Author: Jordan VELA

Queensland Maroons captain Cameron Munster delivered one of the most emotionally charged performances in State of Origin history last night, leading his side to a series victory just days after the passing of his father. After going down one game to nil to the New South Wales Blues in Game One in Brisbane, the odds were firmly stacked against the Maroons. The Blues featured a powerful halves pairing in four-time NRL premiership-winning halfback Nathan Cleary and 2024 Origin-winning halfback Mitchell Moses, widely regarded as two of the best in the game today. In a bold move, Queensland coach Billy Slater…

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National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has strongly condemned the violent unrest that erupted in Port Moresby on Tuesday, calling it a serious threat to law and order and demanding urgent reform of the city’s public transport system. The violence, reportedly led by Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) drivers and their relatives following the fatal stabbing of a crew member, saw parts of the capital descend into chaos, causing widespread fear and disruption for city residents. Governor Parkop expressed sympathy for the victim’s family but firmly denounced the retaliatory attacks, stating: “While I share the public’s grief and outrage… it does…

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The Governor for National Capital District (NCD) Powes Parkop highlighted the significance of ‘One City, One Country, One Future’ at the official launching of the PNG Story Month celebration at the Sir Hubert Murray stadium in Port Moresby city in the lead up to the 50th independence anniversary, beginning with the Southern Region. The month-long celebration is part of a broader national storytelling initiative that began in May and continues through to September, exploring PNG’s cultural and historical journey through the voices of its diverse regions and communities. Addressing crowd in attendance, Governor Parkop reflected on the Southern Region’s deep-rooted…

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Nathan Cleary is once again at the center of controversy ahead of tomorrow’s State of Origin decider. At just 27, he has already accomplished more than many of the game’s greatest names, including several NRL Immortals. Yet, despite his accolades, critics continue to argue that Cleary will never match the legacy of Andrew Johns, widely regarded as New South Wales’ greatest ever halfback. But unlike Johns, who debuted in Origin in his late 20s and only reached his peak in his 30s, Cleary is still years away from what many believe could be his prime. The Penrith playmaker already has…

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South Pacific Brewery (SP Brewery) has confirmed a K5000 contribution to support preparations for this year’s National Mask and Warwagira Festival, an event that celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of East New Britain. Scheduled to take place from July 9th to 12th in Kokopo, East New Britain Province, the festival is one of Papua New Guinea’s iconic cultural events, showcasing traditional dances, masks, and customs from across the region. SP Brewery’s Regional Sales Manager for the New Guinea Islands, Leon Schulz, said the company was pleased to assist. “This festival aligns with our goal of fostering unity and celebrating cultural…

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For the first time in Pacific Games history, every national team participating in the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau is supported by a dedicated safeguarding officer. This proactive move, led by the Pacific Games Council, signals a regional shift toward prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of athletes and officials. Complementing this initiative is the Safe Games Team, a group of four regional safeguarding champions representing Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and Palau. Leading the team is Roshika Deo, Team Up’s GEDSI and Safeguarding Officer, who is also the Games’ official Safeguarding Team Leader. In a key step toward stronger…

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A kaleidoscope of colours, rhythm, and reflection unfolded at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium yesterday 05th of July 2025 as Southern Region Day officially opened the month-long PNG Story celebrations in honour of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary. Under the uniting theme “One Drum, Many Echoes,” the Southern Region showcased the full strength of its cultural pride and creative expression, drawing crowds from across the city. Twelve singsing groups and six cultural string bands from the provinces of Central, Gulf, Western, Oro, and Milne Bay lit up the stadium grounds with traditional dances, chants, and musical storytelling as part of…

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Sri Lankan pop sensation Yohani made her highly anticipated debut in Papua New Guinea this week, delivering not only an electrifying performance at the Musical Extravaganza at The Stanley Hotel & Suites last night, but also a heartfelt visit to Brown River that touched the lives of a community often overlooked. Best known for her viral hit “Manike Mage Hithe”, Yohani who is signed under India’s most subscribed YouTube label, T-Series was the headline act for the high-profile, charity-based concert organized by the Sri Lanka–Papua New Guinea Friendship Foundation (SLPNGFF). The event was the culmination of a week-long campaign aimed…

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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated 1,000 megaphones to the National Department of Health (NDoH) and Provincial Health Authorities to strengthen health education efforts in Papua New Guinea’s rural communities. At the official handover ceremony yesterday in Port Moresby, UNICEF Representative Dr Veera Mendonça highlighted the importance of the equipment in improving community outreach, particularly for maternal and child health. “The megaphones are intended to support efforts in strengthening community mobilization, increasing immunization coverage, and enhancing health promotion activities,” said Dr Mendonça. She emphasized that the devices would help deliver timely, accurate, and culturally appropriate health education to…

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Veteran weightlifter Dika Toua headlined an unforgettable day for Team Papua New Guinea at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games on Friday, 4 July, as PNG’s athletes delivered a string of impressive performances across several sports with most notably in weightlifting, table tennis, va’a, and softball. WEIGHTLIFTING — 5 GOLD MEDALS Dika Toea, a legend in the sport, secured gold in her category, continuing her dominance on the regional stage and setting the tone for PNG’s medal haul. This led to 5 gold medals across both men’s and women’s weight classes. These performances solidified PNG’s reputation as a powerhouse in Pacific weightlifting.…

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