Queensland coach Billy Slater has called on several fresh faces for Game Three of the 2023 Ampol State of Origin series as the Maroons look to secure the first series clean sweep in 13 years. Raiders prop Corey Horsburgh has been named make his Origin debut after he was part of the extended squad earlier in the series while AJ Brimson takes over at fullback for Reece Walsh, who is ruled out with suspension. Horsburgh's inclusion comes at the expense of Broncos prop Thomas Flegler, who is unavailable for selection with a foot injury. The Maroons are otherwise unchanged from their series-clinching win in Brisbane with Cowboys playmaker Tom Dearden named as 18th Man, while Eels forward J'maine Hopgood joins the squad as 19th Man.

Gabba crowds are no strangers to witnessing hat-tricks, but Selwyn Cobbo produced one with a twist to help the Broncos edge the Dolphins in their second instalment of the ‘Battle for Brisbane’. Known for its bouncy wicket, it was Cobbo and the Broncos who bounced back following a below par performance last weekend in their loss to the Titans, with his last try of the match sealing the 24-16 victory at Queensland's home of cricket. “I wasn't really thinking about anything,” Cobbo said of his game-turning efforts, which included an incredible try that saw him chase through to collect his own chip-kick to score. “The tries I scored were all off the back of the boys. It is a team effort. “I couldn't score those tries without them running the right lines.” Cobbo’s performance was also a turning point in his development as a player according to his coach Kevin Walters, with the winger battling through the pain of a hip pointer injury in recent weeks, an ailment he initially suffered in the opening Origin match last month. "Selwyn had a terrific game," Walters said. "We know what Selwyn brings to our footy team. We haven't seen a lot of it this year for different reasons. "His hip was giving him some grief, but it's the freest he's run on the field and we're just really happy he's on our side. “The NRL is tough and you’ve got to play injured sometimes. “He’s still only 21 years of age, so it is all learning for him. “He has picked it up quickly the last few weeks and I thought it was his best game in a long time for us.” Source: NRL.Com

The Rabbitohs have got their finals aspirations back on track with a hard-fought 28-6 victory over the Warriors in the wet at Go Media Stadium, Auckland on Friday night. A double to Alex Johnston and try to NRL debutant Tyrone Munro set up victory for the visitors, who held their nerve to overcome an early deficit and then go on to score 28 unanswered points. It wasn't necessarily desperate stages for the Bunnies, who were eighth coming into the match after dropping four of their past five games, but Jason Demetriou's men had to show some grit after conceding over 30 points in each defeat. Both sides completed at 100 per cent in the opening quarter of the game despite miserable conditions in New Zealand but it was the Rabbitohs who took control in the final 60 minutes. The Warriors, on the back of a 6-0 penalty count in their favour early, crossed first on the left edge via Marcelo Montoya in the corner but couldn't capitalise on further field position as the Rabbitohs got back into the game. South Sydney got on the scoreboard shortly after in near identical fashion with Johnston finishing off a backline movement out wide. The Rabbitohs took a 12-6 lead into the break after Damien Cook and Cameron Murray took advantage of Addin Fonua-Blake being sin-binned for a high tackle by combining close to the line. Cook, who came off the bench in Auckland, sent his NSW teammate over next to the posts in the 38th minute for an unlikely lead given the weight of possession against the visitors in the opening half. Johnston's second try eight minutes into the final half stretched the lead out to 10 points before Munro finished off a Lachlan Ilias kick with 14 minutes left to seal victory. The 18-year-old produced a try-assist to finish the match, sending fullback Blake Taaffe over the line with a kick downfield in an impressive piece of play. It was a disappointing evening for the Warriors on home turf with Andrew Webster's side struggling with their completion rates the longer the match went on after a positive start. Fonua-Blake's 10-minute spell in the bin proved costly with tries to the Rabbitohs on either side of half-time in the conditions making it too great a mountain to climb for Webster's men. Source:NRL.Com

The SP PNG Hunters are back at the Santos National Football Stadium this Saturday, 1st July when they host the Central Queensland Capras in Round 16 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. Kick off is at 3pm. The Hunters are flying high at the moment with three wins from their last four games and will ride a wave of confidence coming into this weekend’s fixture. The Hunters recent run of wins includes the big scalps of the Tweed Seagulls and the Sunshine Coast Falcons, in a sign that the proud PNG-based club is on the rise. They made the most of a four-game stretch on home soil between Rounds 11-14, collecting four invaluable competition points and blooding a host of next-gen talent. To then travel to the Sunshine Coast last weekend and defeat a highly experienced Falcons side at home is a major boost for the club as they eye a finals berth in 2023. The Hunters have shown considerable improvement in key areas over the last month of football. Their discipline has been superb and their defensive efforts even better. Individually and as a unit, the Hunters are staying in their systems and getting all the little things right without the ball. To keep the Falcons to just 10 points last weekend is a credit to the Hunters defensive improvements and the work of the coaching staff. On the back of their compelling defence, the Hunters continue to show that they are one of the better attacking teams in the competition on their day. The involvements of their key attacking players last week – Morea Morea, Sakias Komati and Jamie Mavoko – saw the Hunters pile on the points in the second half as fatigue set in. The spine combined smartly all over the park as the Hunters moved the ball to the spaces and into the hands of their strike outside backs. Rodrick Tai (152 metres, one try assist), Solo Wane (155 metres, one try) and Morea (135 metres, one try, one assist) all capitalised on their opportunities last week to keep the scoreboard ticking over. As well as the Hunters outside backs played last weekend, it was again thanks to the work of their forward pack in yardage. Led by captain Ila Alu (17 carries, 177 metres), the Hunters poured through the Falcons’ middle to win quick play-the-balls and scatter the defensive line on the following play. Crashing the middle before shifting to the spaces is a blueprint the Hunters can follow again this weekend against the 7th placed Capras as they look to climb further up the Hostplus Cup ladder. The Central Queensland Capras will also carry some form into this weekend’s fixture, having overcome the Mackay Cutters 30-22 in Round 15. Front rower Bailey Butler crashed over for two tries in that game, suggesting that the Capras might employ a similar approach to the Hunters this weekend in how they attack. The Capras will roll out several players with Papua New Guinean heritage this weekend at the Santos National Football Stadium and they can expect a warm reception from the home crowd. Bob Tenza, Nixon Putt and Valentine Culligan are all named to feature for the Central Queensland-based side in Round 16, in what should be a mouth-watering clash between two powerful forward packs. The last time these sides met was late last season at Bycroft Oval while the Hunters were still based in Queensland’s Runaway Bay. The Capras ran away convincing winners in that encounter, but the Hunters will be confident of getting one back against the Hostplus Cup rivals on Saturday. Team List 1. Morea Morea 2. Brandon Nima 3. Junior Igila 4. Rodrick Tai 5. Solo Wane 6. Sakias Komati 7. Jamie Mavoko 8. Junior Rop 9. Judah Rimbu 10. Epel Kapinias 11. Benji Kot 12. Julius Yakopa 13. Ila Alu 14. Trevor Solu 15. Tommy Moide 16. Seal Kalo 17. Henry Wan Noki 18. Siki Konden 19. Sanny Wabo 20. Warren Glare

This year, Australian NGO, the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF), supported 11 exceptional final-year tertiary students to undertake the Archer Leadership Development program including a transformative exchange trip to Australia. The Archer Leadership Development Program is now in its thirteenth year and seeks to find and foster the next generation of dedicated and passionate leaders for Papua New Guinea. The year-long, experiential leadership program includes mentoring by a senior leader, work experience placements in Australia and Papua New Guinea, support for tuition and boarding fees, an educational and professional development resource allowance, community projects, as well as the life-changing exchange program to Australia. The 2023 Archer Leaders are: ● Courtneyella Dotson (Bachelor of Law, University of PNG) ● Latifa Jonathan (Bachelor of Law, University of PNG) ● Rodwaltaz Billy (Bachelor of Law, University of PNG) ● Raymond Billy (Bachelor of Science, University of PNG) ● Luther Temai (Medicine and Surgery, University of PNG) ● Flare Namaliu (Executive Masters in Business Administration, University of PNG) ● Herman Namora, Bachelor of Arts, University of PNG) ● Julia Tubang (Bachelor of Arts, University of PNG) ● Getta Kambar (Construction Management, University of Technology) ● Houston Nen (Building and Construction Management, University of Technology) ● Dianne Siweli Nason (Bachelor of Dentistry, University of PNG) During the 12-day exchange to Australia, the Archer Leaders participated in a series of enriching experiences intended to enhance their education, broaden their cultural understanding, provide professional experience, and foster invaluable networks. These included adaptive leadership workshops by Conversus Leaders, a personalised tour of NSW Parliament House hosted by Greens Member for Balmain, Kobi Shetty MP and former member, Jamie Parker, tailored work experience placements, meetings with key leaders from Government, private sector and the community sector, a visit to Channel 7 Hosted by Sharyn Ghidella and an immersion day that included visits to the Auburn Community Centre and the Street University in Western Sydney. Latifa Jonathan, a 2023 Archer Leader completing a Bachelor of Law at the University of PNG stated, “The Archer Leadership Exchange Program taught me more about myself and my leadership style in 12 days than I ever learnt in 4 years of university.” “Every day was a journey with myself but also and most importantly with those around me.” “It has exposed me to new perspectives, new mindsets, new food and amazing people and connections.” “For the longest time, I've become complacent with my impact and what I can do in my community and country.” “This exchange trip has equipped me and prepared me to see leadership through a different lens and I'm ready to bring every day the best version of my leadership style that I can offer amongst my peers, within my university and in my community in PNG.” Archer Leaders had the opportunity to engage with distinguished experts in their fields including Anna Madgwick, Director Newcrest Sustainability Fund; Rachel Mason Nunn, Director at Equity Economics; Rory Butler, Associate Director at Avista Strategy; Helen Hamilton-James, Managing Partner at Deloitte Western Sydney; Ian Kemish AM, Chair KTF; and Mihai Sora, Director at Lowy Institute. Additionally, KTF also partnered with some of Australia's leading organisations to offer a two-day work experience to the Archer Leaders including Minter Ellison, Newcrest, Victorian Bar, Deloitte, AICD, Canadian High Commission, Partridge Engineers, Dentons and Ashurst. Dr Genevieve Nelson, CEO of KTF, said “The exchange programme to Australia was transformational!” “We witnessed so many moments of “firsts”.” “First flights for some, first tram, train and ferry rides for others, first culinary experiences.” “But more importantly, the exchange focused on broadening perspectives, networks and experiences by introducing the young leaders to new people and organisations working innovatively on the frontline of some of society’s most challenging issues.” “We are so grateful to every individual and organisation who made the experience “one of a kind!” This life-changing program would not be possible without the generous support from the Fred P. Archer Trust (via Perpetual Trustees), the Newcrest Sustainability Fund and Kina Bank. KTF would also like to express its gratitude to the numerous Australian organisations and individuals who played a pivotal role in providing invaluable learning and development opportunities, making this experience truly unforgettable for the Archer Leaders. KTF takes pride in supporting these young, dynamic leaders who are deeply committed to giving back to their communities and working towards the betterment of Papua New Guinea society.

A total of 39 young people in the Nation’s Capital recently graduated with foundational skills, facilitated by Save the Children’s Life Skills for Success (LS4S) program. From the total number of students that graduated, 23 of them were young women and 16 were young men, there were 2 persons with disabilities, who showed tremendous commitment in attending the training over 5 weekends. The participants engaged in interactive discussions, educational activities, and practical exercises. The comprehensive curriculum encompassed various vital life skills, including communication, decision-making, problem-solving, teamwork, resilience, and emotional well-being. By addressing these critical areas, Save the Children Papua New Guinea aims through these trainings to empower young people and enhance their ability to overcome obstacles and thrive in today’s rapidly changing world. The training was facilitated by Freddy Andale from Project 21 Consultancy. LS4S Project Lead, Kostang Jnr. Kostang said, “We believe that providing young individuals with these essential life skills is crucial for their personal development and future success. This training equips them with the tools they need to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and contribute positively to their communities.” Speaking at the graduation, Save the Children’s Acting Country Director, Martha Bauelua said, “With the increasing rate of unemployment in our country, Save the Children PNG wants to assist young people by giving them a chance to find employment so they can help themselves and their families. These Life Skills trainings empower young people with the necessary tools and knowledge to lead fulfilling lives and contribute positively to their communities.” The Life Skills for Success program is supported by the Hand Heart Foundation and implemented by the young participants who received certificates after the training.

The PNG’s under 19 Women’s National Team Coach Susan Watpore is expecting an improved performance from her side when they play host nation Fiji in their second and final pool game at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva this afternoon. Watpore will be calling on the services of Australia-based Malinu Raminai to start in the forwards along with Nenny Elipas. Watpore said she is confident that her girls will put on a good show in the final match. “We know that Fiji with the home ground advantage will come out much stronger in the afternoon. Both Fiji (3-0) and PNG (11-0) lost to New Zealand, so the match will be just a formality to determine who finish second in Group B.” The Coach said PNG will take the first loss with positivity going into the final match against Fiji. “We have learnt a lot in our first game and we should give our best against the home side this afternoon.” Fiji Kulas is adamant to make a comeback today when they face Papua New Guinea in their second pool game. Meanwhile, despite the 3-0 loss against New Zealand, Fiji head coach Angeline Chua believes her side has what it takes to secure a win against their PNG counterpart side. “We were able to pick out all our weaknesses since our game with New Zealand, and we are ready to take on PNG.” Chua said their target of qualifying for the group stage of the championship had not changed and they were focused on achieving their target. “We will follow our game plan, that’s the only way we will be able to tackle PNG. “Even though they lost 11-0 to New Zealand, we will not be underestimating their ability to make a comeback as well.” She said her players had been recovering well from their last game and would expect a tough match today. Team list for today's game against Fiji; Goal Keeper: Globes Miag Defenders: Zaikainah Kiasaka, Raynata Samuel, Kelly Robin, Mayah Samai Midfield: Sagude Zale, Mareerose Wadunah, Aileen David, Christie Maneu Forward: Nenny Elipas, Malinu Raminai .

Broncos fullback Reece Walsh has been suspended for three matches matches after he was found guilty by the NRL judiciary on Tuesday of contrary conduct towards a match official. In a highly-emotional, marathon hearing spanning over four hours, Walsh was found guilty by a panel – involving members judiciary chairman Justice Geoffrey Bellew, Tony Puletua and Sean Hampstead – of contrary conduct involving referee Chris Butler during Brisbane’s Round 17 match against the Titans. As a result of the three-match suspension, he will miss Brisbane’s upcoming clash against the Dolphins and is also ineligible for selection for the Maroons in Game Three of the 2023 Ampol State of Origin series to be played on July 12. Source: NRL.Com

There will be no more selling, buying, chewing, spitting and littering of betel nut at the Boroko Central Business District (CBD) in Port Moresby and those caught doing it will receive sever penalties from the authority. With NCDC's 2030 Vision for a Clean, Safe, Healthy, and Planned City, Boroko CBD area has been now declared as a betel nut free zone as of Monday 26th June. The betel nut free zone equally applies to both private and public transport like Taxis and PMVs. NCD Governor Powes Parkop said its enforcement takes immediate effect and the selling, buying, chewing, spitting and littering of betel nut are now absolutely prohibited at the Boroko CBD. He is calling on the business houses and city residents to join the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) realize its safe, clean, healthy and planned city goals. Whilst acknowledging that betel nut provides alternative revenues for the people, Governor Parkop described betel nut as a menace to the health, hygiene and cleanliness of the city. He further stated that betel nut is also a menace to the image of the city and entire country. Penalties prescribed by NCD BETEL NUT CONTROL LAW 2020: • Trading/selling of betel nut in any form at public places attracts a penalty of K200. • Buying, chewing, spitting and littering of betel nut in public places attracts a spot fine of K50 each. • Transportation of betel nut without permit or in excess of allowable limit or in breach of permit terms and conditions attract a spot fine of K1, 000. • Allowing an aircraft or ship to transport betel nut into the city in excess of allowable limit or in breach of permit terms and conditions attract a spot fine of K5,000; and, • Allowing property, commercial premises or public areas close to premise for storage, sales or chewing of betel nut attract a spot fine of K5, 000. City Manager, Ravu Frank said failure to pay the spot fines will lead to those not in compliance engaging in community works for 2 to 6 hours. Mr. Ravu said those not in compliance would also be prosecuted and tried at the Boroko District Court and if found guilty, they will be imprisoned. He added that 50 NCDC reserve police would be foot patrolling the area on 9-hour shift with spot fines. “The betel nut free zone concept will be replicated in other CBD areas after monitoring the success in the Boroko CBD area,” he said. Assuring Governor Parkop and NCDC Management, Metropolitan Superintendent Chief Inspector Silva Sika said his men would be deployed full time at the CBD helping NCDC reservists enforce the spot fines and penalties. He said that betel nut is associated with the bad habit of the people chewing it, not the nut itself. Sika calls on the city residents to change their bad attitude of chewing betel nut and bringing the city to its former glory.

The Titans put an exclamation mark on the end of a chaotic week by securing a memorable 18-12 derby win over the high-flying Broncos on Sunday afternoon. With Justin Holbrook removed as head coach during the week and Jim Lenihan put in as the interim for the rest of the year – ahead of Des Hasler taking charge for 2024 – the Gold Coast had plenty to deal with even before the decision was made to rest captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui prior to kick-off. But after footing it with the second-placed Broncos through the first half, the Titans found another gear in the second 40, scoring a pair of converted tries and kicking a penalty goal to earn their first win over Brisbane in five games. With both sides having a bye in Round 16, the game was the Titans' first in 17 days and the Broncos' first in 15, and for most of the first half it showed. It took 29 minutes for the first points to be scored and when they did come it was through an unlikely source in Thomas Flegler, before David Fifita burst through a minute before half-time to tie scores again at 6-6. Fifita turned provider for his side's second, forcing Adam Reynolds into a low tackle and then popping the ball to an unmarked Brian Kelly, before Alofiana Khan-Pereira grabbed his 14th try in 13 games to give the visitors a 10-point advantage. As the final half hour arrived the Broncos were peppering the Gold Coast line, but twice had possible tries ruled out after the Bunker found issues upon review, before the Titans had one of their own ruled out on the hour mark. Ezra Mam wasn't to be denied two minutes later though, with his try and Reynolds' conversion setting up a thrilling finish with the deficit reduced to four. Khan-Pereira thought he had the likely match-winner when he picked off a pass and raced away, but there was a knock on the lead up, while a Broncos equaliser on the next set was rubbed out due to Reece Walsh's pass to Corey Oates being forward. A Tanah Boyd penalty goal stretched the lead to six with seven to play, and from there the Titans held on to claim their third away win of the season. Source: NRL.Com

­Last year's runners-up Parramatta have made it five wins on the trot with a comprehensive 48-20 victory over the Dolphins at Sunshine Coast Stadium . Sitting 14th after 11 rounds with a 4-7 record the Eels have rediscovered the form that carried them all the way to the 2022 decider. On a glorious afternoon at Sunshine Coast Stadium it was the Dolphins striking first in the fourth minute when debutant Brayden McGrady displayed neat footwork to stand up Will Penisini and plant the ball down for a 4-0 lead. The Eels hit back in the seventh minute when Andrew Davey powered into a hole after taking a short ball from fellow back-rower J'maine Hopgood. Former Panther Hopgood then had a four-pointer of his own when he powered past Isaiya Katoa and Felise Kaufusi to make it 12-4 with Mitch Moses' conversion. The Eels stretched their lead in the 21st minute when centre Will Penisini showed great strength to beat three defenders to score wide out before Clint Gutherson grabbed his 14th try of the season after great lead-up work by Moses, Bryce Cartwright and Penisini. Parramatta went out to a commanding 30-4 lead in the 26th minute when Cartwright and Moses again combined to bust the Dolphins open and Penisini took the last pass to complete his first career double. With seven minutes remaining in the half Bailey Simonsson got in on the act to score his eighth try of the season and the Eels led 36-4. Maika Sivo was denied in the 37th minute as the Dolphins scrambled in defence but the reprieve was short lived as right winger Sean Russell crossed on the stroke of half-time to give the visitors a scarcely believable 42-4 lead. Ten minutes into the second half the Dolphins conjured a try from deep in their own territory when Jamayne Isaako put Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow into space and the Maroons flyer raced 70 metres to notch his 13th four-pointer of the season. In the 56th minute the Dolphins had the full house at Sunshine Coast Stadium on their feet again when cult hero Valynce Te Whare crossed on the right edge to make it 42-14. Eels skipper Gutherson then showed his strength to shrug off Sean O'Sullivan to score from close range before Tabuai-Fidow swooped on a Moses grubber and sprinted 80 metres to score his fourth double of the season. The Dolphins showed plenty of fight to win the second half 16-6 but have now conceded 136 points in their past three matches and face a daunting task against ladder leaders Brisbane in Round 18. Source: NRL. Com

Manly superstar Tom Trbojevic will miss the rest of the 2023 season after scans confirmed a torn pectoral injury from the opening minutes of Origin II at Suncorp Stadium. Trbojevic was helped from the field in the fourth minute of Game Two after he fell awkwardly making an attempted cover tackle on Maroons winger Murray Taulagi. Facing a minimum of three to four months on the sidelines, Trbojevic will undergo surgery on Tuesday to repair the injury – ending his season on a disappointing note. The Sea Eagles will also be without winger Jason Saab who has withdrawn due to a shoulder injury while Jake Trbojevic, Ben Trbojevicand Kelma Tuilagi are all expected to be available for first-grade selection the following week. At the Cowboys, veteran prop James Tamou is targeting a return late in the regular season as he continues the recovery from a Lisfranc tear. "Jimmy is about 12 weeks post-op now, it's quite slow to start with because they can't put any weight through the foot," said Cowboys strength and conditioning coach Ash Graham. Source: NRL.Com