The Kroton Hela Wigmen narrowly defeated the ENB Agmark Gurias delivering a thrilling game with a final score of 22-14, securing their place in the Top 6. The elimination finals of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup 2024 delivered a thrilling rugby league clash at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday, August 25th. The Wigmen displayed their drive to win attacking early in the match, scoring two quick tries within the first 20 minutes. Siki Konden opened the scoring in the 15th minute, followed by a try from Norman Brown just four minutes later, giving the Wigmen a solid 8-0 lead. Despite missing the conversion attempt, their dominance on the field was undoubted. The second half saw the Gurias fighting back, but the Wigmen extended their lead further with a try by Trevor Solu in the 51st minute. Solu's try was followed by a successful penalty goal in the 55th minute, increasing the Wigmen's advantage to 16-0. Another penalty goal by Benton Leme in the 58th minute made it 18-0, leaving the Gurias with a mountain to climb. The Gurias' determination finally bore fruit in the 62nd minute when Adel Mikaive crossed the try line, marking their first points of the match. The momentum shifted slightly as Konnie Bernard scored another try in the 73rd minute, narrowing the gap to 18-8. However, the Wigmen quickly responded with a try by Woodie Kawage in the 77th minute, with Solu successfully converting, pushing the score to 22-8. Despite the odds, the Gurias refused to go down quietly. Jeremiah Dickson's try in the 77th minute, followed by Ase Boas' successful conversion in the 78th, brought the score to 22-14. However, time was not on their side, and the Wigmen held on to claim a crucial victory. The match was a showcase of resilience and tactical execution by the Wigmen, who capitalized on their opportunities and held off a late surge from the Gurias. With four tries, one conversion, and two penalty goals, the Wigmen's balanced performance proved decisive in a match where every point mattered. The Kroton Hela Wigmen will look to build on this victory as they advance further into the Top 6 of the competition, while the ENB Agmark Gurias will reflect on a valiant effort that came up just short in this elimination final.

The Lae Snax Tigers emerged victorious with a narrow 10-8 win, securing their spot in the top 4 of the tournament. A fierce elimination match was displayed between the Lae Snax Tigers and the PRK Mendi Muruks at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday, August 25th. The Tigers started strong, with Jacky Winas scoring an early try in the 4th minute, followed by a successful conversion just two minutes later, giving them a 6-0 lead. The match then turned into a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to gain the upper hand. The Muruks responded in the 35th minute when Mark Tony crossed the try line, narrowing the gap to 6-4. However, their inability to convert the try kept them trailing as the first half ended. Early in the second half, the Muruks took the lead for the first time when Myles Posu scored a try in the 42nd minute, pushing the score to 8-6. However, like their previous attempt, the conversion failed, leaving the door open for the Tigers. In a crucial moment, the Tigers were awarded a penalty, and Winas stepped up once again to kick it successfully in the 56th minute, reclaiming the lead at 10-8. The match grew even more intense when both teams were reduced to 12 men after sin bins for Jordan Steven of the Tigers and Junior Thomas of the Muruks in the 52nd minute for high contact. Despite the Muruks' relentless efforts to break through the Tigers' defense in the closing stages, the Tigers held firm, securing the win with a combination of solid defense and discipline. The Lae Snax Tigers' ability to capitalize on their limited opportunities, with Winas scoring all their points through a try, conversion, and two penalty goals, proved decisive. In contrast, the PRK Mendi Muruks will regret their missed conversion attempts and failure to capitalize on their try-scoring opportunities. The Lae Snax Tigers victory moves them forward in the Top 6 of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup 2024 while the PRK Mendi Muruks bow out after a brave but ultimately unsuccessful effort in the elimination final.

The Inaugural Santos Women Rugby season “Power Meri” Round 4 saw the Gas resource Central Dabaris take on the East New Britain. The 60 minute game was a battlefield which took a quick turn in favour of the Central Dabaris scoring 5 tries and three successful conversion from the five tries. The first half had both teams attempting to gain yards but were fairly matched in defense and attack until two tries and one out of 2 successful conversions were scored by the Central Dabaris, leading half time 10-0. The Second Half then had the Agmark Gurias come out strong driving back the Cetral Dabaris into their 10 meter line but their defense line was too weak to keep the Dabaris stationed as they Dabaris quickly regained meters with strong runs. The Agmark Gurias struggled to hold their own with a weak defense line to cover their try line where the Central Dabaris scored three tries and 2 out of three successful conversions. The Central Dabaris were too smart, attacking the short side with Marie Biyama scoring two tries in the first and second half. The Dabaris kept their momentum inline with their condition in the first hands second half, efficiently maneuvering their way into the Gurias try line. Dabaris eventually took the win 26-0, remaining victorious once again. This game also was themed the Power Meri Round as all the players wore their Power Meri socks onto the field.

The Kumul Genius (KG) will host a 3-day show from November 15th to 17th, at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, promoting education empowerment in Port Moresby. This new Port Moresby show will engage field 1 and 2 of NFS, with features such as the Dream Start Competition, Tadigu Music Performance, Company Engagements, Significant speakers, Culture and much more, while fully exercising the KG Platform “Tap & Go” Card. The KG online “Tap & Go” Card introduced early this year will be the vital requirement for any student willing to partake in the 3-day event, as the card will be the key to access the show including the payment method should user choose to purchase during any items in the show. Among the other activities, the KG’s main activity “Dream Start Competition” will provide a big stage opportunity for students from Universities, Colleges and Tertiary institutions to showcase or propose an innovative idea that can be transformed into a business venture. The competition will have a panel with significant judges taking scores on their presentation, the winner will have a chance to win a K10,000 investment and K10,000 additional no interest loan to develop their idea/proposal. The Dream Start competition has over 200 registrations from students prepping to bring their A-game to the competition. Over a hundred groups of booths will be set up to aid students understand the endless possibilities and various career paths. The KG Team has engaged cooperate establishments, including international bodies (Embassies) yet to confirm to support and witness the new era of skills and capabilities from the young minds willing to take a chance on themselves or their team. For more information regarding the show registrations and the KG “Tap and Go” Card, a KG kiosk is located at the Hardware Haus, Waigani Central. The show is organized by the Kumul Genius team focusing on the best interest of students, to improve, encourage and empower students' academic endeavors across Port Moresby and the nation.

The Santos Cup, Papua New Guinea’s national women’s rugby league competition, will celebrate this week the Inaugural Power Meri Round, recognizing the significant contributions of women to rugby league in Papua New Guinea through the Power Meri Round. Round 4 on August 24th and 25th, the Santos Cup will feature Power Meri Round matches in Port Moresby, Goroka, and Minj, among other various activities, events, and digital content honouring women in the sport. PNG women are making significant contributions to PNG’s national sport in roles such as players, coaches, trainers, physiotherapists, match officials, media personnel, administrators, and executives. The Santos Cup includes women in positions like head coach, trainer, team manager, team doctor, match officials, and in the administration and delivery of the competition. “Women are not only the backbone of our families and the unsung heroes behind our rugby league stars - they are also increasingly taking up key roles within the sport,” said Santos Cup Competition Lead, Ms. Urith Toa. “We introduced Power Meri Round as the first themed round of the Santos Cup to recognize and celebrate the contributions women are making to our game, from the grassroots to the boardroom, and we encourage people across the country to join us.” Santos Cup media channels and match days in all three locations will honour some of the Power Meri in PNG rugby league through stadium announcements, on-field interviews, video presentations, digital content, and fan activations. All six Santos Cup teams will wear limited edition Power Meri Round socks in their matches this weekend to mark this special themed round. The Santos Cup invites supporters nationwide to participate in Power Meri Round can involve: Attending a Santos Cup Power Meri Round match: Central Dabaris vs. East New Britain Agmark Gurias at Santos National Football Stadium at 1:15 PM on Saturday, August 24, a doubleheader with SP PNG Hunters vs. Western Clydesdales; Goroka Lahanis vs. Port Moresby Vipers at National Sports Institute, Goroka at 2 PM on Sunday, August 25; Mt. Hagen Eagles vs. Lae Snax Tigers at John Amban Oval, Minj at 2 PM on Saturday, August 24. Visiting the Santos Cup Facebook page to send a video shout-out to your favorite Power Meri for a chance to be featured in the official Santos Cup Power Meri Round video. Getting a photo with your favorite Power Meri at the Power Meri Round photo booth at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday. Posting on social media with the hashtag #PowerMeri. Buying a Power Meri t-shirt that supports grassroots women’s rugby league teams in PNG: Power Meri T-shirt. The term ‘Power Meri’ became closely associated with PNG women’s rugby league after the formation of the national women’s team, the Santos PNG Orchids, for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and the release of the award-winning documentary film, Power Meri. A year ago, a social enterprise inspired by the film began selling Power Meri-branded t-shirts globally to raise funds for training kits for grassroots women’s rugby league teams in PNG. The first sets of training kits funded by this project will arrive in PNG soon. The Santos Cup is proudly supported by Santos, the Australian Government through the PacificAus Sports Program, Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited, and Digicel.

The SP Hunters emerged victorious over the Brisbane Tigers in round 22 with a commanding performance that showcased their offensive skill and defensive resilience at the Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby yesterday. The Hunters set the pace early in the game with Sanny Wabo crossing the try line in the 4th minute, followed swiftly by Solo Wane in the 8th minute. The Tigers' Tom McGrath was sin binned in the 8th minute with a high tackle leaving his team to face an uphill battle from the start, leaving them temporarily a man down. This then led to Alu adding one more to the Hunter’s score with a try in the 15th minute, and Brandon Nima continued the momentum with another try in the 32nd minute. Judah Rimbu's try in the 35th minute and Brandon Nima’s try just before halftime in the 40th minute solidified the Hunters' dominance in the first half scoring five tries. The Hunters went into halftime with a substantial lead, leaving the Tigers with a haunting task ahead, 28-0. The second half saw the Tigers attempting a comeback, but Hunters' Finley Glare scored in the first minute, while Tigers Keagan Russell-Smith scored a try in the 48th minute, converted by himself. However, the Hunters quickly responded with Judah Rimbu's second try of the match in the 53rd minute, followed by Sanny Wabo's second try in the 56th minute. Jamie Mavoko's consistent kicking ensured that the Hunters capitalized on their tries, successfully converting seven out of seven attempts. Despite a late surge from the Tigers, with Tony Thompson scoring in the 71st minute and Ryley Jacks adding two tries in the 74th and 78th minutes, the Hunters' lead was still out of reach. The Tigers' efforts were further hampered by Ryley Jacks' sinbinning in the 52nd minute, which disrupted their momentum. The final score reflected the Hunters' dominance, with the team securing a deserved victory. The Hunters' ability to maintain pressure and capitalize on the Tigers' mistakes was key to their success. Jamie Mavoko was overall lawless in his conversions, ensuring that the Hunters maximized their scoring opportunities. This victory not only highlights the Hunters' skill and determination but also sets a positive tone as they move forward into their next game in August 28th. The team's cohesive performance and strategic execution will undoubtedly boost their confidence in the upcoming matches.

The Unite States (US) and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have celebrated the first anniversary of the Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA), which began in August 2023. This agreement has deepened and strengthened bilateral relations and regional security, with senior U.S. officials visiting PNG to discuss development and plan projects. U.S. Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock emphasized the DCA as a symbol of the strong partnership, noting significant progress in military cooperation and a commitment to regional peace and stability. “Over the past year, we have made significant strides in enhancing our military cooperation, and we remain committed to building on this partnership for the continued peace and stability of the region,” said Ambassador Yastishock. The DCA is crucial for enhancing PNG's defense capabilities and stability in the Pacific Region, since it was signed in May and ratified in August 2023. It has led to empowering and increasing military collaboration, infrastructure projects, and capacity building within the Papua New Guinea Defense Force, supported by U.S. strategic assistance. The DCA has enabled scheduled medical rotations by U.S. military personnel with local hospitals. In April 2024, U.S. Army nurses and doctors and medical specialist's teams worked at Port Moresby General Hospital alongside medical peers, and in May, U.S. Navy personnel engaged with PNGDF medical staff exchanging professional medical skill. Throughout the year, PNG and the U.S. have continued bilateral training exercises and patrolling operations under the Shiprider Agreement. PNG hosted American naval vessels and defense aircraft, while the U.S. Defense Prisoner of War/Missing in Action accounting Agency (DPAA) closely coordinate with PNG's National Museum to locate missing World War II personnel. The U.S. remains committed to the DCA's goals, focusing on deepening military cooperation, enhancing regional security, and supporting PNG's defense needs. This anniversary highlights the shared vision and enduring partnership for a stable Indo-Pacific.

As the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup season nears its finals climax, two pivotal matches remain that could significantly impact the final standings. The upcoming clashes between Asila Waghi Tumbe and Bintangor Goroka Lahanis in Jiwaka, and PRK Mendi Muruks versus Lae Snax Tigers in Lae, are set to determine the shape of the top six positions on the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil points ladder. ASILA WAGHI TUMBE Vs. BINTAGOR GOROKA LAHANIS The Asila Waghi Tumbe, currently in 8th place with 16 points, will face the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis, who are in 9th place with 15 points. This match is crucial for both teams as a win for either side could propel them closer to the top six. The Asila Waghi Tumbe: With 8 wins and 9 losses, the Tumbe have shown resilience throughout the season. A victory in this match would bring them to 18 points, potentially moving them up the ladder, depending on other results. The Bintangor Goroka Lahanis: The Lahanis, with 7 wins, 1 draw, and 9 losses, are just one point behind the Tumbe. A win would elevate them to 17 points, giving them a chance to climb higher and possibly disrupt the current top six. PRK MENDI MURUKS Vs. LAE SNAX TIGERS The PRK Mendi Muruks and Lae Snax Tigers are both tied at 19 points, making their upcoming match a high- stakes encounter as both teams aim to secure a spot in the top six. The Mendi Muruks with 9 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses, have been consistent. A win would solidify their position in the top six, potentially moving them up to 21 points, which could place them among the top four. The Tigers, also with 9 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses, have a points difference of +97, indicating strong offensive capabilities. A victory would similarly boost them to 21 points, enhancing their chances of finishing in the top four. The outcomes and implications can potentially shift the balance between the top 6. The results of these matches will have significant implications for the final standings. In the Top Six dynamics, wins for the Mendi Muruks and Snax Tigers could see both teams secure their spots in the top six, potentially displacing the Kroton Hela Wigmen and Gas Resource Central Dabaris, who are currently tied at 19 points. In the Mid-Table movements, a win for Waghi Tumbe or Goroka Lahanis could shake up the mid-table rankings, with either team having the potential to challenge for a higher position and possibly break into the top six. As the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup approaches its conclusion, these final matches are set to be thrilling and decisive. Fans can expect intense competition as teams battle for crucial points that will determine their final positions on the ladder. The outcomes of these games will not only shape the top six but also set the stage for an exciting finish to the season.

The KMH Enga Mioks grabbed win from the Gas Resource Central Dabaris 12-10 at the Santos National Football Stadium (NFS) Saturday 17th August 2024. The Enga Mioks reaffirms their position in the 2024 Digicel Cup Top 6 points ladder after stealing the win against the Central Dabaris with just 2 points. The NFS witnessed a thrilling 28 minutes of attack and defense on both parts of the rivalries as both teams had one objective to take home a win and lead into the final top 6 for the final's series. The Central Dabaris fullback Starford John scored in the 28th minute followed by a successful conversion by Lote Kuman, the Mioks responded with two tries in the 32nd and 39th minute by Centre Ronnie Serrint and Roger Kenny, followed by two successful conversions by Kummal Kaupa, leading 12-6 into halftime. The Enga Mioks was able to corner the Central Dabaris second half up to 40 minutes straight until Central Dabaris speedster Barthelemew Evi finally scored for the Central Dabaris final 79th minute but failed to nail the conversion and trailed into half time 10-12. The Central Dabaris faced a devastating loss as a win or draw would guarantee their qualification for Top 6, while the Enga Mioks celebrate their win as they head into first place. Despite the intense and heavy body contact in the second half, the Dabaris were consistent in defense and kept their confidence at a moderate pace firing attacks but were too weak break the Enga Mioks defense until the dying moments in the 79th minute. However, the fast pace during the game kept the referee guessing, late calls were blown on awarding penalties and no strict decision was made to a repetition of dangerous contacts. Luckily no major injury occurred to any player but there was an emotional mess for Central Dabaris players and supporters suffering a loss. The Enga Mioks is now all set for the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup finals footy.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) SP Hunters hosts their final “Meet and Greet” on Saturday 17th August at the Rangeview through the Epiphany Limited, to gain moral confident and support from fans for their finals second game on August 18th at the National Football Stadium, Port Moresby. The event featured SP Hunters Marketing Team and team members, Bruce Bawase, Gairo Boro, Zachariah Selu and Elijah Roltinga at 10am- 12pm. Following last week’s SP Hunter meet and greet event, yesterday served the purpose for players and supporters to share the common love for the team in Queensland Rugby League Cup, taking photos and exchanging conversations. Players also expressed their gratitude to supporters on behalf of their teams for their continuous support. The event attracted fans from all over Port Moresby including Rangeview customers to take picture and showcase SP Hunters products form T-shirt, Collar Shirts, Hoodies and hats, including tickets to the Sunday match. SP Hunters 24 year old Zacheriah Selu from East New Britain, Central and Jiwaka, and soon to be 20 years old Bruce Bawase from West Sepik, Daru, and Kiavieng told pnghausbung the feeling of warmth excitement sharing conversations and pictures with supporter's joy of being part of the SP Hunters journey this year. "I am very pleased with the progress of the team." "Our team captain Ila Alu carries an aura of confidence and positive vibes that captures us all to work together on the same level,” said Zacheriah. Meanwhile 19 year old Bruce expressed his excitement and gratitude towards the teams efforts into the finals and the support from fans “Thank you to the fans and supporters for the photos and warm conversations.” “I am happy with the team who always keep the level of training high to keep us in fit condition,” said Bruce. When asked to address a word of advise to young athletes, Zacheriah share that keep GOD first above all followed with family, stating that; ‘these two factors in your life will never leave but be there in your highs and lows.” The SP Hunters will clash against the Brisbane Tigers today, Sunday 18th August at the NFS at 3pm.

The National Capital District (NCD) Police Force security operations are set for the 10th Asia Pacific Mediation Forum (APMF) conference at the Apec Haus in Port Moresby on the 10th to 21st of August 2024. Over 70 Police personnel will be involved in the special security detail of the APMF conference. Acting Divisional Commander for Central/ NCD and Assistant Commissioner for Police Peter Guiness told PNG HAUSBUNG and confirmed the security detail has commenced its duty carrying out their directives and will soon prepare for arrival of entire high-profile expert individuals including representative from associations, organizations and institutions. “76 police Personnel will be actively involved in the special security detail during the event from 10th to 21st August, ready to respond any issues that may arise.” “A range of 300-500 significant representatives such as Judges, Chief Magistrates, Lawyers, Chief of Justice and many more from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and the rest of the world are expected to be present,” said ACP Guiness. According to ACP Guiness a few VIP members have already arrived and settled into hotels in Port Moresby, preparing for the close two-weeks event. ACP Guiness remains confident in the security operations and personnel and hopes for a successful event. The not-for-profit APMF promotes and upholds exchange of development of knowledge, values and skills of mediation and other conflict transformation processes in any form including inter-cultural, interpersonal, interinstitutional and international within and between the diverse countries and cultures in the Asia Pacific region.

Police security operations are slowly coming into place for the security detail for the visit of Pope Francis to Papua New Guinea from September 11th to 13th 2024. Acting Provincial Police Commander (APPC) for Central/ National Capital District (NCD) and Assistant Commissioner for Police (ACP) Peter Guiness told PNG confirming that negotiations are already in motion with the Pope’s representatives. ACP Guiness confirmed the security meetings but couldn’t discuss any further updates to the operation objectives as negotiations were in progress. “A plan will be put in place for the arrival of the Pope Francis.” According to APC Guiness police will be set to secure the Pope’s arrival and prepare him for his next visit in Vanimo. He further emphasized that once negotiations are fully complete and ready for directives, the Police Special Units will be briefed into the security detail operations. Pope Francis will visit Papua New Guinea for the Eucharist Celebration on the 12th of September 2024, in Port Moresby, and travel to Vanimo next.