Pepsi Cup Capital Rugby Union President, Kori Chan has voiced great delight in the turnout of the capital competition grand final and the overall success. The grand final hosted at the Santos National Football Stadium this year by far has been their biggest one yet, with the President stating that the day was a special tribute to all players and clubs that have come together to make the competition. “Today [Saturday] was a tribute to the players. From the juniors, all the way up to the premier division and the women’s teams.” “It’s a credit to them for all their hard work throughout the season.” “For me it’s about giving back to the players, and I think this venue is fitting for them.” Just over 6,000 spectators turned up in full support of their teams on Saturday, sign of greater things to come hinted President Chan. “I’m proud of all the players, the coaches, and the clubs.” “Without the clubs, we would have no competition and I’m proud of how all the CRU Clubs have taken on board the vision that we try to set which is to raise the standard of the game and they’ve all responded.” He went on to state that this is a turning point that rugby union needed, after a period of being in the doldrums. Chan mentioned that if Rugby was to see a resurgence in the capital and the country, it needs to start at the grassroots level. He expressed his thanks to all those that showed their support on the day and the support from all the sponsors. Another highlight of the Grand Final was having former Super Rugby stars in the likes of CRU Patron, Will Genia, Digby Ioane and Aiden Toua witnessing the games who were all impressed by the quality of Rugby put on by the teams in the capital and are itching to see where they can assist in bringing the standard to the next level. “They loved the passion; they loved the physical aspect of the game.” “There’s a lot of raw talent here. It’s been fantastic having them here.” He said they have plans to explore rugby being played in other parts of the country and said CRU will be looking forward to taking them out to the rural areas and showing them more of PNG Rugby.

Captivating, authentic, jaw-dropping, and inspirational. Four words that encompass the stunning array of pieces portrayed at the PNG Fashion & Design Week “Fashion for Peace Runway” at the Stanley Hotel. 13 designers got the opportunity to showcase stunning selections of clothing ranging from office wear to everyday casual wear, keeping the crowd in awe for the whole show. The show featured a collection from international designer, Iki Hangana who showcased his Lavender Ephemeron collection and the Peace within Culture collection, a collaborative work by both Founder of the PNG Fashion & Design Week, Janet Sios with international Designer Failepou Peni. In her closing speech, Sios expressed happiness at the support they had received throughout the whole setting up of the event and commended the student designers who produced some spectacular pieces on the night. “I want to pay a special tribute to the student designers.” “There are 7 designers and 20 models who walked on Saturday.” “I want to also thank the Creative Arts students at the University as now they can see a future in the culture creative sector.” She stated that she was grateful for this partnership with the University of PNG particularly with the students and this platform will serve as an eye-opener for them in the industry and has proud to have successfully delivered the “Fashion for Peace” Runway. Failepou Peni extended her gratitude towards all who had contributed to the success of the runway and for their support as this is the first time an event of this magnitude has been held here in the Country.

In front of 6, 000 supporters yesterday at the Santos National Football Stadium, the Kramer Ausenco Brothers fought back from a first half deficit to deny the Credit Corporation Harlequins a back-to-back premiership and go on to claim the Top Dog Title in the Pepsi Cup Capital Rugby Union Competition with a score line of 24-13. In a match befitting of extremely high-level skill and composure, it was evident that this was no easy match for both teams. Following the fanfare, it was straight into the action from the kickoff, both teams looked dangerous but it was the Brothers through a spot-on kick almost threw the crowd into chaos in the 4th minute of the match. Shallendra Birney came close to opening up the scoring, but was deemed a no try as the ball was grounded on the touch line by match referee, Ned Carrick. The Brothers, however, were first to get points off some ill-discipline by the Harlies. Jonah Kautu taking advantage of the wind to slot points in both the 11th and 18th minute, putting the Brothers in front by 6. But in finals rugby, don’t ever take your foot off the pedal and this seemed to be the case because soon after, the Harlies hit back. Utilizing their light forward pack to pick off two tries through some slick ball movement. The first coming through Ron Butler and the second Elton Una at the Western Stand to take the lead. However, Steven Yamun did not have a good day out with the boot, missing both conversion attempts before heading into the sheds. The Brothers, showing great patience stayed in the grind and completing phases, started winning the battle in the breakdowns and causing headaches for the Harlies defense line. This patience was awarded in the 53rd minute when Brothers captain, George Wai thundered his way over the opposition try-line to take the lead. With the wind knocked out of their sails, the Harlies just were not able to match the intensity of the Brothers, and letting in two more tries to nail the coffin shut for the 2023 season.

The Minister for Internal Security, Peter Tsiamalili Junior, has hit back against the outburst by Vanimo Green MP, Belden Namah in relation to the reassurance by the Commissioner of Police to Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) members on their right to escalate the use of force against violent criminals. He stated that the government has given its full backing toward the Police Commissioner, David Manning in his effort to clamp down on crime, domestic terrorism and the legitimate escalated use of force that can and has resulted in criminals being shot dead. He said the Member for Vanimo Green is a former member of the disciplined forces, and his attitude and approach to crime is surprising. “More than anyone, he should appreciate the importance of having established protocols for the escalation of the use of force to prevent criminals from killing another person,” he said. Tsiamlili stated that put simply, the protocols that have been reassured by Commissioner Manning, meaning that if a criminal threatens a person with a gun or other dangerous weapon, police will potentially shoot them in order to save an innocent life. “The Commissioner is well within his powers to restate orders for the rank and file to defend our people from domestic terrorists and other violent criminals. “Belden Namah, and recently Peter O’Neill, have both declared their soft on crime approach, and our people will not hear of it because they want an end to the decline in law and order of the past two decades.” He added that Namah and O’Neill are simply trying to make political points out of this serious issue, and it is backfiring on them terribly. “The people of our nation want police to stand strong against violent criminals, and the people of this nation have no issue with appropriate force being used to stop a criminal.” The Minister said that the claims made by Mr. Namah in relation to community policing are also incorrect, as this remains a priority for the RPNGC while ‘sharp end’ regular police resources are re-prioritized to deal with crimes being committed.

Thanks to the ongoing partnership between the Capital Rugby Union and the Queensland Rugby Referees Association, both the Women’s and the Premier Division Pepsi Cup CRU Grand Finals will see referees from Queensland officiate this Saturday at the Santos National Football Stadium. Both referees, Ned Carrick & Jess Craig will take charge of both matches. Carrick will officiate the Premier Grade stand-off between Kramer Ausenco Brothers and defending premiers Credit Corporation Harlequins, with both teams meeting yet again in the final showdown to declare the champions of the capital. Carrick is no stranger to the country having been here for work previously and is excited to take the field as the match official. “This is my first time here as a rugby referee,” he said. He added that he had taken up refereeing 15 years ago for a bit of pocket money, when he realized that he wasn’t going to make it as a player. “So, the next best thing to do to stay involved was to take the whistle,” he said. “I have seen a few games on livestream and heard from those that have been here before that there is a lot of passion during games, so I look forward to that.” Meanwhile Craig takes charge of the Women’s clash between reigning premiers Credit Corporation Harlequins and Juggernauts. This is her first time in PNG and her first refereeing experience outside Queensland. “I currently play for a Premier Women’s club in the Brisbane competition,” the nippy halfback said. “I started refereeing three years ago starting with the girls 7s competitions but have progressed to 15s game mainly with the boys.” She has travelled across Australia officiating at State and National 7s and 15s competitions and is looking forward to officiating the Women’s grand final on Saturday.

PNG Rugby Football League have announced the dates for the 2023 National Women’s Championships that will be hosted in the capital in line with the 2023 Digicel-Exxonmobil Cup Finals. According to PNGRFL CEO, Stanley Hondina, the tournament dates are: 23rd, 27th, 30th of August and the last day on the 3rd of September. The two-week tournament is part of a long-term plan to establish a National Competition for women in the country and is driven by the PNGRFL’s High Performance unit and the PNG National Rugby League Competition. The rugby league tournament for women, will showcase the top performing female talent from the (four) 4 confederates, Southern, Northern, Highlands and New Guinea Islands. “We are committed to seeing our girls perform better at the 2026 World Cup and the way forward is to improve the standard of our domestic competition and provide opportunities for them to play at higher levels.” The teams have been formed by leagues who have been recognized as fully compliant to the PNGRFL’s guidelines and registration process which has been driven by our Community Rugby League team this season. Hondina added that the composition of the ladies competing came from teams representing their leagues who were invited to compete in provincial trials to identify and select their Confederate sides. These trials took place over the course of 3 weeks from the 29th of July to the 11th of August. “Our Community Rugby League team has been hard at work establishing and reconnecting with our leagues across the country to have them adjust to our enforcement of compliance in order to benefit from PNGRFL programs and opportunities.” “With compliance, this will lead to better capturing of data and information for our players and competitions.” Hondina also highlighted the key supporters of the women’s games, “Our women’s pathways and opportunities have been strengthened because of the constant support of key sponsors like Santos, who have been with our women’s National team, the Santos PNG Orchids, from Day One in 2017.”

Police in Wewak stated that the clashes that had occurred earlier this week have now been quelled with all suspects involved all under police custody. East Sepik Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Superintendent Chris Tamari stated that the fighting this week was due territorial attacks from settlement inhabitants of the Waisi and Mapai settlements of Wewak has left several in custody and 1 dead. “It all started with a drunken brawl and then it escalated.” PPC Tamari said the suspects involved are all under arrest and police have advised that there will be no Bel Kol practice taking place to reconcile both parties. “Bel kol is bel kol.” “They can do it but the law is the law and we are already sick and tired of these fighting and will no longer tolerate this behavior.” “We will not COMPROMISE!” Tamari said much like many places around the country who are encountering issues with settlements and is calling for a removal of illegal settlements adding that policing has now become very challenging due to certain factors such as lack of resources and manpower. He said so far, they are managing crime the best way they can.

Morobe is gearing up for the second edition of the Morobe Golf Legends which will take place next month with a whooping prize of over K200, 000 and is expecting to have 40 professional & Amateur Golfers taking part. As a national title, the PNG Senior Open sits alongside the PNG Open as one of two premiere events in the PNG Golf calendar. In addition to this, Trukai Industries have announced their commitment of K50, 000 as Gold Sponsors. Marketing Manager for Trukai Industries Maryanne Tom stated that the renewed sponsorship of the tournament signifies their support to the city as it is an event that brings together the Lae business community. Club President of Lae Golf Club Phil Hommelhoff said this year will be the second edition of the Morobe Golf Legends and with Trukai Industries commitment it guarantees a successful tournament. “Having drawn on the positives and negatives of last year and eminently successful tournament, we expect this year to build on that success and provide the Professionals and Amateurs alike a sensational tournament,” said Hommelhoff. The big-name golfers participating this year include Andre Stolz, Guy Wall, Brad Burns and Tim Elliott with notable Americans Shaquille Mongol and Perry Parker. The Morobe Legends Golf Tournament is scheduled to take place on September 1 to 3 at the Lae Golf Club.

The Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Trade and International Investments and Defense Chair, Belden Namah has deemed the lethal operational order given to all members of the Police force as a threat to national security and is calling for the Commissioner of police to rescind this operational order. Namah has condemned the order dated 12th August, stating the rise in law & order is due to lack of discipline, breakdown in command and control and lack of resourcing by successive governments adding that it is their issue. “There is no civil war or act of insurgency in the country to warrant such and operational order.” “There is no basis whatsoever in the arrest act or anywhere else to issue such dangerous orders.” Namah stated that what has been transpiring in the upper highlands has been happening for generations and that people are adapting to new ways and weapons to settle old scores. The Chair further said that this has gotten worse because of the lack of leadership shown by political leaders and elites in the respective area to address these issues. Thus he is calling on the Police to be pre-emptive instead of reactionary. “Get intelligence and strike first to those who arm the tribes.” “To keep their leaders out of prison, they will surrender their weapons.” Namah has now issued a stern warning to the Police Commissioner calling on his to think twice about this decision. “I do not want a repeat of Bougainville anywhere else in our country.” “It was because of such [operational orders] by our police that caused what is known as the Bougainville Civil War.

A fully packed netball court filled with people young and old was the scene last night in the small village of Kila-Kila as the locals gathered to watch their golden girl, Mary Fowler and the Matilda’s face off against the reigning European Champions in the English Lionesses. Unfortunately, the Matilda’s were not able to make it to the big dance, but in their efforts to make it into the World Cup Semi-finals for the first time in their history, for this tournament, the Matilda’s garnered the backing of not their home country, but also that of the people up north here in Papua New Guinea. Extended family members, friends and visitors erupted with excitement and support for every touch Fowler made, and after Sam Kerr’s equalizer in the 63rd minute, the crowd erupted in joy for the World Cup hosts and a glimmer hope. Although the result swayed in favor of the Pommies, fans where delighted that they had the seen their girl prove to be a threat in attack. Following the match, a few of the supporters took time to speak with PNG HAUSBUNG on their thoughts of the match, some overall happy with the Matilda’s performance, some thought it otherwise and boy did they express their opinions. Overall, the majority were proud of the girl playing a pivotal role in the Australian side. A mother from the village stated that their home girl played a very good game, befitting of a top-notch player and that was what she was happy with that. Another stated that they enjoyed the high intensity match but lamented that Fowler should have been given a lot more chances to explore the middles of the English defence, something that they believe would have had an impact on the game. One eager villager said this tournament showcased a lot of talent and on a positive note, Fowler has become a local hero, and hopes this can inspire other young women and girls to push for their dreams and pursue a career in sport. [audio wav="https://pnghausbung.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mary-B-Fowler.wav"][/audio]

Police in have been given the go ahead to use lethal force by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary following recent escalation in violence in certain parts of the country. According to the top tier of the RPNGC the authorization of force, including lethal force, reinforces police functions and powers under the Arrest Act 1977. As per a circular instruction, Deputy Commissioner Operations, Dr. Phillip Mitna from Police Headquarters, advised that Members are expected to act in good faith, exercise sound judgment, and without prejudice when deploying any level of force. “The approach to stepping up the use of force, including lethal force, is part of re-conceptualizing policing in the country.” “The focus is more on reactive as opposed to community policing”. “Community policing is still essential but takes a secondary priority.” The prevailing situations and circumstances in the country, particularly the increased number of arms and ammunition and the subsequent commission of violent criminal activities demand a more reactionary approach. “Police have been advised to integrate this directive into your strategic and action plans, including operational orders, and emphasize this directive to all ranks and files under your command.

The Alliance of Solwara Warriors have spoken out about the recent calls made by the Mining Minister on the return of interest in Seabed Mining in the country stating that they do not desire to see mining activities commence in the country. Spokesperson of the Alliance, Jonathan Mesulam, in an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG stated that now there is no telling of the potential environmental damage that might occur. He said that with this project being the first of its kind in the world, he admits that there is no precedent case that the country’s top tier can learn from to assess possible impact on people’s livelihood. At the same time, he stated that there is no legislative framework in place to regulate offshore mining. “As a country we don’t have any laws, regulation on off-shore or seabed mining.” “So, there is no legislative framework in the country and abroad.” Following the International Seabed Authority (ISA) summit last month in Jamaica, Mesulam stated that there is still raging debate the regulatory framework on the topic but there no consensus as to date. He said that now that people are coming to understand the potential environment risk in seabed mining, people will be able to make more informed decisions on the subject. “Since the ISA Conference that we attended, it seems that a large number of countries supporting the call for moratorium or temporary ban on seabed mining.” Mesulam futher highlighted the economic implications as the country heavily depends on marine resources as it supports local economies and fisheries contributing to the national budget every year. “Those are the 3 reasons why the Alliance will be going against the government’s decision to grant deep sea exploration licenses.”