Mahlon WINSTON

A second-half scoring blitz powered Toa Samoa to a 64–6 victory over the PNG LNG Kumuls at Santos National Football Stadium, turning a competitive first half into a one-sided Rugby League World Cup match.Samoa led 14–6 at the break after a tightly contested opening 40 minutes, with both sides probing for opportunities. PNG’s only points came from Bailey Biondi-Odo, whose try was converted by Rhyse Martin.But the contest changed quickly after half-time. Sua Fa’alogo crossed for his second try in the 45th minute, sparking a surge that the Kumuls could not contain. Samoa piled on the points, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow also scoring twice as the visitors ran away with the match.The Kumuls struggled to stem Samoa’s momentum as the second half tries mounted, leaving them with a heavy defeat in front of a sold out strong 15,088 home crowd.

The Fiji Bulikulas delivered a dominant performance at the Santos National Football Stadium, scoring five first-half tries to dismantle the PNG Orchids and secure a convincing 40–4 victory.Fiji wasted no time asserting authority, opening the scoring inside the first three minutes when Sienna Laing crossed the line to establish an early 6–0 lead. The PNG Orchids responded almost immediately after a Fiji line drop-out, with hooker Ua Ravu piercing the defense to trim the deficit to 6–4.However, Ravu’s try proved to be the Orchids' only points of the afternoon. Fiji five-eighth Luisa Varanamua took complete control of the match, orchestrating a relentless attacking masterclass that propelled the Bulikulas to a commanding 30–4 cushion by the halftime siren.Fiji maintained their blistering momentum immediately after the break, striking twice in the opening seven minutes of the second half to blow the margin out to 40–4.While the remainder of the match proved to be a more evenly contested affair, both sides were heavily hampered by unforced errors in the humid Port Moresby conditions. The Orchids manufactured several promising opportunities to mount a late fightback, but repeated handling mistakes continually halted their momentum deep in Fiji territory.Those costly errors ensured Fiji held firm defensively, shutting down any hopes of a PNG comeback to complete a clinical and dominant Pacific Championships performance.

Bougainville is driving targeted investments into agriculture, transport infrastructure, healthcare, and financial inclusion to strengthen its economy and support the region’s political future, Regional Member Peter Tsiamalili Jnr announced today.Mr. Tsiamalili said the sweeping development work currently underway demonstrates that Bougainville’s political aspirations are being actively pursued alongside rigorous efforts to build structural economic capacity.“Our farmers are producing, families are saving, businesses are accessing finance, and infrastructure investment is connecting communities to opportunity,” Mr. Tsiamalili said. “We acknowledge that considerable work remains to achieve financial readiness. However, any assessment of our progress must recognize the strong foundations being laid and the vibrant economic activity already taking place.”To illustrate this growth, Mr. Tsiamalili cited Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) figures showing that Bougainville produced approximately 23,500 tons of cocoa in 2025, valued at more than K750 million. An estimated K600 million of this total went directly to farmers, directly supporting household expenses, school fees, local trade, and village businesses.He also referenced a Bank South Pacific (BSP) Bougainville information brief, which estimated 2024 production at 12,100 tons—representing about 29% of the national total cited in the brief. A separate early-2025 revenue assessment attributed about K540 million, or 44% of the national figure presented, to Bougainville.Noting that these figures cover different periods and methodologies, Mr. Tsiamalili stated they should be evaluated separately. He emphasized that the ABG’s top priorities remain increasing production, improving quality, expanding local processing, and securing better market access so that more value stays within Bougainville.The Regional Member highlighted road contracts worth nearly K500 million currently underway through close cooperation between the National Government and Australia’s Transport Sector Support Program (TSSP).On the North-East Corridor, contractors Raibro and Dekenai are progressing with road sealing towards Wakunai, while Eastern Star is working from Harakawao on the Arawa side toward the connecting section. Progress is also steady on sealing the West Coast Corridor Highway from Siara toward Korepovi, a critical route for western coastal communities. The Tavera Bridge has been completed, with construction on the Pangara Bridge expected to follow.“These critical connections help farmers move their produce, enable businesses to transport goods efficiently, and allow families to reach essential services,” he said.In aviation and maritime transit, Mr. Tsiamalili pointed to ongoing upgrades at Aropa Airport by the National Airports Corporation, the ABG’s strategic investment in Bougainville Wings, and the introduction of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) services. Furthermore, a new cargo and passenger vessel is expected to arrive around November to drastically improve maritime links with remote coastal communities and atoll islands, including Mortlock, Tasman, Nuguria, Nissan, and Carteret.Healthcare investment forms another pillar of Bougainville’s development agenda. Mr. Tsiamalili cited the construction of a Level 3 hospital at Soraken in North-West Bougainville, a Level 4 hospital at Buin in the south, and a premier Level 7 specialist hospital at Arawa in Central Bougainville.The Arawa specialist facility is being delivered through an ABG partnership with Lloyds Panguna Metals and Energy Limited. Mr. Tsiamalili described it as a vital investment in specialist care and long-term health system capacity. However, he cautioned that physical infrastructure alone is not enough.“Buildings must be supported by trained personnel, equipment, medicines, reliable utilities, and sustainable operating budgets,” he stressed. “A healthy population is essential to a productive economy.”Preparatory work for the redevelopment of the historic Panguna mine has commenced while negotiations continue toward a final contract. Mr. Tsiamalili affirmed his support for Lloyds Panguna Metals as the ABG’s preferred redevelopment partner, pointing to the company’s upfront investments in local infrastructure, including the Arawa hospital.He emphasized that any final agreement must adhere to strict principles: “We must recognize commitment through action. At the same time, the final agreement must establish crystal-clear obligations, protect customary landowner interests, uphold strict environmental standards, and deliver lasting, generational benefits for our people.”To empower grassroots economic participation, the ABG's partnership with Mama Bank is actively helping women, farmers, and emerging entrepreneurs save and access credit. By April 2025, public reporting recorded 2,503 active accounts, more than K837,000 in savings, and approximately K1.054 million in loans disbursed through the bank in Bougainville.Mr. Tsiamalili also shared BSP data tracking cash movements between Community Development Committees and the bank’s Buka and Arawa branches from January to September 2025. The data recorded K45.25 million moving from committees to branches, and K52.04 million moving from branches back to the committees. He clarified that these figures represent banking liquidity and cash velocity, rather than gross domestic product (GDP) or new net income but noted they demonstrate a strong willingness among citizens to engage with the formal financial system.To further boost industrial capacity, Mr. Tsiamalili announced a Special Economic Zone initiative at Karola alongside proposed commercial developments at Soraken Plantation, both designed to attract foreign investment, support downstream processing, and generate local jobs.Concluding his address, Mr. Tsiamalili called on young people and local communities to maintain a peaceful, welcoming environment to foster responsible investment. He urged citizens to protect public infrastructure, respect customary rights, and resolve grievances through dialogue.He extended his gratitude to President Ishmael Toroama and the ABG, the Marape–Rosso National Government, development partners, financial institutions, and local farmers and businesses.“Our progress must be measured through completed projects, functioning services, increased production, sustainable businesses, employment, and stronger public revenue,” Mr. Tsiamalili said. “Our people have clearly expressed their political aspirations. Our responsibility now is to build the economic capacity to sustain it.”

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.