really. Both are just estimates. However, based on the growth rates between past population periods, my inclination is that the population for PNG is between these two estimates but perhaps closer to 9.4 million than 17 million. But the 2023 Population Census cannot come soon enough so, we can know the actual or close to actual for policy and planning purposes.

No injuries were reported after part of a cliff collapsed onto a beach Friday in coastal Palos Verdes Estates in Los Angeles County, the Southern California city said in a statement. The landslide, at 10 a.m. local time, forced the closure of the beach and comes as an atmospheric river event – or a plume of moisture streaming in from the Pacific Ocean . The potent storm system could mean more danger in the area in the coming days, geologist Pat Abbott told CNN affiliate KCBS-TV. “Sea levels are rising, gravity is pulling, and now when you talk about heavy rains coming in, might that be a danger? Oh definitely. That’s going to add to the problem,” Abbott said. Abbott told the station a big landslide is typically followed by “a lot more landslides.” His advice to locals: “Back off.” KCBS-TV footage showed part of the hillside crumbling onto the beach, unleashing a massive dust cloud as rocks and debris pushed a pickup truck across the sand. The pickup was unoccupied. At least one home was evacuated, the station reported. City officials and geologists were reviewing “soil, rock, and groundwater conditions to evaluate the safety of the area and nearby structures,” according to the statement. Most coastal communities will pick up 1 to 3 inches of rain through the weekend, and some areas of northern and central California could receive 3 to 5 inches of rain in total. Coastal erosion and flooded roadways are a major concern. Source: CNN

Medai houses and journalists who abuse ‘freedom of the media’ in Papua New Guinea will be held to account as Government starts working at strengthening this area that has fallen in standards over the years especially with the advent of internet technology today, Prime Minister James Marape said. Prime Minister Marape said today (12.12.22) the Government would do this while taking every care not to compromise the media’s right to the freedom of speech in consultation with the Media Council of PNG. The Prime Minister said: “The Government will now work at holding the media accountable to the highest standard. “In that work to hold media accountable, we will maintain at all cost, freedom of media to write truth. “But once the media crosses to hearsay, fake news, lies and distortions then that organization as well as the individual or individuals who write these reports will be held to account for propagating lies and non-factual reports to the public. “This is because we are nation of a thousand tribes. We are only one or two generations out from modern education and awareness about what is happening in our country and around the world, in the age of real-time information transmission. Through social media, most times as we have seen, false news has run ahead and caused violence, dissensions, tension and stress in our society. “This cannot be allowed to continue and we need to put a stop to it. “Freedom of speech is a qualified right - you have to exercise it with responsibility and due care of others based on truth and facts. Those who write must write actual, factual information so that our country is fed accurate messages and news. “At the moment we see a lot of spin, especially from the two big print media companies, who have their own editorial interests. We saw last week when The National ran an editorial that was completely distorted and out of context from what the Hon. Julie Bishop said at the Sydney mining conference. “We are a robust democracy that includes a free media. But those in the media must not abuse this freedom and take it to suit their own personal or hidden corporate agenda. “Every holder of the pen and member of the media has responsibility to the truth. Reporting must be correct and factual; standard of journalism must be at the highest in our country.” The Prime Minister said this work to strengthen the country’s media would not be done in isolation of the Media Council of PNG who would be consulted in the proposed reforms. “The media, as part of our work to entrench our democracy and strengthen our key institutions, will be looked at and my government will consult the media council to ensure their views are heard. We will put to the council our proposed reform and amendments so we are all on the same page," he said. “I repeat, we will not compromise freedom of speech through the media. I am a staunch supporter of our Constitution but this is so we make our media more responsible and return standards of the media to what it once was.”

The Parliamentary Committee on Communications will be conducting an inquiry into fake news, bad news reporting and social media establishments in the country next year. The inquiry will focus on the role of social media and its impact, in terms of fake news, bad news reporting and related negativities on people, communities, business and politics in the country. This was deliberated and endorsed during the Committee’s first meeting in Parliament on Tuesday 1st December this year. The Committee was established by Parliament in October this year, comprising of the Member for Wau-Waria, Marsh Narewec as the Chairman, the Deputy Chairman is Sam Basil Jr, Member for Bulolo. Other Committee Members include Sasindran Muthuvel, Governor for West New Britain Province, Alexander Orme, Member for Sumkar, Ricky Morris, Member for Alotau, Ereman ToBaining Jr, Member for Kokopo Open, and Simon Dumarinu, Member for Central Bougainville. The functions of the Committee are to consider and report to Parliament on matters concerning the media and information and telecommunication technologies in the country as referred to it by the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, the National Parliament, the Standing Orders of Parliament or through on own initiative by the Committee. The Committee can also consider and report of Parliament on any matters of national importance within its jurisdiction and functions and in accordance with the Permanent Parliamentary Committees Act. Its jurisdiction is in the Media and Information Communication Technology institutions in the country During the meeting, the Committee raised concerns on the level of fake news, and bad news reporting that has been circulating in the social media and print media. This is causing despair and panic among our people. For example, the printing of photographs of dead corpses on the front page of newspapers, distorting of information on social media. The Committee plans to focus on the media next year 2023 and in 2024 onward it will focus on ICT. The Chairman said that “the Committee will hold a public inquiry next year to investigate fake news. The inquiry will focus on the dissemination of fake news and bad news reporting on social and print media”. The inquiry will be open to the public so as to gather views of the people and concern stakeholders will be invited to make submissions to the Committee. With the information gathered, the Committee will prepare a report, with its recommendations to be tabled in Parliament. The Chairman further stated that, “when preparing for the inquiry, I will be inviting the Department of Information Communication Technology, NICTA, Media Council of PNG, NBC and other media outlets and relevant government stakeholders to provide necessary briefings to the Committee. These briefings are very important as they will assist the Committee to get a better understanding of the role of the Media in PNG development aspirations.

Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru and the Governor for West Sepik, Tony Wouwou agreed yesterday that the National Government through the Ministry of International Trade and Investment would fund the bore water supply system and sort out land proposed for the Trade Centre at Wutung while the Provincial Government would get the powerlines from Vanimo to Wutung. “PNG Power Limited had failed us by not getting the powerlines from Vanimo and Wutung though we released funds for that when I was the Minister for National Planning and Monitoring in 2018,” said Minister Maru. Minister Maru urged the Provincial Government to start working on the powerlines as soon as possible. “Start the powerline project now so we can get some action going to show that we are serious,” said Minister Maru. Minister Maru, during his visit to the Wutung Border Post yesterday said that the Border Post had to be sorted out to enable trade and investment with the country’s closest neighbour, Indonesia. “Water and power supply must reach Wutung for the place to operate so we can produce the goods to sell to Indonesia. We currently do not have anything to sell in big quantities so we cannot sign any trade agreement with them; when we have the goods then we can trade with Indonesia so they sell their goods to us and we sell our goods to them. There has to be trade balance so we can benefit from the trade agreement. We must trade so that we can create employment opportunities for our youths in Vanimo but we will trade only when we are producing goods to trade so we can benefit. We cannot sign a deal that is one sided. We must produce our goods so we sell K1 and they sell K1 to us for a balanced trade, otherwise we do not have a trade. And we must have the enabling infrastructure to make it happen, for example, the industrial zone, processing zone, water supply and power supply,” said Minister Maru. The Customs officers at Wutung Border Post reported that most of the products that the Indonesians were buying from Papua New Guineans at the border were PNG beer, coca cola, twisties, biscuits, ox and palm, frozen chicken, lamb flaps and fresh cattle meat. “We have huge potential and a huge market, and there is also big potential in the chicken and cattle industry.hese (chicken and cattle industries) are things that we must do to produce goods to trade to the other side (Indonesia), apart from the industrial park. The raw potential is there but it needs to be developed,” said Minister Maru. Meanwhile, the first Trade Meeting between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea will be held next year to discuss agendas like security, bio security, trade and investment, type of goods to trade, currency, and shipping and air service agreement. Sandaun Provincial Government agreed with Minister Maru for a possible flight route between the two countries to be from Makassar in Indonesia to Vanimo, Lae, Port Moresby and back because Makassar was where more trade was happening while Bali is only a tourism destination. “All these issues will be discussed during the Trade Meeting and I am sure that buying power from Indonesia will also be discussed,” said Minister Maru.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) together with Centre for Arts and Innovation, Tool Box and Credit Union Foundation Australia (CUFA), marked the successful conclusion of the UNDP Entrepreneur Accelerator Programme (EAP) with a Demonstration Day in Port Moresby, on Friday, 9 December 2022. Women entrepreneurs successfully participated in a 6-week business acceleration programme, aimed to enhance their skills and knowledge necessary to strengthen and refine their business ideas, models, planning, and execution. The women-owned and led MSMEs participating in the accelerator programme were then given the opportunity to give their culminating pitch at the end of the EAP. The women-owned and led MSMEs were given an opportunity to showcase the skills and knowledge they gained from the business accelerator course through a business idea presentation to a private sector evaluation panel. This panel was led by the CEO of CPL Group, Mr. Navin Raju and Marketing Manager of National Development Bank, Ms. Mataria Rupa Tau. “It is our hope that the women entrepreneurs will benefit from this multifaceted programme through education, mentorship, and networking opportunities that will help accelerate their business ideas and skills. This is an important initiative to improve and increase the economic empowerment opportunities for women entrepreneurs with skills including digital, financial, and business development to position them to grow and succeed” said Dirk Wagener, UNDP Resident Representative. UNDP Private Sector Partnerships Specialist, Dr. Ahmed Awil, in officially closing the programme said, “we are pleased to celebrate the endeavors and future success of these women as they continue their entrepreneurial journey. We acknowledge the hard work and the resilience of these women entrepreneurs, and we are pleased to continue supporting them.’’ The women entrepreneurs were all very excited in pitching their proposals and have said that following the EAP, they have either gained new customers, learnt to embrace digitalization and market their businesses better, or benefitted from increased revenues and profits, during the 6 weeks and put the theory learned to practice. UNDP was honored to present the top 3 women entrepreneurs with seed capital for their businesses of 10,000 Kina for the top prize to Phyomas Therapy, 6,000 Kina and 4,000 Kina respectively to the second and third runner ups, Margaret’s Kitchen Services Ltd and Jamali Decorations. All of the women entrepreneurs benefitted from the formalization of their businesses were also awarded with smaller seed capital injections. First prize winner Priscilla Mann of Phyomas Therapy, said at the end of the 6 weeks training, “before attending the EAP, I had no knowledge or training about financial literacy or digital marketing. I thought I was managing my business as best I could, but my finances were all over the place, my social marketing skills were lacking and I felt stuck, I knew I needed help and I am glad it came in the form of this EAP training which was a real blessing for me. “ CEO of CPL Group, Mr. Navin Raju closed the prize giving ceremony by congratulating all the women who competed at the UNDP EAP Demo Day, and reaffirmed CPL’s position as a strong supporter of PNG’s MSMEs and recognized the importance of empowering women. “There is a great amount of potential amongst the women here today. You have presented great business propositions and CPL looks forward to working with you in the coming future”. The Entrepreneur Accelerator Programme is part of the UNDP’s Rapid Finance Facility project and is focused on financial inclusion, access to finance and digital financial services for women entrepreneurs and women-owned and led MSMEs. The project has so far trained over 6,700 women entrepreneurs in financial literacy, and 4,000 women in business development and digital literacy skills.

PNG face potentially two play-off matches in February for the tournament being held in New Zealand and Australia later in 2023. In a 20-year playing career Spencer Prior progressed from lower-tier Southern United to Norwich City, Leicester City, Derby County, Manchester City, and Cardiff City before finishing his career in Australia. He won the English League Cup with Leicester City in 1997 and other career highlights include playing in the Norwich side that defeated German giants Bayern Munich in Europe. Now based in Australia, Prior has been assistant coach to the Australian Matildas and head coach of the Thailand women's team. With assistant coach Nicola Williams he is overseeing the PNG squad and taking them through their paces, including during a three-week block in Sydney followed by more time in Port Moresby. The 22-strong squad is now back in Australia and is likely to be bolstered by at least two more players. Last month the team competed in a four-nations tournament in Canberra during which they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Fiji, then suffered a shock 3-0 reverse to Solomon Islands. Illness prevented them from tackling the Australian U-20 side in the scheduled final match. Asked about his observations of the team so far, Prior said they were "getting better". "That would be a pretty short assessment. When we saw them in Canberra it was quite a long way off of where they need to be, but they knew that. The thing was they hadn't kicked the ball in about ten weeks (since the Oceania Nations Cup in July) so you can't do that and then just rock up and expect to perform in a tournament. "So it kind of opened their eyes to where they actually were at, but having then had them for three weeks in Sydney we started to get them back to levels where they were before and getting them even further ahead. So we know that by the time we get to February we need them to be a in a much better place and we've got a new camp to give ourselves the best chance of that. The team plays The Philippines twice in games that will provide a good test, as their opponents have already qualified for the finals. "We know where we need to get. I'm not sure we are exactly where we wanna be but the forthcoming games against the Philippines will give us a good benchmark as to how we've progressed since the tournament in Canberra," he said. Prior wasn't going to dwell on the results in that mini tournament, pointing out that the team has since changed and he now has a full squad at his disposal. "Credit to Fiji and Solomon Islands for they way they performed in those games, but we didn't have the full team at that stage and hadn't had any preparation. So they came in cold. In a way though it was a good thing because it showed them where they were in terms of their level, and that wasn't acceptable for what they're looking for. "It was literally just after that tournament that we stepped in and started to make the changes we needed to make." The Englishman now has the task of getting his charges up to speed as a game against Panama looms in Auckland on February 17 in the first stage of the Intercontinental Playoffs for the 2023 Women's World Cup being co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. Win that tie and they face either Taiwan or Paraguay four days later for a place at the finals. This is effectively the biggest match PNG have played in women's football. Prior is aware of the importance, but admits they're behind the eight-ball. "Essentially, we're trying to do in three-and-a-half months what the other teams have spent three-and-a-half years preparing for. We know that we'll be up against it. "But anything can happen over two games of football just depending on how you set them up and how physically they're prepared for it. We've put a lot of focus particularly in the last block of training on their conditioning. We've got warm-up games and training matches before Christmas so we're exposing the girls to a different environment, and different ways of playing." As part of the motivation process, Prior took all the players on a tour of the stadium in Sydney in which they would play in if they manage to qualify for the finals. Having spent some considerable time with the players, Prior has gotten to know them far better as people and has found many positives from that time. "They're the most respectful group of players I think I have ever coached. They're wonderful humans off the pitch and it's going really well working with them. On the pitch we're challenging them every day and pushing them as hard as we can without breaking them physically or mentally. But we're just trying to push them beyond their comfort zone." The players will return to PNG from Sydney three days before Christmas and after the new year go through an intensive programme to get them ready for their finals tilt. "I'm confident and I'll back the team, and believe that what we're doing will give us the best chance to get past ... I don't want to say the two games because I don't want to look too far ahead, but certainly try to get that first one over the line." PNG play Panama on February 19 in Auckland and should they win that, play either Taiwan or Paraguay four days later for a place at the World Cup. Source:rnz.com