PNG Haus Bung

Roosters playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans has opened up on his evolution as a player and a person as he looks to cap a fairytale farewell to the NRL.The veteran will play his final game in the competition in Sunday's grand final, 15 years after he led Manly to the premiership in his rookie season. Cherry-Evans was back in a decider two years later, winning the Clive Churchill Medal as his Sea Eagles went down to the Roosters.It's been 13 years since he's played in a grand final and plenty has changed for the playmaker as he eyes a fairytale farewell before joining Hull FC next season. "If you look at anyone who's 22 years old and fast forward to them as a 37-year-old, things change," Cherry-Evans said. "I'm a husband and a father now. I'm sure there are some mannerisms that have held true with my footy."I'm obviously more mature, so I have a better understanding of what the team needs. I was very instinctive as a young player coming through the grades. I didn't have a lot of structure around me; not that it wasn't getting coached into me, but my style of play and personality was just playing what I see."Over time I've become a halfback. For a long time I was a five-eighth wearing a number seven, and right now I'm probably a halfback wearing a number six."Cherry-Evans took the NRL by storm in his rookie season and quickly developed into one of the best playmakers in the game. While he now concedes he was a five-eighth playing in the No.7 jumper, he eventually developed into a ball-playing halfback with a dynamic running game and one of the best kicking boots in the business. Representative honours quickly followed, Cherry-Evans making his Kangaroos debut just weeks after winning the 2011 grand final.A maiden State of Origin appearance for Queensland followed in 2013 and he went on to captain his state while becoming the oldest player to feature in the interstate series. The 2013 grand final, however, was the last time Cherry-Evans has featured on the first Sunday in October, with club success proving elusive. The veteran acknowledges he eventually came to appreciate how tough it is to play for a premiership and is determined to make the most of one last shot at glory. "Probably around year six to year 10 I started to realise how difficult it was to make finals, let alone a grand final," Cherry-Evans said."There were a couple of lean years there and it gives you a really strong appreciation for the times you do get to play in a finals series. It's definitely not lost on me how lucky I am to be playing in the grand final this weekend."Cherry-Evans became the youngest halfback to win a premiership in the NRL era when he led Manly to glory in 2011 as a 22-year-old. A win on Sunday will make him the oldest player in the NRL era to prevail in a grand final, eclipsing Cam Smith's record set in 2020. He will also be the oldest premiership winner since North Sydney's George Green won in 1922 as a 38-year-old. Cherry-Evans will also set a new record for longest gap between premierships, surpassing Lote Tuqiri's mark of 14 years.The retired winger won titles with the Broncos in 2000 and Rabbitohs in 2014 and has watched on in awe as his fellow Queenslander has continued to play at an elite level for longer than most anticipated. While he could lose his own slice of rugby league history, Tuqiri is hopeful Cherry-Evans can get over the line on Sunday night. "He's done unbelievably well to still be playing," Tuqiri told NRL.com. "It's the week to week grind and the training that gets you more than the games. It's easy to turn up for the game but it's a long season. "The fact he's done it in that position and done amazingly well is very impressive. I hope he gets it, they should get it, they are the favourites going into the game."The weekly grind makes it so hard to do what he's done. The Roosters and Sea Eagles have looked after him in his later years. He's got that senior citizens card. When you know how to look after yourself and the body, you don't have to work as hard because mentally you know what to expect. He's done a great job, I hope he does break the record."There is some poetry in the fact Cherry-Evans' final appearance will come for the club that last dashed his premiership dream.Two tries just after half-time handed Manly an 18-8 lead over the Roosters before Sonny Bill Williams took control of the game and swung it in the Tricolours' favour. The match will always hold a weird place in Cherry-Evans' heart, given his side lost but he was handed the Clive Churchill Medal.Many Roosters fans at the ground voiced their displeasure with the decision but 13 years on those same supporters who have embraced the playmaker this season. Having given the fans plenty to celebrate in 2026, Cherry-Evans is determined to go out on a high on Sunday night. "I said it back [in 2013], it was a very bittersweet moment," Cherry-Evans said. "I'm so proud to have a small part of the game's history. I would have swapped that medal back for a premiership ring that night in a heartbeat and still would."But here I am with a chance to become part of the Roosters history books in a good way."Source: NRL

Australia has provided books and literacy resources to Iobuna Kouba Primary School in Hiri-Koiari District, Central Province, to support students’ reading and learning.The donation, made on World Teachers’ Day, includes Bilum Books and other reading aids to replace heavily used resources as student enrolments and classroom demand increase.Head Teacher Joseph Buka welcomed the support, saying the books have helped improve students’ reading, speaking, listening and writing skills.He said students enjoy using the Bilum Books because the English is appropriate for their learning level.“With these books, kids are learning to read. They are learning to comprehend. It gives them courage to speak, to understand the world around them to make decisions in life,” Mr Buka said.Grade One teacher Maga Goma, who has taught at Iobuna for more than 30 years, said the donation would make a significant difference.She said previously, as many as 10 or 11 students had to share one book, meaning only students who could read were able to use it effectively.Australia says its education partnership with PNG continues through the 240-million-kina Partnership for Improving Education program, which supports foundational literacy and numeracy in schools and education systems.

As the Papua New Guinea PM's XIII fell to Australia PM's XIII today, while the Jnr Kumuls secured a win and the PNG Orchids and Jnr Orchids suffered defeats, John “The Ring Monster” Ume delivered a victory for Papua New Guinea in New Zealand.Ume defeated Hamza Perwaisy to become the new BX-9 Interim Welterweight Champion at Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.Ume will face Riley Allan for the official BX-9 Welterweight title in early 2027.

The G7 has agreed to release 100 million barrels of oil and diesel in a bid to ease supply pressures that have caused prices to skyrocket.The group of advanced economies, including the US, said the move would include a "substantial release" of diesel in the coming days.President Donald Trump had threatened to ban diesel exports in a move which would have eased pressure on prices for US consumers ahead of November's midterm elections, but pushed up prices elsewhere.In a joint statement, the G7 said member countries had now agreed to "refrain from export restrictions on energy and energy products" on one another.The G7 includes the US, UK, Canada, Japan, Germany, Italy and France, with the EU also represented at its meetings.Trump had warned he would ban diesel exports from the US if European countries did not agree to put more of their own stocks onto the market.On Friday, he said on social media: "Europe has just agreed to release a massive amount of their heavily stocked Diesel Oil. The process will begin immediately."His Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had argued US farmers, truckers, and businesses "should not be left carrying the burden" as prices soar.Diesel is used heavily by the haulage industry and in agriculture, meaning rises in the cost of the fuel feed through into essentials such as food.But, following a meeting of G7 leaders, French President Emmanuel Macron said the bloc had agreed to release reserves of "up to 100 million barrels" within four months under the co-ordination of the International Energy Agency (IEA).The UK was represented at the meeting by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, who said the measures would "stabilise energy supplies, build resilience in supply chains and shield households and businesses from price shocks".Macron said the co-ordinated action would "bring down the prices of petroleum products, particularly diesel". Highlighting the agreement not to pursue export bans, Macron said "President Trump, in particular, was very clear on this point".Speaking at the White House, Trump later said an export ban on diesel was "never really on the table".In the joint statement, G7 leaders said: "We will implement our commitments with a co-ordinated release through the IEA of 100 million barrels to begin immediately over four months, including a frontloaded substantial diesel release within the first 20 days by G7 members and partners."It is not yet clear which partner countries will release stocks, nor how quickly.The 100 million barrels will comprise a mix of diesel and crude oil. The price of global benchmark Brent crude oil briefly dropped below $100 a barrel, but rose back to around $102 by Friday evening. Before the US and Israel invaded Iran, it was trading at around $73.Matt Smith, director of commodities research at Kpler, said oil had risen again due to renewed strikes between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in Yemen."Oil prices were selling off strongly due to the announcement of strategic stock releases in Europe, but they reversed course on rumours of Saudi Arabia planning an offensive into Yemen as it looks to re-establish a safe path via Bab-Al Mandeb," he said.European countries had pushed back against US threats to turn off American diesel, against a backdrop of the US-led war in the Middle East and reduced supplies from Russia and China.The G7 leaders said they will also co-ordinate maintenance schedules to avoid multiple refineries being shut down at the same time, while encouraging countries with the capacity to do so to ramp up refining of diesel in particular.Avoiding a ban on US diesel exports will offer significant relief to countries which are reliant on imports of the fuel, including the UK, where prices at the pump topped £2 a litre for the first time on Friday.Over half of the UK's diesel is imported, with 31% of those imports coming from the US.The US is one of the world's leading diesel suppliers, with domestic refineries churning out roughly four to five million barrels every day, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).Americans consume about 3.6 million barrels of that. Refiners export the remaining 1.2 to 1.5 million barrels per day, making the US a vital supplier to the global market.Supplies of diesel internationally have been heavily constrained by the conflict in the Middle East, which has restricted the flow of both crude oil and refined diesel onto global markets.Russia, which is also a major producer, has implemented its own export ban on diesel, following attacks on its refineries by Ukraine, further limiting supply. The G7 leaders stressed that they will maintain sanctions against Russia amid its ongoing war in Ukraine.Diesel is harder to refine than petrol and, because of its use in the haulage industry and agriculture, it is very difficult to reduce demand.Source: BBC News

Dane Gagai V Latrell Mitchell Round 2 could kick start IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026 after the Knights centre was cleared to play for the Kiwis on the eve of the NRL grand final.Gagai, who is aiming to complete a fairytale finish to his career with the Knights in Sunday's premiership decider against Sydney Roosters, has been granted permission to switch his international eligibility from Australia to New Zealand.The 35 year-old, who is set to finish his NRL career at the Broncos, is now in line for a Kiwis call up and his first assignment could be opposite Mitchell in the World Cup opener at Allianz Stadium on October 15.The pair went head-to-head - and toe-to-toe - in an explosive opening match of the NRL finals series which began Newcastle's march to an unlikely grand final appearance after being wooden spooners last season.Gagai has wound back the clock as the Knights have overcome Mitchell's Rabbitohs, the Warriors in New Zealand and minor premiers Penrith to earn a shot at history against the Roosters.  An International Rugby League Appeals Committee approved Gagai's application to change Tier 1 eligibility from Australia to New Zealand.Gagai qualifies for New Zealand through his mother Tania and has represented his Ngāti Pikiāo heritage by playing for Māori All Stars since 2019.He has previously played for Australia and was a member of the Kangaroos team which won the final of IRL Rugby League World Cup 2017.Under IRL eligibility rules players who represent a Tier 1 nation – Australia, England and New Zealand – are unable to play for another Tier 1 nation. Gagai’s application was initially rejected on those grounds.However, IRL recently permitted Kalyn Ponga to switch his international allegiances to New Zealand and AJ Brimson to play for England after both had represented Australia at the IRL World Cup Nines in 2019.Changes to State of Origin eligibility rules also enabled Briton Nikora, Casey McLean and Addin Fonua-Blake to play in this year’s series despite not being eligible for Australia as they have represented New Zealand.An IRL Appeals Committee accepted that Gagai, who has played 23 State of Origins for Queensland, had not been afforded the same opportunity.Gagai has not played for Australia since 2018, and he was not selected in the preliminary 40-man squad for IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026.IRL Chair Troy Grant said there were "special circumstances" in Gagai's case.He said ARLC Executive Chairman Peter V’landys and Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters supported Gagai’s application.“Dane hasn’t played for Australia for eight years and we didn’t want him to be disadvantaged compared to other players with recent rule changes," Grant said.“Dane wrote to us and Peter V’landys was very supportive. He felt there should be a bit of an amnesty period because we didn’t want one player disadvantaged over another, given that Dane wasn’t in the Kangaroos squad and it has been so long since he has played at international level. Kevin Walters was supportive too.“Dane didn’t have the same option as other players who can play State of Origin and represent their heritage.“It was felt that there were special circumstances in his case, so Dane is now available for selection by New Zealand. It is now up to them whether they pick him.”Source: NRL

PNG Air will introduce a K120 fuel surcharge on domestic fares from October 5, as the airline faces rising aviation fuel and operating costs.The surcharge will apply to both adults and children, with tickets purchased or reissued from Monday carrying the additional charge.PNG Air says the decision comes amid volatility in international energy markets, which has pushed up the cost of jet fuel.The airline says it is also facing higher freight charges, supply difficulties and financing costs, while the end of the government fuel subsidy has removed previous support that helped cushion domestic aviation from rising fuel prices.PNG Air Chief Executive Officer Brian Fraser says the airline had absorbed the increased costs for as long as it could.He says air travel remains an important service for Papua New Guineans, connecting families, patients and communities across the country.PNG Air says it will continue to monitor the surcharge and review it if international fuel prices begin to fall.The new K120 charge will take effect from October 5, 2026.

American rapper Rick Ross has been released after posting a $5,000 bond following his arrest in Miami Beach on domestic violence-related battery charges.The 50-year-old rapper, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts II, voluntarily surrendered to Miami Beach police early Thursday, October 1, 2026. He was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center at about 6:10 a.m. on one felony charge of battery by strangulation and one misdemeanor battery charge, with both charges listed as involving domestic violence.Ross appeared before Miami-Dade Judge Mindy Glazer by video during a bond hearing. His attorney, Bradley Horenstein, entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf. The judge set Ross' total bond at $5,000 and issued a stay-away order involving the alleged victim.The court ordered Ross to have no direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim, including through third parties and social media, and imposed additional conditions while the case proceeds.Ross later left the correctional center after posting bond and denied the allegations against him.“I am totally innocent of these fabricated allegations against me,” Ross said after his release. He also said he planned to travel to Dubai and Paris over the weekend.Ross' attorney, Bradley Horenstein, also maintained that Ross is innocent and asked the public not to prejudge the case while the legal proceedings continue. Horenstein said the allegations were false and urged people to allow the legal process to proceed.The charges stem from an alleged incident at Ross' Star Island residence on August 28. According to the arrest report, a woman who told investigators that she had been in a relationship with Ross for about a year reported the alleged incident to police on September 29.According to the arrest report, the woman alleged that Ross struck her multiple times during an altercation and restricted her breathing by grabbing and twisting the collar of the hoodie she was wearing. She also alleged that Ross grabbed her ponytail, slammed her against a wall and struck her in the face, causing a busted lip.The arrest report also contains additional allegations concerning the incident, including an allegation that Ross pushed the woman to the floor and attempted to spray her with water from a shower head. These allegations come from the police report and have not been established as facts in court.Police said the woman provided photographs documenting injuries and that detectives obtained surveillance video related to the alleged incident. Miami Beach police said investigators obtained a victim statement, photographs and video and determined there was probable cause for the arrest.Ross turned himself in voluntarily and, according to police, declined to provide a statement about the allegations on the advice of his lawyer.The alleged victim has not been publicly identified by name. The allegations described in the arrest report have not been proven in court.Ross' arraignment is scheduled for October 22, 2026. He has pleaded not guilty and remains entitled to the presumption of innocence as the case proceeds through the court system.Source: NBC 6 South Florida

PNG PM’s XIII coach Wellington Albert says the team’s local-based players have a unique opportunity to prove themselves when they face Australia at the Santos National Football Stadium today.Albert, who has transitioned from playing to coaching, says taking charge of the PM’s XIII comes with significant responsibility, but he is looking forward to the challenge.“This opportunity comes with a lot of expectations and a lot of responsibility,” Albert said.The PM’s XIII squad features a number of players from the Digicel Cup and other domestic competitions, marking a shift from previous years when the team was largely made up of players based overseas.Albert says the country’s domestic competition forms the foundation of Papua New Guinea rugby league and deserves opportunities at the highest level.“Our foundation of this country is the Digicel Cup and our local competition,” he said.“We’ve overlooked our Digicel Cup the last couple of years, but now it’s good to see the PNG side giving back to our local Digicel Cup boys.”The coach says today’s match will provide the local players with valuable exposure against Australian players they normally watch on television.He hopes they can use the experience to test themselves and showcase the quality of Papua New Guinea’s domestic competition.“They look up to those NRL players, and it’s their opportunity to show what our local domestic competition is and to test themselves,” Albert said.Despite the experience in the Australian side, Albert has urged his players not to be intimidated by their opponents.His message to the squad has been simple — play the way they normally do and trust the talent and ability that earned them selection.“They are here for a reason. They are here to win,” Albert said.“Just play like you normally play in your local competition and display whatever talent and ability brought you to this level.”Albert says building team cohesion was also a major focus during the week, with the coaching staff working to bring players from different competitions together.As they prepare for the Australian challenge, the coach says limiting errors, completing sets, kicking into the corners and defending well will be crucial.“If we keep ourselves to less errors and complete our sets, then we should be good,” he said.While PNG selectors will be watching the match, Albert says the players have been encouraged to focus on the game rather than putting pressure on themselves to impress for future representative opportunities.The PM’s XIII will face Australia at the Santos National Football Stadium today.

Australia and the Christian Professionals Network Inc. (PNG CPN) have launched a new partnership aimed at creating economic opportunities for young people in Western Highlands Province.The initiative will focus on agribusiness in the districts of Dei, Anglimp and Hagen Central, where PNG CPN will provide training, mentorship and support to help young people establish agricultural businesses.The program will also strengthen links between communities and government to help local growers access markets outside their communities and increase opportunities to earn an income from their produce.PNG CPN Acting Chief Executive Officer Wikai Membi says the initiative will go beyond creating employment opportunities, with young participants also being trained as Peace Ambassadors.“We will train young people to become Peace Ambassadors, who will work alongside communities, churches, and government to encourage positive leadership and address antisocial behaviour among young people,” Mr Membi said.He said Australian funding would help young people develop sustainable livelihoods while contributing to stronger communities.Australian High Commission Minister-Counsellor Madeleine Moss said supporting young people to build sustainable livelihoods remains an important part of Australia's partnership with Papua New Guinea.She said the partnership will help young people in Western Highlands develop practical skills, access economic opportunities and contribute positively to their communities.The initiative combines agribusiness training, mentorship and community leadership, with the partners saying it will support locally led solutions to strengthen livelihoods and create pathways for young people to succeed.

Members of the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII men’s and women’s teams recently joined young Papua New Guineans in Port Moresby for a special community clinic delivered through the NRL in PNG’s League Bilong Laif (LBL) program.The 200 primary school students were also joined by the Australian Schoolboys and Schoolgirls squads.League Bilong Laif, supported by Australia, uses rugby league as a platform to promote the values of teamwork, respect, courage, belief and inclusion while developing fundamental rugby league skills.Australian Women’s Prime Minister’s XIII Coach Jess Skinner said the clinic was about more than rugby league, providing an opportunity for players to share important life lessons with young people.“One of the key things we are doing here is sharing messages about healthy living, staying active, eating well and the importance of being a good teammate, while displaying sportsmanship both on and off the rugby league field,” Coach Skinner said.PNG Prime Minister’s XIII Women’s Coach Cathy Neap said the clinic created meaningful opportunities for young people to connect with their sporting heroes.“It's always special when the Australian teams come over to meet young people here. They get the chance to meet role models they normally only see on television, helping to build connections and strengthen the people-to-person relationship between our two countries,” Coach Neap said.The participation of Prime Minister’s XIII players created a memorable experience for participants, giving young Papua New Guineans the opportunity to learn directly from some of the game's biggest stars.Beyond sharing their rugby league expertise, the players inspired participants to pursue their goals, value education and make positive contributions to their communities.

Thirty Grade 6 students from Galomarubu Primary School in Rigo Coastal, Central Province, have been given a firsthand glimpse of university life during an educational visit to the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG).The students, accompanied by three teachers, visited UPNG on Tuesday, September 29, as part of an educational excursion to Port Moresby that also included visits to the Port Moresby Nature Park and Parliament House.Teacher-in-charge Barbara Bukikun said the visit to UPNG was intended to expose the students to higher education and motivate them to work towards their future academic goals.“The whole idea of visiting UPNG is to motivate them to study and do well in school so that one day, they can end up in universities such as UPNG,” she said.The students were welcomed by Acting Director of Student Services Dika Iru and her team, who introduced them to UPNG, its academic schools and the role of the Student Services Division.They then toured several key areas of the university, including the University Library, lecture theatres, academic schools and Forum Square.For the Grade 6 students, the visit provided an opportunity to see university life firsthand and learn more about the educational pathways available to them.The school says experiences such as these can help encourage students to remain focused on their education and consider higher education as they begin planning for their future.

BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) has donated 20 new computers to Tabubil Secondary School under its 50for50 GivimBek Initiative, successfully restoring practical Information and Communication Technology (ICT) learning for its students.While the school previously featured a dedicated computer laboratory, the original machines had deteriorated over time. Without functioning equipment, students were restricted to theoretical lessons, unable to apply their classroom knowledge practically.The newly completed project fully addresses this gap, delivering 20 software-equipped computers alongside a fully integrated local area network (LAN) to support comprehensive ICT instruction.The project represents a total investment of K80,000, covering procurement, logistics, software installation, and technical setup. Funding was sourced through a combination of the Tabubil Branch Community Project fund and the 50for50 GivimBek Initiative. Local project leads Neckie Robbie and Josephine Nakara spearheaded the execution.Handing over the project, BSP Tabubil Branch Manager Aonega Aisi praised the strong partnership between the school administration and BSP in delivering an initiative tailored directly to student needs.“The 50for50 GivimBek Initiative enables our people to nominate meaningful projects and give back to communities, including their places of origin," Ms. Aisi said. "This project demonstrates what can be achieved through genuine partnership and a shared commitment to education.""ICT and digital literacy provide a practical pathway to self-learning, opportunity, and advancement. Every student needs access to a computer to build the skills required to learn, participate, and succeed in today’s digital world,” she added.School Principal Jerry Assong highlighted the logistical hurdles the school faces, noting that transporting specialized equipment into Tabubil remains an everyday challenge. He described the donation as a massive boost for the institution.“These assets will improve student learning outcomes by allowing ICT lessons to move beyond theory and into practical application," Mr. Assong remarked.Chairman of the Board of Governors Demas Tapia also expressed his gratitude, emphasizing how the upgraded laboratory would empower students to develop practical digital competencies.“This is an investment in the future of our children," Mr. Tapia said. "Students can now build confidence and capability. It provides a meaningful impact, especially since some children come from remote parts of the province where access to a computer is a luxury. Through BSP’s assistance, students now have the privilege to learn, opening up more opportunities to succeed in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) streams.”The Tabubil Secondary School project marks the sixth completed handover under the 50for50 GivimBek Initiative. Through this program, BSP is investing K2.5 million to deliver 50 distinct community projects—valued at K50,000 each—across Papua New Guinea to commemorate the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary.