Mahlon WINSTON

The Papua New Guinea Government will pay 70 per cent of tertiary education fees for students covered by the Tertiary Education Students Assistance Scheme (TESAS), following Cabinet approval of a revised cost-sharing arrangement.Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Kinoka Feo announced the change in Parliament, saying parents and guardians would now be responsible for the remaining 30 per cent. The new arrangement reverses the previous policy, under which families paid the larger share of fees.“Cabinet has already given approval to reverse it, so the Government will now pay 70 percent and parents will pay 30 percent,” Mr Feo said.The minister said the change was intended to reduce the financial pressure on families and help more students continue their studies at universities and colleges.He also pointed to the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), administered by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST), as an additional source of support for students whose families cannot meet the 30 per cent contribution.“Given that if kids are not able to afford that 30 percent, HELP will now cover that 30 percent, so making higher education accessible to every kid in Papua New Guinea,” he said.Mr Feo said the revised policy reflected the Prime Minister’s vision that financial hardship should not prevent young people from pursuing higher education. He added that the Government was increasing its support for students and tertiary institutions through both the new TESAS cost-sharing arrangement and expanded HELP assistance.The minister encouraged students and parents to understand their responsibilities under the revised arrangement, while noting that eligible students unable to afford their share could seek assistance through HELP.

Zak Tribe’s brilliant 150 powered Jersey to a commanding victory at Nairobi Gymkhana Club Ground, with Benjamin Ward taking five wickets to seal the result.Jersey produced a dominant all-round performance to beat Papua New Guinea by 172 runs in ICC CWC Challenge League A Match 32 at Nairobi Gymkhana Club Ground on Thursday.After setting PNG a target of 348, Jersey bowled them out for 175 in 36.5 overs. Zak Tribe was named Player of the Match after scoring 150 from 129 balls, helping Jersey post 347 for five in their 50 overs.Tribe’s innings formed the backbone of Jersey’s imposing total. The scoring accelerated further through Jonty Jenner’s 72 from just 23 balls and Josh Lawrenson’s 72, giving Jersey a formidable platform and a strong finish.PNG’s reply faltered early when Doko Rupa was dismissed for a duck in the first over. Sese Bau made 22, but wickets continued to fall as Jersey’s bowlers applied pressure. Lega Siaka top-scored for PNG with 39 from 49 balls, while Alei Nao contributed 32.Benjamin Ward was Jersey’s standout bowler, claiming five for 49 from 10 overs. He removed Siaka, Patrick Nou, captain Assad Vala, Boio Ray and Tony Ura as PNG slipped to 94 for seven. Charles Perchard also made a significant contribution, taking two for 22 from eight overs, including two maidens.Kabua Morea briefly counterattacked with 40 from 35 balls, striking four fours and three sixes. But after Morea fell at 175, PNG’s innings was complete, leaving Jersey with a comprehensive victory.The result secured Jersey a top two finish in the league and a place in the World Cup Qualifier Play-off in Nepal, according to BBC Sport.Result: Jersey 347/5 (50 overs) beat Papua New Guinea 175 (36.5 overs) by 172 runs.Player of the Match: Zak Tribe (150 off 129 balls).

PNG LNG Kumuls head coach Jason Demetriou took time out from his busy Rugby League World Cup schedule this week to visit and inspire young people at the N.E.S.T community program in Tokarara.Accompanied by the Kumuls’ strength and conditioning coach, Demetriou was welcomed by N.E.S.T founder Nelson Stone. The event also drew youth participants from the neighbouring Morata and Waigani communities.The N.E.S.T program leverages sport and community activities to engage young people and foster positive life choices. Stone noted that the initiative, alongside the establishment of the Tokarara N.E.S.T Rugby League Club, has successfully shifted the focus of local children toward sport and opportunity, driving down local crime rates."For an international rugby league figure like Coach Demetriou to visit our community means the world to these youths," Stone said. "His encouraging message has truly motivated them and broadened their outlook. Having NRL-level representation here has completely changed mindsets. We are incredibly grateful for his time."Addressing the crowd, Demetriou urged the participants to practice discipline and work tirelessly toward their goals, both on and off the field. He emphasized that grassroots initiatives like N.E.S.T are vital for developing the values and habits required to succeed in life.The visit provided local players and program members a rare opportunity to connect with an elite sporting figure and learn firsthand about the commitment needed to achieve their ambitions. For Stone, the day underscored the powerful impact of connecting Papua New Guinea's youth with positive role models.

PNG Ports Corporation Limited has contributed K50,000 to support the 63rd Morobe Provincial Show, strengthening its ties with the communities and industries that rely on the Lae Port.PNG Ports Director George Gware presented the sponsorship cheque to Morobe Show Committee President Hans Mehl. The company is supporting the event as a Blue-Ribbon Sponsor. This year’s show will be held at the Lae Showgrounds on October 24 and 25.Mr. Gware said the sponsorship recognizes the close connection between the show’s agricultural and business exhibitors and the port’s role in moving goods into and out of the region.“Many of the farmers, producers and businesses exhibiting at the Morobe Show rely on Lae Port to bring in the goods they need and to move their products to domestic and international markets. When they succeed, the region succeeds,” he said.He added that PNG Ports aims to strengthen its connections with Morobe, the wider Momase region and the Highlands, recognizing their contribution to the national economy.Lae Port is Papua New Guinea’s largest port and a key trade gateway for Morobe Province and the Highlands. In 2024, it handled approximately 60 per cent of the country’s imports and 55 per cent of its exports. It is also the primary export port for high-value commodities, including coffee, cocoa, and gold.The port supports an estimated K11.2 billion in economic activity each year across the regions it serves, linking producers and businesses with domestic and international markets.Organized by the Morobe Province Agricultural Society Inc., the annual Morobe Show is one of the country’s major agricultural, cultural and commercial gatherings. It brings together exhibitors, businesses, schools, and visitors from Morobe, other Momase provinces, the Highlands, and beyond.PNG Ports said the sponsorship reflects its broader commitment to supporting community, cultural and economic activities in the regions served by its ports, alongside its core role in enabling trade across Papua New Guinea.

Morobe Kandes head coach Stanley Tepend last weekend attended the Rigo Rice Cup semi-finals to watch emerging players and support the tournament as it heads into its grand final.Tepend said the Rigo Rice Cup tournament is a valuable opportunity to identify players for the club’s pre-season and build on its first year in the Digicel Exxon-Mobil Cup.He said the competition’s progress reflected the work of organiser McSteve Polly and his team and praised the standard of the clubs that he had the opportunity to watch their match.Morobe Pride has qualified for the grand-final, continuing a strong presence in local competitions.“The Rigo Rice Cup is going into its final stages, and it just shows that it’s been a long competition. McSteve and his team have done a really good job," Tepend said.The coach said his main reason for attending was to assess players as Morobe Kandes plan and prepare for the 2027 season. The club completed its first year in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup this year and is looking to strengthen its squad.“There’s no better way to plan for that than to attend this sort of game,” he said, describing the tournament as professionally run.Tepend said Morobe Pride had previously supplied several players to the Kandes and remained an important source of recruiting local talent. He praised the team for performing well in community competitions and giving young players opportunities.He confirmed that he had already identified several players that he may invite to pre-season training, which is scheduled to begin on January 4, 2027. Morobe Pride players would receive priority, he said, while promising players from the other three semi-finalists would also be considered.“There’s a couple there that we’ll probably bring and invite them for pre-season. But if there’s anyone else that sticks out in the other three teams as well, we’ll obviously give them an invite," Tepend said.The Kandes coach reiterated that scouting at community tournaments was important for finding the next generation of players, particularly as the club continued to develop its squad and compete at a higher level.He also acknowledged the Rigo Rice Cup’s sponsors and organisers, including sponsor Rigo Rice, Jeff Kennedy and McSteve Polly, for their contribution to the competition.“My job is just to come and help support by identifying talents from teams. But if my presence being here helps the teams in one way or the other, then I’m glad to be involved in this tournament," concluded Tepend.

PRK Komara Gulf FC have been crowned champions of Papua New Guinea’s 2026 Premier Soccer League (PSL), finishing top of the table after 22 rounds.Gulf Komara secured the title with 50 points, narrowly ahead of PNG Hekari FC on 48. Lae City FC finished third with 46 points, while Port Moresby Strikers FC placed fourth with 45.The champions received the Winner’s Cup, gold medals and K200,000 in prize money. Their title also earns them qualification for the 2027 OFC Champions League.PNG Hekari FC received K150,000 for finishing second, Lae City FC took home K100,000 in third, and Port Moresby Strikers FC earned K50,000 for fourth place.The season marks 20 years of top-flight football in Papua New Guinea. The PNG Football Association thanked all 12 participating clubs, along with the players, coaches, match officials, administrators, sponsors, partners, supporters and other stakeholders who contributed to the competition.The association said their commitment continues to support the growth of football across the country.

The PNG Chiefs officially launched its brand this morning much to the excitement of the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG).Papua New Guinea Chiefs Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lorna McPherson said the club’s unveiling represents more than a new team identity- it gives a rugby league-loving nation a team of its own.Speaking at the Chiefs’ brand and jersey reveal, McPherson painted a vivid picture of a child in a remote PNG village, listening intently to a match on the radio, imagining every tackle while cheering for teams from Australia.For years, she said, supporters had followed other clubs. Now, they would have a jersey bearing Papua New Guinea’s name.  “Today, that waiting ends,” McPherson declared. The Chiefs are scheduled to make their official entry into the NRL in 2028, with their inaugural team expected to run out at Port Moresby’s Santos National Football Stadium in March of that year.The club is being built through cooperation between Papua New Guinea and Australia, which McPherson called a historic partnership between two nations.“PNG Chiefs is the first time in history that two nations have built one professional club together,” she said, describing the project as ‘Australian investment and Papua New Guinean heart.’McPherson expressed deep gratitude to Papua New Guinea’s political leaders, the Australian government, and the Australian Rugby League Commission for backing the club's creation.She also acknowledged the PNG Rugby Football League, the club’s board and staff, sponsors, and the people who helped develop its identity and jersey.McPherson emphasized the club’s ambitions extend beyond the field. The Chiefs intend to create jobs and establish academies in the provinces, while also improving opportunities for girls in sport. She specifically highlighted the need for changing facilities where female players can train with privacy and dignity.The jersey, she said, brings together the country’s colours, patterns and pride. McPherson gave special credit to the women who shaped the club’s visual identity and design, including marketing general manager Peggy Maha and designer Tabu.Having lived in Papua New Guinea for 17 years and been involved in the local league since 2010, McPherson reflected warmly on her journey.She recalled watching rugby league across Lae, Goroka, Mount Hagen, and Enga, including women playing in the Santos Cup through heavy rain.She also took a moment to thank her daughter, Niamh, who traveled from Scotland for the event, as well as her chair, board, colleagues, and family for their unwavering support throughout the long journey.As the Chiefs prepare for their NRL debut, McPherson said the team will carry the hopes of both countries. She invited Australians to imagine what it would mean to have 10 million people behind a club.For Papua New Guinea, she concluded, the most powerful symbol is a single jersey which is a visible sign that the country is ready to take its place on the world stage.“The child with the radio is about to have a jersey of its own,” McPherson said. “They’re going to be able to say, ‘This is my team.’"

Morobe Pride sponsor and Lae City Lord Mayor Jacob Maragau has urged Rigo Rice Cup organisers to shorten the competition format and appoint a neutral referee for the grand final following his team’s semifinal win.Maragau said supporting Morobe Pride through a tournament that has stretched over six to seven months has been costly. He estimated his spending had exceeded K150,000, including accommodation and the costs of running the team.“It is very, very expensive and a costly exercise,” he said, appealing to tournament organisers to schedule future competitions over a shorter period, preferably during the off-season. He said a more compact format would reduce costs and the time commitment for sponsors and players, many of whom have family responsibilities.Maragau also raised concerns about refereeing and called for an independent official to control the grand final. He suggested bringing in a referee from outside the participating regions, including a Digicel Cup official or someone from the New Guinea Islands, to avoid any perceived conflicts of interest.“We would like a neutral referee,” he said. “For the betterment of the tournament and its reputation, the grand final should have an independent official.”He warned that concerns over officiating could affect Morobe Pride’s willingness to return in future, and said the issue had also been a concern during the previous grand final.Furthermore, Maragau warned the organizers that credibility of the competition could be lost in the near future if it maintains the way it is running. Teams from outside centres could stop attending the competition due to the overall cost implications of having to participate.Comparing Rigo Rice competition to the Ipatas Cup, he urged the organizers to learn from the premier off-season competition like the Ipatas Cup and do some adjustments before the tournament becomes dissolved. Maragau emphasized that in the current structure, all participating teams are responsible for taking care of all its expenses including travel fares, accommodations, meals, player allowances, plus other expenses."If you look at it, some teams could spend over K150,000 or K200,000 and more. Does the prize money cater for the expenses that we've made? Is the competition worth the expenses we've made? When teams start asking these questions, they lose interest to take part and that's an area they really need to look into and come up with a better plan to address these issues to maintain the competition," said Maragau.He made suggestions that maybe Rigo Rice Cup organizers could look at meeting some of the costs like the players' accommodations and meals. Especially for the teams from outside centres that wish to participate in the competition. Despite his criticism, Maragau thanked tournament chairman, the organising team for providing players with another opportunity to compete after the Inter-City competition and for giving selectors a chance to assess talents.Morobe Pride’s semifinal victory has secured the team a place in the 2026 Rigo Rice Cup grand final

Morobe Pride coach Mark Mexico has praised his players’ resilience and discipline after the team’s 22-18 semifinal victory over the Northern Master Mark 5mile Heights to secure a place in the 2026 Rigo Rice Cup grand final next month.Mexico said the team overcame seven months of challenges, including limited funding and difficulties meeting food and living costs while based in Port Moresby.“We’ve come a long way. The boys worked hard through many setbacks and ups and downs. Despite the challenges, they believed in themselves and in our training programme. I’m very proud of them," he said.Mexico credited the players’ commitment and work ethic for helping the team progress to the final.Morobe Pride also serves as a development pathway for young players, most of whom come from the Lae Rugby League competition. The club gives emerging talent an opportunity to showcase their skills and pursue opportunities with teams in the Digicel Exxon Mobil Cup.Several players who came through the programme have gone on to play for Digicel Cup teams, including the Snax Tigers and Enga Mioks and the Morobe Kandes before returning to contribute to Morobe Pride.Mexico said this year’s squad is largely made up of new players, with the club focused on giving young talent the chance to experience higher-level competition and perform under pressure. He said many of the less-established players had impressed during the tournament.Six experienced players have also helped guide the younger members of the squad, providing leadership and direction, he said.Mexico thanked the team’s sponsor, Lae City Lord Mayor Jacob Maragau, whom the club affectionately calls “Daddy”. He also thanked the supporters who have backed Morobe Pride this season and last.With the grand final approaching, he urged Morobeans and other supporters in Port Moresby to turn out and cheer on the team.“We need the support of all Morobeans living in Port Moresby. Please come and support us in the grand final," Mexico said.The Morobe Pride will face 3rd City Rangers I'm the 2026 Rigo Rice Cup grandfinal. The winner walks away with K300,000 prize money and the Cup.

The Morobe Pride and 3rd City Rangers will head into the 2026 Rigo Rice Cup grand final next month after successful matches played over the weekend in Port Moresby city.Both teams will meet and battle for the K300,000 first prize in the Cup grand final on November 1st, after winning their respective semi-final matches on Sunday 18th October at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, to secure places in the championship decider.Morobe Pride booked its grand-final berth with a hard-fought 22–18 victory over Northern Master Mark 5mile Heights in the first semi-final, while 3rd City Rangers defeated Ave RLC 20–4 to secure the other spot in the final.The two victories have set up an exciting grand-final showdown, with both teams now one win away from claiming the 2026 Rigo Rice Cup championship and the tournament's biggest cash prize.Rigo Rice Cup Chairman Mr. McSteve Polly said the competition had reached a significant milestone after approximately eight to ten months of intense competition involving teams from grassroots communities.Polly acknowledged the challenges experienced throughout the season, including logistical difficulties and changes in venues, but said the tournament had continued to provide an important platform for emerging rugby league talent.Despite the challenges, Polly said the tournament had showcased talented players who were seeking opportunities to progress to higher levels of rugby league.Polly said the Rigo Rice Cup had given grassroots players an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, including some who had previously missed out on selection or opportunities in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup.He welcomed the presence of Digicel Cup coach Stanley Tepend and his assistant coach, who attended the matches to observe players and assess potential talent for higher-level competitions.Polly said the involvement of experienced coaches and rugby league personnel was a positive development for the tournament and the wider rugby league community.He said competitions such as the Rigo Rice Cup were important in developing local talent and creating pathways for players to pursue opportunities beyond community-level football.The chairman also welcomed the strong turnout during the finals, describing it as an encouraging sign for the growth of rugby league and the continued support of the sporting community.The 2026 Rigo Rice Cup offers a total prize pool of K500,000 for the top four teams.Under the announced prize allocation, the grand-final winner will receive K300,000, while the runner-up will take home K100,000.The two losing semi-finalists will contest third and fourth place, with the third-placed team to receive K80,000 and the fourth-placed team K20,000.The prize money adds further significance to the grand final, with Morobe Pride and 3rd City Rangers now preparing to compete for the championship and the largest share of the tournament's rewards.Meanwhile, Polly acknowledged that officiating had been a concern for some participating teams throughout the competition.He said complaints were part of competitive sport, particularly when teams were dissatisfied with match decisions or results. However, he maintained that the competition had engaged experienced referees and officials to oversee the matches.Polly said the organisers were generally satisfied with the standard of officiating but recognised that feedback from participating teams could help identify areas requiring improvement.He said the concerns raised would provide an opportunity for organisers to review the competition's administration and make improvements ahead of future seasons.As preparations continue for the November 1 grand final, Morobe Pride and 3rd City Rangers will now turn their attention to the decisive match, with the K300,000 first prize and the 2026 Rigo Rice Cup title awaiting the eventual champions.

East New Britain law enforcement has executed a massive, multi-front crackdown on crime and communal violence, culminating in the sentencing of 105 individuals, the arrest of 125 additional suspects, and an active manhunt following a prison break.The Kokopo District Court on Monday, 13 October, convicted and sentenced 105 people following a violent clash involving three villages. All defendants pleaded guilty and received a two-year imprisonment sentence, which was fully suspended in favor of a two-year good behavior bond. Any breach of this bond carries a K2,000 penalty or immediate activation of the prison term.Police Commissioner David Manning commended the swift court outcome, stating it sends a clear message that communal violence will not be tolerated.Despite the court's ruling, separate violence erupted in the Raluana LLG between Nanuk, Tinganalom, and Ranguna villages, resulting in arson and a recent murder. Following intense negotiations, police arrested 85 people:29 suspects from Tinganalom29 suspects from Nanuk27 suspects from RangunaAdditionally, a separate tactical sweep led to the arrest of 40 individuals from Gelagela. Authorities note that this proactive sweep effectively deterred out-of-control gatherings over the weekend, with the community expressing strong hope that these targeted sweeps will permanently halt regional violence.In a breakthrough for a separate case, personnel from the Gelagela Police Post and the Drugs Unit successfully charged two juvenile males and one adult male with the murder of a Gelagela man who died last week from dual stab wounds.Police and Correctional Institutional Services (CIS) personnel are actively hunting for three high-risk escapees currently at large in the community. Late last week, four inmates broke out of the Kerevat Corrective Institution. Due to the swift, immediate action of the Kerevat Corrections Commander and CIS staff, one escapee was instantly recaptured, while a joint security operation remains underway to track down the remaining three.On Sunday, 18 October, Rabaul police intercepted and apprehended several men caught red-handed digging up Telikom PNG infrastructure wiring. Criminal charges are being processed as investigators tie the suspects to a wider localized wire-theft ring.Amid the heavy operational weekend, ENB Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Superintendent Amanda Kates highly praised local Year 12 students for celebrating their national examination completions responsibly, noting that police responded to only a single minor noise complaint. "I thank the students and wish them well in whatever they do from this point on," Chief Superintendent Kates stated.

PNG LNG Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou says his side can lift its performance as the tournament progresses after opening with a win over Lebanon.Speaking at a post-match press conference, Demetriou described the Kumuls’ performance as “decent” and said the team had shown signs of rust after several players went about a month without playing.“It’s always a bit rusty, but as the competition goes on we’ll play a lot more free-flowing and a lot more fluent,” he said. “We still scored 40-odd points, so considering that we’re going to get better, it’s good signs.”Demetriou said Lebanon had been a tough opponent, with experienced NRL and Queensland Cup players in its squad. Although Lebanon had not played together for about three years, he said its performances at the previous World Cup showed it could be competitive.The win was particularly important given the strength of the Kumuls’ pool, Demetriou said. He praised the players for handling the pressure and thanked the home crowd for its support, adding that the team would need an even louder backing in its next match.Looking ahead, Demetriou said the Kumuls needed to improve their attacking shape and manage their sets more effectively. He said a run of kicks that went dead in seven-tackle sets put the team under unnecessary pressure and forced its forwards to defend for extended periods.“We have to end sets on our terms and make it difficult for Samoa to get some front-foot footy,” he said. “But on the flip side of that, we need to play our footy. I believe in what we can do and the style of footy we can play will trouble any team in the world.”Demetriou said the team had also been affected by heat and fatigue but expected training to help the players become more fluent during the week.He explained that Bailey was introduced from the bench because he had completed only two full training sessions with the group. Demetriou opted to start with players who had previously played together and understood his system, saying Bailey’s contribution later in the match helped stabilize the team and gave the Kumuls more options for the next game.Captain Rhyse Martin praised the team’s work in setting up his goal-kicking opportunities. Martin said he had converted 17 of his 18 attempts and credited his routine, practice and 12 years of kicking in Papua New Guinea for his consistency.“Today the boys kept the tries pretty close in front of the sticks, so they weren’t too challenging,” he said. “It all comes back to practice and process. That’s all I do every week, just trying to nail my routine.”Martin also spoke positively about the development of Gareth, saying his time in London had helped build his confidence. He said Gareth made a strong contribution and helped put the Kumuls on the front foot early.The captain said the team would continue to focus on its strengths, particularly playing through the middle and using its power game to create opportunities for its outside players.