If there's two things Maroons debutant Reece Walsh can count on from coach Billy Slater it's an honest appraisal of where he stands and some of the best fullback tutelage any young No.1 could wish for. Two years after a hamstring tweak in the captain's run robbed him of an Origin debut at the tender age of 18, Walsh is back at the summit and ready to grab his opportunity with both hands in next Wednesday's series opener in Adelaide. Walsh was just seven games into his NRL career at the Warriors when he was drafted into the Maroons squad for Game 2 in 2021, with some questioning whether he was physically and mentally ready for the Origin furnace. As fate would have it, that question was never answered, but Slater is strong in his belief that having to wait two more years to fulfil a dream has been a blessing for the Broncos whiz kid. “I believe there’s two things you need to play State of Origin, for us, for Queensland, the first thing is you need to be capable, and the second thing is you need an opportunity," Slater told media on Monday. “To be fair, I think Reece probably got his opportunity before he built that capability in his game and he didn’t get to play because of his hamstring, but now he’s a much more capable player and he’s a much more rounded player. "Like I said, he’s only going to get better, but he’s certainly put them both together now, he’s got the opportunity and he’s really capable. “It was a great phone call, they are the good ones, he gets to play his first game for Queensland, it was a pretty emotional sort of phone call." The lone debutant in the Maroons squad for the crucial first game, Walsh admits to shedding a few tears when his phone lit up on Sunday night with Slater's name on the screen. His sizzling form for the Broncos had demanded he be in the mix for selection but he took nothing for granted given Kalyn Ponga was player of the match in Game 3 last year at fullback and has never let his state down. "Those sorts of calls are the ones you remember for a long time. To have Billy Slater call your phone to ask you to come and play for Queensland is pretty special," Walsh said on Monday. *I shed a couple of tears because as a young Queenslander all you want to do is play for the Broncos and play for the Maroons and to get that call from someone like Billy, it hits you in the heart. "I called my dad first, he was proud. I could hear my mum, she was next door with some of the neighbours having a chat and I could hear him calling out to her to come back so he could tell her I'd been picked. "To have my family’s name on the back of my jersey and to go out there representing them is going to be exciting. "Billy spoke about opportunity and earning it and he felt maybe in 2021 it came before I had earned it and this time I have. "Everything happens for a reason and I feel a lot more ready this time. It was a tough lesson last time hurting my hammy in the captain’s run and having it taken away from me, but this time I will make sure I do everything I can to prepare and I can guarantee something like that won’t happen again." A key figure in the Broncos' 8-4 start to the season, Walsh has racked up four tries, 13 try assists, 61 tackle breaks and eight line breaks to make an irresistible case for Queensland selection. He will join forces with Broncos teammate Selwyn Cobbo, Dolphins flyer Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Cowboys speedsters Val Holmes and Murray Taulagi in a backline that brimming with tryscoring potential. On hand to help hone their skills and share some yarns of past Origin glories will an array of Maroons legends including Johnathan Thurston, Allan Langer, Cameron Smith and Slater, who played 26 times in the No.1 jeresey Walsh dons for the first time in Adelaide. "Billy is a freak, when we chat on the phone I could sit there for hours and talk about footy, but the best thing about Bill is first thing he asks is how is everything off field and how’s the family," Walsh said. "It's a bonus for me that he played fullback and I get to learn off one of the best fullbacks the game has seen. "It's pretty crazy to be in camp and rubbing shoulders with guys I watched on TV for so many years and to be wearing this amazing jersey. "I have the confidence in myself that if I work hard and keep doing my job then there's no reason I can't be here for a long time. "If I was in here and doubting myself and not confident then I’m doing Queensland and the jersey a disservice. "Kalyn is a wonderful player [and he'll want to come back] but I have the opportunity right now and it’s mine to lose. I don’t want to be here for one game only. "I have sacrificed a lot this year and I’m trying to be more professional on and off the field and to be standing here today I’m proud of myself." Source: NRL.Com

Dolphins forward Felise Kaufusi is in danger of being ruled out of contention for Game One of the Ampol State of Origin Series after being charged for a high tackle in his side's loss to the Storm on Saturday night. Kaufusi has been charged with a Grade High Tackle - Careless following the incident on Melbourne prop Christian Welch which saw him sin-binned in the second minute. It his third and subsequent offence of that type and leaves the veteran facing a three-match ban with an early guilty plea or four matches if found guilty at Judiciary. Any ban would rule Kaufusi out of possible selection in the Maroons side for Origin I. Earlier this season the forward missed four games after being hit with a Dangerous Contact charge. Dolphins teammateKenny Bromwich meanwhile faces a fine of between $1800-$2500 after being charged with Contrary Conduct in the 62nd minute. Source: NRL. Com

The Eels handed South Sydney their first loss in almost two months on Friday night, with Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown orchestrating a comprehensive 36-16 win over the ladder-leaders. Parramatta showed their intent with a Sean Russell try two minutes into the game and took a 12-10 lead into the break, before overcoming South Sydney with four second-half tries. Moses set up four of his side's six tries, while halves partner Brown terrorised the Rabbitohs with his running game, chewing through 139 metres and scoring a try on his way to winning the inaugural Eric Simms Medal as player of the match. Earlier in the opening minutes, Eels captain Clint Gutherson came up with a game-changing play when he denied Alex Johnston, who as it was finished with a first-half double, a certain try with a desperate lunge. Parramatta got the job done despite being reduced to a two-man bench early in the second half following the loss of Andrew Davey to a failed HIA and Ryan Matterson to a calf injury. Source: NRL.com

While many Provincial Health Authorities (PHA) around the country have already rolled out the Supplementary Immunization Program (SIA), the Kokoda Memorial Hospital in Oro Province is yet to start this program due to funding issues. Kokoda Memorial Hospital Community Health Worker & VCT Counsellor Alice Eroro said that they should have started the rollout at the beginning of the month after they had discussions with NDoH & WHO, but that did not go as planned due to funding issues. “We should start rolling out the supplementary immunization program by this week." "We should start by this week so that our kids can get their vaccines, and Vitamin A nutritional supplement to children aged 5 years and below.” Meanwhile, the continuous support and awareness programs on immunization and vaccines have proven to be critical in containing or limiting outbreaks of infectious diseases. Therefore, she is calling on all parents and guardians in and around the area to get their kids under the age of 5 to get vaccinated.

France have pulled out as hosts of the 2025 Rugby League World Cup, organisers said on Monday, due to problems with government funding guarantees. The organising committee released a statement saying it could not guarantee the financial viability of the event and had therefore decided to forgo its hosting rights. “Despite all the work carried out by the organising committee, it hasn’t been possible to fully secure the risk of a deficit,” the committee said in the statement. “Despite the interest shown in this unique sport ... and accessible to all thanks to our ticketing rates, and despite the desire shown by several cities across France to host World Cup matches, the board had to decide to renounce organising this major international competition, which the International Rugby League had entrusted to France. “This difficult decision was taken so as not to threaten the robustness of the major international sporting event models that France now wishes to promote. “In addition, the state will reinforce the support it provides to the rugby league development plan supported by the federation to ensure that this sport has a better visibility and to make it shine again in France.” Australia’s Harry Grant, Jack Wighton and Cameron Murray after winning the Rugby League World Cup at Old Trafford on November 19, 2022.CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES In a separate statement on Monday, the International Rugby League said it expected to be able to inform member nations of planned qualifying matches and alternative fixtures by July. “The French government, particularly the Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera, supported the bid team financially and granted additional time to meet benchmarks,” International Rugby League chair Troy Grant said. “I respect the French government’s decision amid the challenges they are facing, but I can’t hide my disappointment that I conveyed clearly to them in person. “Despite our focus having been on France, we will now accelerate our consideration of other contingency options.” France won the bid to host the 2025 World Cup in January 2022. The previous edition – the 2021 event – was held in England in October and November 2022 after being delayed due to the pandemic. Australia won both the men’s and women’s events, while England won the wheelchair title. The 2025 Rugby League World Cup is expected to feature four individual tournaments: the men’s and women’s events, as well as wheelchair and youth cups. France will host this year’s men’s rugby union World Cup from September 8 to October 28. Reuters

He has played 179 NRL games but Saturday will be the latest first for Dolphins enforcer Felise Kaufusi, who can't wait to clash with former teammates and the club that helped launch his career. All eyes will be on Kaufusi, along with Kenny and Jesse Bromwich, when the trio face off against the Storm for the first time since they departed the club last season to join Wayne Bennett's inaugural Dolphins. Having capped 173 games and two premierships for the club in an eight-year stint, Kaufusi's fresh challenge is now about taking down his old compatriots including the likes of Christian Welch, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Harry Grant. “I don’t know if it’s a rivalry but playing against your older club, you want to get one on top of them," Kaufusi told NRL.com ahead of the clash. “I was at the club for a long time so I’m just looking forward to coming up against the boys, it’ll be interesting because they’re one of the last sides we’re yet to play. “We’ll just have to ride out the week. I’ve got a lot of mates in that team who I’ve had for a lot of years and your teammates are like a family down there so it will be an interesting one coming up against them. “I know it’s not just me but the Bromwich brothers as well, we’re excited to play against our mates, some of those blokes I’ve played with since I debuted back in 2015. “It will be good to see Craig (Bellamy) too and the whole coaching staff. It will be a bit of a reunion I guess to see them and the boys. Before the game it will be all business I imagine but when it's all done it will be great to say 'G'day'.” Having seen first-hand what the secrets of success are at the Melbourne powerhouse, Kaufusi said he will definitely be trying to give his Dolphins teammates “a leg up” for the reunion. “They do a lot of study, a lot of work and a lot of video so they’ll know where our strengths and weaknesses are and they’ll try and pick those out," Kaufusi said. “I’ll try to help the boys as much as I can, anything to help us win and get a leg up on them." One of nine children growing up in Bundaberg, the 30-year-old forward said he was relishing his decision to move home to Queensland and the opportunity to be closer to family. The passing of his father Taniela last year made his decision to leave Melbourne easier to reunite with his loved ones in the sunshine state. “Some personal stuff of the field happened last year and it just feels much nicer to be closer to family and it’s much easier for us to get together now,” he said. “I can see my mum every second weekend, my sisters live in Chermside so they’re up the road for babysitters if we need. “Usually it’s two flights from Bundy to get down to Melbourne so it’s awesome for my kids to see they’re aunties, uncles and cousins a lot more now. "That’s what I remember growing up, going over to cousins' house on the weekends and having barbecues at the park and that's what I want for my kids.” Source: NRL.Com

Wingers Jordan Rapana and Albert Hopoate have both put pen to paper on extensions which will see them remain with the Raiders beyond the 2023 season. The club announced on Wednesday that Hopoate, 22, has signed on for a further two years and will remain in the nation's capital until at least the end of 2025, while 33-year-old Rapana has extended his current deal through until the end of next season. The pair, who will line up on the wings for Canberra this Sunday against the Sea Eagles, were previously both only contracted through until the end of this season. The move follows the Raiders releasing outside back Semi Valemei to join the Cowboys earlier this month, while they also recently agreed to terms on an extension for prop Emre Guler through until the end of 2025. Source: NRL.Com

“It feels amazing. I was a bit shocked when I got the email because I wasn’t expecting it but I was so happy, excited, honoured and privileged to be nominated in that category as well as being amongst PNG’s incredible artist. Yeah, so happy!” That’s from Alyson Joyce, one of the nominees for Female Artist of the Year for the 2023 YUMI FM PNG Musik Awards set for the 17th of June 2023. Alyson is a proud Papua New Guinean /Australian multidisciplinary artist, with over 20 years of experience across the creative arts and entertainment industries. Alyson said, being separated from her country (PNG) and loved ones during Covid-19 has made her connect more to her culture and to write local music more. “It sort of instilled more fire in me to want to reconnect because I live overseas now and being forced to stay in Australia and not come back to PNG (during the pandemic) really hit me in my guts so, it filled a lot of creativity and it forced me to think about my identity as a Papua New Guinean and how I want to connect with our people.” Alyson said, the biggest highlight of that year was that she was able to reconnect with her identity as a Papua New Guinean and to channel that through creativity and create music. There’s no stop to what’s coming next and like Alyson, she has many plans ahead of her but for now, she says that she will be releasing her new single this week. “I’m having some really great conversations with some of our local artist about regulating the industry on how we can better support the industry and how we can also better support our artist through long term infrastructure, workshops and trainings and other things like that.” She added that she is looking forward to travel around the country to get to know the people and the music from each of the provinces. She is working on some exciting projects that will hopefully help to catapult PNG onto a global stage. Alyson further encouraged young and talented musicians out there to never give up because the music industry in our country can be very challenging because there is not much support. “Just be patient and innovative. Look for ways to get your music out there. There are so many new platforms out there and when you feel that creativity coming, just let it in and see what happens.” “And I also think that collaboration is a great way to create music because we rise by lifting others and that’s so important for us in our country.”

East New Britain launched its Supplementary Immunization Activities on on Monday at the Rabaul Provincial Hospital. This now kick starts the implementation of the SIA program, expected to run for 3 weeks, which will deliver Measles, Rubella and Polio vaccines as well as vitamin A nutritional supplement to children aged 5 years and below. Attending the launch was Governor Michael Marum, ENB acting provincial administrator Levi Mano, Rabaul District Administrator Benedict Mode, Rabaul Provincial Hospital Manager Dr Osiat Baining, Deputy Chief Pediatrician Dr Beryl Vetuna and other senior hospital officials. The occasion heard that the national target for a good immunization coverage should be 80%. Currently ENB has an average immunization coverage of 60 percent for all Vaccine Preventable Diseases. The key message shared by speakers is that a concerted effort is needed to improve the province's coverage and act now to protect every child in ENB from vaccine-preventable diseases. This also includes strengthening the routine programs after the SIA program is completed. ENB acting Provincial Administrator Levi Mano said health is everybody's business and teamwork is important. Mr Mano encouraged all families to bring their children to the nearest health facility to get vaccinated. Meanwhile, the Rabaul District Administrator Benedict Mode said the launching is also a time to renew public trust in the value of all vaccines and continue to build long-term support and awareness for immunization, as vaccines have proven to be critical in containing or limiting outbreaks of infectious diseases. The Rabaul District has committed K100, 000 to support the SIA program with logistics and fuel. The district will also support routine programs through health facilities in the district.

An unfortunate incident occurred for the Kimbe Cutters after experiencing the sudden landslide which blocked off the entire road at Wapenamanda, Enga Province making it hard for the team to travel back to Mt Hagen. PNG National Rugby League General Manager Leith Isaac said, once they received word that the team was blocked off due to the landslide, they immediately took action and booked a place for the team to spend the night there. “It’s an unfortunate incident and we cannot stop natural disasters, but arrangements have been made and the team is safe and travelled back to their home.” Isaac said, they are responsible for all travel expenses for all teams and his team took care of that. “We have a partnership with PNG Air for teams travelling to and from for their games, but we could not get bookings done after the draws were done because all the flights were fully booked.” He added that being proactive is high on their agenda and is his team is always in standby for such events. The Cutters team travelled back to Mt Hagen yesterday and boarded the next flight out for their home province. Mr Issac further stated that these delays will not disrupt the draws for this weekend’s matches.

Despite not winning any pool game at the Toulouse event in the weekend, the Fijians did enough to gain automatic qualification after beating Germany and Uruguay in the quarterfinals and semifinals for a ninth-place finish. The legendary, double Olympic gold medalist Jerry Tuwai then scored the winning try against Spain in the ninth-place final for Fiji to win 26-15. Coach Ben Gollings, who has not won any tournament with Fiji in the 2023 HSBC Sevens Series, said after the match that winning automatic qualification was important for the defending Olympic champions. "This is important for us and for Fiji. We did not do well in the pool matches but the players fought back and recorded wins to finish off strongly. Now we head to London and a chance to redeem ourselves." Source: RNZ.Com

Craig Bellamy has confirmed he will continue his record-breaking career as Melbourne Storm’s head coach for a 22nd season in 2024. The master coach signed a new five-year contract with Storm in 2022 that allows him to decide each year whether he will continue in the head coach role for the following season or transition into a coaching director role. Today, he informed the club he would remain in charge of the NRL squad he has led in 532 games with a winning percentage of just under 70%, for another year. “It took me a little while to make a decision to be honest. Six or eight weeks ago I was pretty certain I would be packing things up,” Bellamy said of his decision. “I spoke to a few people I know who have retired from different jobs and they spoke about the connection they have with people they see at work every day and that sometimes you miss that. Munster also came to me a couple of weeks ago and he said the players and leaders were keen for me to stay and thought I still had something to give the group. Craig BellamyHead coach, Melbourne Storm “I still enjoy turning up and mixing with the group and staff. Early in your career, it can be a little bit about yourself but now it’s about our group improving as individuals, and if we improve as individuals we will improve as a team. “Obviously we have a young crop and some of the guys we bought in have taken a while to adapt to our club, which often happens. But I am excited about how much improvement we have in us as a footy team and being consistent as a footy team. To come down here and be here as long as I have, has been a pleasure to be honest. We’re in a different situation to all other NRL teams because we’re not in a NRL town. Craig BellamyHead coach, Melbourne Storm “People like John Ribot, Chris Anderson, Mick Moore and Greg Brentnall set a wonderful foundation for our club. We have a caring club - all the people in the organisation really care about what the club stands for and are all supportive of each other. “Our members and fans are as patriotic as any supporters I’ve seen in any club I’ve been involved with. They really turn up and they love the footy team. It seems to be a very important part of their life. “I’ll never forget when we went through salary cap issues, and the week leading into the first game I didn’t think anyone would turn up given what had happened that week. I think we had 30,000 people there and that proved to me that they are really loyal to this footy team, and I’d like to think we are loyal to them as well.” Bellamy said. Storm Chairman, Matt Tripp, said the club was delighted Bellamy would again head up the coaching team in 2024. “This is the news I’m sure everyone connected with Storm - our players and staff, our partners, and our members and fans – wanted to hear,” he said. Not only is Craig the best coach in the NRL, but he’s also a hugely respected and much-loved figure in our club and the game in general. Matt TrippChairman, Melbourne Storm “His passion and desire to do the job hasn’t wavered and he is now bringing through an exciting young team here at Storm. Last week’s game showed Craig is up for whatever challenge is ahead and he’s clearly enjoying leading this new wave of players.”   Bellamy is one of only four coaches in premiership history to reach the 500-game mark and heads the list for most consecutive games with one club. He took on the senior coaching role with Melbourne in 2003, leading the team to a semi-final in his first year. Since that time Storm has played in a remarkable 19 finals series, winning the grand final on five occasions, the minor premiership seven times, and he has the best win-loss record of any current coach in the NRL. Along the journey, Bellamy has been awarded the Dally M Coach of the Year on six occasions and the Rugby League International Federation Coach of the Year twice. Source: NRL.Com