Both the PNG Kumuls and the Fiji Bati have promised that they will not be pulling punches as they prepare for their first ever Pacific Championships match up in what can be dubbed as the Melanesian battle. Both teams boast a wealth of NRL & Super League experience, with PNG having the advantage of playing at the Home of Papua New Guinean Rugby League, the Santos National Football Stadium. The last time both sides met, a spirited PNG Kumuls, fueled by the departure of former captain David Mead saw the Kumuls outmuscle the Bati to win 24-10. In their past 3 meetings since 2018, the Kumuls have come away with 2 wins and will be looking to maintain this, heading into their Match on Sunday. Kumul coach, Justin Holbrook said his side will be looking to build on their victory against the Cook Islands in the first week of the Championship, and is expecting a strong opposition come gameday. “It’s going to be a tough game but we’re going to have a good week and we look forward to the game on Sunday.” With the omission of star centre Justin Olam and the return of Edwin Ipape, Rhyse Martin, Wellington Albert and Roderick Tai, a selection headache is the only hurdle that Holbrook is expecting aside from the bolstered experience from the Fijian side.

Kumuls veteran Rhyse Martin believes the introduction of a PNG NRL team would boost the competitiveness of the national side by creating opportunities for more players at the top level. Martin, who captained Papua New Guinea at last year’s World Cup, was the only player from outside the domestic competition in the Kumuls side when he made his Test debut against Tonga in 2014. However, the Kumuls squad preparing for Sunday's Pacific Championships clash with Fiji comprises solely of players from the NRL, Super League and Queensland Cup competitions, including four from the PNG Hunters. [caption id="attachment_46628" align="aligncenter" width="465"] Rhyse Martin has joined the Kumuls squad for this weekend's Pacific Championships Test against Fiji©Roan Paul/NRL Photos[/caption] Many other Kumuls players have been developed by the Hunters, who joined the Queensland Cup in 2014, and Martin said a PNG NRL team would make the depth of talent available for Test selection even stronger. “It’s exciting times for the Kumuls, and I think that's a credit to the Hunters,” Martin said. “A lot of our players have played for the Hunters and moved along to other teams. "They're all over the world now … so the Hunters are doing a great job and it is just giving the boys that are home grown here more experience and exposure to go out and play everywhere. “That just brings experience to our squad and the team at the moment is exciting and it is just going to keep going that way over the next couple of years.” [caption id="attachment_46629" align="aligncenter" width="1224"] PNG Kumuls v Cook Islands - Week 1, 2023[/caption] The PNG NRL bid was instrumental in the appointment of Joe Grima as head of elite pathways development, and he oversaw the Junior Kumuls side which narrowly went down 20-14 to the Australian Schoolboys last month. The Australian and Papua New Guinea Governments are backing the bid and Martin said a PNG NRL team would be a huge boost to both the game and country. “Bringing in an PNG NRL team would be amazing for everyone,” Martin said. “The country has been wanting something like that for a long time and what it does is give more children and people in Papua New Guinea a greater goal of something to achieve or something to aspire to.” Martin is one of nine PNG players in the Super League, including former Leeds team-mate Nene McDonald, Leigh’s Lachlan Lam and Edwin Ipape, Castleford pair Liam Horne and Nixon Putt and London Broncos prop Wellington Albert. [caption id="attachment_46630" align="aligncenter" width="783"] Edwin Ipape and Wellington Albert are among nine Kumuls playing in Super League©Roan Paul/NRL Photos[/caption] The number of Kumuls in the NRL has also grown, with Rabbitohs fullback Alex Johnston, Dragons forwards Jack de Belin and Dan Russell, Storm backs Justin Olam and Xavier Coates and Titans lock Jacob Allick among them. “It is good that the boys are getting exposure at that higher level,” Ipape said. “Tongans and Samoans and New Zealanders get a lot of opportunities in the NRL and Super League, and that is why they are competitive when it comes to World Cups. “For PNG, we don’t have as many players competing at that elite level on a weekly basis so it is good to see some of the boys getting an opportunity to play Super League, and I am sure it is going to bring a lot of success for the Kumuls in the future.” Albert, who helped the London Broncos qualify for Super League promotion by beating Toulouse, was recruited by Penrith as a teenager and he said a PNG NRL team would provide opportunities for players without having to leave home. “I don’t know why but most of our boys can’t make it to the NRL system and that is why you are seeing a lot of players picked from PNG straight to the UK,” Albert said. “NRL clubs can go to Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and get a boy from the village straight to NRL, unlike us for some reason, so we need an NRL team and a good system for schoolboys coming through.” Source:NRL.Com

Kumul veteran, Edwin Ipape says he is willing to help out the young guys in the Kumuls camp and share his experience with them as they head into their next clash against the Fiji Bati this Sunday at the Santos National Football Stadium. Passing on tips and tricks is something that Ipape would love to do, and has stated that should they need guidance, then he'd be willing to help out. “If they come up to me and ask me for advice, you know I’m happy to give them something that I’ve learnt throughout my career." "Not saying that I’m the most experienced but from what I’ve learned so far and if I need something I can go to them.” Ipape said it’s a vice-versa approach as they learn from each other to build their game and comradarie in the Kumuls camp. He also believes that it is important to have competition within the team as it provides growth through working together and building off each other. Ipape joins camp after a one match ban after being charged for a Grade B dangerous contact in the Leigh Leopards elimination loss to Hull KR. He now joins camp ahead of the Melanesian Clash. Ipape, Rhyse Martin and Wellington Albert all join the Kumuls from England.

Thanks to Niunet Computers, units here in the Nation’s capital now have 53 computers that will be put to use in the Unit. Niunet CEO, David Valentine, on behalf of Lite stated that this is part of the company’s way of giving back to the community and will be used in different capacities around the Command. Valentine said they were really excited to come through with this donation and believe that this donation of technology to the command will help to enhance their work in combatting crime around the city. For today, they donated a few to the Family Sexual Violence Unit (FSVU) at the Boroko Police Precinct. “The computers are specifically for FSVU.” “We will be running their information management systems that they will be launching shortly.” Two computers each will be given to all stations around the city. He added that this is not a one-off thing and is looking forward to working with the police in terms of training and capacity building, especially in the space of the cybersecurity and hopes to work in partnership with Cybercrime Division, to which 10 computers will be donated to. “This is one I am excited about because over the last 15 years, I’ve gained some of the most accredited certification in the area of cybersecurity and security analysis and it will be amazing to come in here and work with the teams.” Valentine further said the machines are really a means for them to come in and have a conversation with the Police Command and see where they can be able to come up with ways on working towards improving police service. Meanwhile, NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Silva Sika thanked Niunet and for their support and assistance and looks forward to engaging with them to make the force a more capable one to fight crime in the city.

Cook Islands Prop, Crystal Tamarua would have never thought that a Motuan village in the city of Port Moresby would leave a lasting impact on her after discovering a deep connection with the Motuans of the Hanuabada village. Coming into the Pacific Championships, she said she never expected to find out that she might have had relatives here in Papua New Guinea (PNG). During the visit, the teams visited the Ruatoka Memorial Church, a fellowship founded almost 150 years ago by Polynesian missionaries. One of those happened to be an ancestor of Tamarua. “When we got up to the top (of the church), I heard my last name was said up at the top and they were like; Oh, Crystal this is your family, they were the first ones to come over and bring the gospel and all the stuff. And I was Like, What?!” “I just felt very honoured and privileged to walk the same path that they did 150 years ago, and it just meant a lot.” She said that just to find another piece of herself in another place is something special. Following the visit, Crystal believes that this experience has brought the playing group closer with a few starting to venture into learning new things. She joked that a few of the girls have now started to learn how to play the drums and pretty soon they will be releasing some of their own tunes. “Some of the girls have now started playing the drums because we couldn’t before and now, we got a string band together.” Getting back to the match today, she says she does have an expectation on herself, but she’s ready to be a leader and put her hand up.

After spending almost a week here in the Nation’s capital, both the Kiria-Ratu sisters seem very humbled by the experience. Speaking to PNG HAUSBUNG recently at the Rugby League Gala Day at the Southside Stadium in Kaugere with kids from the St. Joseph's Primary school, both Chantay and Annemarie were surprised by the hospitality shown by the locals during their stay. Accompanied by members of the Cook Islands men’s team, the Kuki’s and Vaine Moana took time off from their training schedule to rest while spending part of the morning imparting general knowledge and skills to the kids. Despite the heat, both girls say it’s an experience in itself to come here to represent their home the Cook Islands.   “Just loving it. We’ve been to one of the villages. They were very welcoming people, happy and just loving us Cook Islanders. Always waving at us, it’s very good and we’re loving the experience,” said older sibling Chantay. Getting back to the footy, both girls say that getting to play for their nation is a great achievement for both and to playing on the international stage is a great way to promote women’s sport in the region. “Yeah, for sure and getting to play for our nation is something special I think and getting to showcase our skills is something that we can promote, especially our nation,” said Chantay. For young Annamarie, this will be her first test cap as a Moana, and she says it’s very exciting and she’s lucky enough to play in the national team along with her sister and in a team of talented footballers. Both sisters have been named to start in the first 13, Annamarie will take the reins at Fullback while Chantay has been named to start at Five-Eight.

The Prime suspect involved in the ATS brawl and murder this morning has been swiftly apprehended by police this afternoon as he tried to flee the capital at the Jackson’s International Airport this afternoon. The suspect from Enga Province was caught by Police at the Jackson’s Domestic Terminal Boarding Lounge, in attempt to flee, allegedly to his home province. Gordon Police Station Commander, Inspector Gabriel Kini advised PNG HAUSBUNG that he is now in custody and is being transported to the Gordon Police Station were he will formally be charged. The suspect is alleged to have been the instigator of the brawl and according to PSC Kini, police tracked him down to the Airport. “The arrest was successful after we received swift intel, we picked up the suspect at Jackson’s airport.” Police earlier today were called in to the first block at ATS to assess a situation following the willful murder of a man from the Hela province after a drunken brawl. 14 suspects have already been arrested and this is the final suspect involved in the murder

Police are now assessing the situation at the ATS first block following a drunken brawl between street mates at the first block ATS this morning. The deceased, whom police managed to identify as hailing from Hela Province was brutally murdered by men from Enga, following a falling out both men had while under the influence. Gordons Police Station Commander, Inspector Gabriel Kini told PNG HAUSBUNG that around 8-9am when the suspects and the victim got into a heated argument that led to the brawl and the untimely loss of life. At the moment, police are on ground and are monitoring the situation. “We are here at ATS, situation is tense but we managed to curb tensions amongst both groups.” Police have arrested 14 alleged suspects and investigations will commence. PSC Kini is calling on relatives of the deceased to not take action as the situation is now in the hands of the law.

Team NCD Boxing and the NCD Boxing Association have confirmed that they have finalized their selection for the PNG Games and are now gearing up for the PNG Games that will be held from the 6th to the 16th in December. NCD Boxing Association Tournament Director and Head Coach, Junior Kauka Raka told PNG HAUSBUNG that for the moment, they will be continuing their Tournament Circuit in preparations for the games. “We Team NCD Boxing and Association have selected our Boxers and ready for the Coming December PNG Games, this weekend will see Team NCD do their lead up Match in Porebada village at the Red Scar Secondary school.” The Tournament will start at 10am and finish at 5pm in the afternoon. All NCD clubs will be attending the Tournament in Porebada, which is run by the NCD Amateur Beginners Tournament and directed by Raka. White Sand Boxing Club in Porebada will be hosting the tournament whilst raising funds for the club. Raka is calling on all in NCD to come together to support the team. ENDS//

It’s good news for rugby fanatics here in the capital. Guess what, Ticket Prices for this weekend’s matches have dropped to K12 ahead of the fixture of both women’s and men’s matches. The best men’s and women’s rugby league players from across the Pacific will come together for the Pacific Championships. Witness the Pride of the Pacific as Papua New Guinea Orchids take on Cook Islands Moana and Fiji Bati face Cook Islands Aitu at Santos National Football Stadium on Sunday, 22 October. Tickets from just K12 available at Santos National Football Stadium, J-Mart Supermarket Erima or online at tiketmastas.com.pg Meanwhile, NRL stars are set to line up for both teams on Sunday. Panthers Sunia Turuva, new captain Tui Kamikamica, Maika Sivo, Mikaele Rawalawa, Brandon Wakeham and Jahreem Bula will all line up agiants the Cooks. Api Koroisau however will not take part due to a calf injury. Sunia Turuva will play centre with veterans Maika Sivo and Mikaele Ravalawa on the wings. Wests Tigers Jahream Bula will make his Test debut at fullback with his club teammate Brandon Wakeham to don the number 7 jersey. The Cooks have moved Esan Marsters into halfback in place of Tevin Arona who suffered a facial fracture, moving Alvin Maungaati into the centres.. William Samuel replaces Makahesi Makatoa in the front row. Reuben Porter will partner Davvy Moale and Zane Tetevano.

As part of Cricket PNG’s 2024 plans to revive local playing facilities around the country to expand the growth of Cricket for Junior and Senior Competitions, Cricket PNG CEO, Richard Done, Domestic Cricket Manager, Lakani Oala and Talent Identification Manager Rodney Maha traveled to Lae and Alotau to meet with local Associations, CPNG Regional Cricket Managers, and Development Officers. In light of the BSP School Kriket transition into the Malolo (Hard Ball) competition for Under 15’s and Under 17’s female and male teenagers Lakani Oala said that Cricket PNG’s introduction of regional competitions will enable players who perform at each level to be selected for higher honours, and potentially play in a National Championships. “Creating a clear pathway for talented players provides the best way for CPNG to identify the best players for the future,” Lakani stated. During their visit Lae, a talent identification day that saw over 50 female and male participants from 14 to 16 years of age come together at the Uni-Tech Cricket Oval. CEO Richard Done was impressed with the talent on show from different schools who have been introduced to cricket through the BSP School Kriket programs and from participation in the Lae Cricket Association competitions. A great response from parents who attended, and local clubs were represented with 2-3 coaches who assisted in running the session.

The Prime Minister, James Marape upon hearing news of the newly elected Wewak MP, Stanley Samban has sent his congratulations on his victory. The Prime Minister said that on behalf of the people he was happy and content with Samban’s win and for the peaceful running of the By-Elections. "On behalf of the people of Papua New Guinea and my Pangu Pati, I wish to extend my congratulations to the residents of Wewak for a peaceful election resulting in the victory of Stanley Muts Samban.” “SDP remains a vital part of our government's coalition, boasting six dedicated members, and we welcome Mr. Samban into our fold." Marape expressed gratitude to the people who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the successful execution of the by-election. In addition, Marape further took a moment to acknowledge all the candidates who participated in a peaceful and democratic by-election. He said the people of Wewak have spoken through their votes, and now it is time to forge a collaborative path towards the development of Wewak, in partnership with the Provincial Government and the National Government.