PNG Haus Bung

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has congratulated 54 newly commissioned police officers and challenged them to serve Papua New Guinea with discipline, integrity, commitment and love for their country. Prime Minister Marape issued the challenge on Friday 2nd October at the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) National Centre of Excellence at Bomana during the Commissioning Parade of Cadet Intake 1 of 2023. The officers have completed three years of cadet training designed to prepare them for leadership and command responsibilities within the Constabulary. Prime Minister Marape said he was moved by what he saw as the officers stood on parade. “In your eyes, I saw commitment, zeal, fire, emotion and love for your country,” he said. “You touched my heart.” He reminded the officers that they were taking on responsibilities extending far beyond the parade ground at Bomana and could be called upon to serve anywhere in Papua New Guinea. 

More than 279,000 students across Papua New Guinea have started their National Examinations, with the National Department of Education warning schools and students against examination malpractice.The examinations for Grades 8, 10 and 12 begin today, with 84,596 Grade 10 students from 547 high and secondary schools sitting their papers from October 5 to 9.This will be followed by 37,430 Grade 12 students from 250 secondary schools, including the seven National Schools of Excellence, from October 12 to 16.A further 157,500 Grade 8 students from 3,815 primary schools will sit their examinations from October 19 to 22.Secretary for Education Dr Uke Kombra said strict measures are in place to protect the integrity of the examinations.“Students and schools are being warned of serious consequences, which include non-certification for students, termination from teaching for teachers, and banning of schools for a minimum period of three years.”Dr Kombra said the Department has issued strict supervisory guidelines to external invigilators across the country.He also said the Department is working with provincial governments, police and security personnel to ensure the examinations proceed without disruption.Contingency arrangements have also been established to respond to possible natural disasters and other unforeseen emergencies.Dr Kombra urged parents, guardians and communities to support students by providing a quiet environment for study and ensuring candidates arrive at their examination locations on time.The Department is also encouraging the public, parents and students to report suspected examination malpractice or paper leaks.Grade 10 marking in the National Capital District will begin immediately after the first examination, with answer sheets to be sent to the provinces for consistent and uniform marking.Grade 12 marking will take place in Port Moresby from October 18 to 29, while Grade 8 papers will be marked in the provinces after the examinations.Dr Kombra also confirmed that the exact number of students who have been nominated to sit for the National exams are from the final confirmation by schools on the Online Student Information Booklets System (SIBS).

The Australian Government-supported PNGRFL Academy has again demonstrated its impact on rugby league development in Papua New Guinea, with 26 Academy graduates featuring prominently in the 2026 Prime Minister's XIII fixtures in Port Moresby.Academy players represented Papua New Guinea across the PMXIII women's matches as well as the Junior Orchids and Junior Kumuls, with several players delivering standout performances, showcasing the strength of the pathways program and the opportunities it is creating for young athletes to progress to the highest levels of the game.One of the highlights of the day was the history-making win by the Junior Kumuls, who secured a famous victory over the Australian Schoolboys. It was a milestone result that showcased the exciting talent emerging from PNG, with nine PNGRFL Academy graduates helping the Junior Kumuls to a strong 18-10 win. The Junior Kumuls were led by PNGRFL Academy coach and mentor Joey Grima, while all three tries were scored by Academy graduates Jason Daniel (two) and Otto Thomas (one).Despite a 32-0 defeat, the Junior Orchids played with heart, resilience, and tremendous potential against a quality Australian Schoolgirls opposition, providing plenty of optimism for the future of women's rugby league in PNG.The Australian PMXIII Men’s and Women’s teams faced tough opposition from their PNG counterparts but ultimately won their games 60-10 and 66-6 in front of a large crowd at Santos National Football Stadium. Crowd favourite and Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mam scored three tries for the Aussies, while PNG Hunters’ Sylvester Namo and NCDC POM Vipers rookie sensation Jeremiah Ben both scored tries for PNG. Acting Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Mr. Adrian Lochrin, said the strong representation of Academy graduates reflected the success of long-term investments in grassroots rugby league development."The PNG RFL Academy continues to open doors for talented young Papua New Guineans, providing pathways that help players realise their potential both on and off the field.""Seeing so many Academy graduates represent Papua New Guinea at the Prime Minister's XIII fixtures highlights the strength of the program and the dedication of the players, coaches and communities who support them."PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina said the performances demonstrated the growing strength of Papua New Guinea’s rugby league pathways.“The win by the Junior Kumuls today is a testament to the vision and hard work of all involved in the PNGRFL Academy. These young men and women have worked hard to earn their opportunities, and they showed us today that they belong on the international stage. With funding support from the Australian Government, the Academy symbolises the great partnership between PNG and Australia.”“With more Academy graduates stepping into representative rugby league each year, the future of our game is incredibly exciting. As we look toward the PNG Chiefs in 2028, these players are proving that Papua New Guinea has the talent, passion and potential to compete with the very best.”

The outstanding performance by the Junior Kumuls over the weekend against the Australian Schoolboys team, has received a big applaud from the prime minister himself.Prime Minister James Marape has congratulated the PNG Junior Kumuls on their historic 18–10 victory over the Australian Schoolboys and commended all Papua New Guinean and Australian teams that competed in the Prime Minister’s XIII rugby league programme at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby city on Saturday 3rd October. Prime Minister Marape said the Junior Kumuls’ first victory over the Australian Schoolboys was a proud moment for Papua New Guinea and an encouraging sign of the young talent emerging through the country’s rugby league pathways. “This is a historic achievement for our Junior Kumuls and for Papua New Guinea rugby league,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Our young men showed courage, discipline and confidence against some of the best emerging rugby league talent in Australia.” “They led 10–0 at halftime, withstood the Australian comeback and finished strongly to win 18–10.” “I congratulate every player, coach and official involved. You have made Papua New Guinea proud.” “This victory shows us that the talent is here,” he said. domestic competitions and elite pathways.”Prime Minister Marape said the victory demonstrated why Papua New Guinea must continue investing in junior development and pathways as the country prepares for the PNG Chiefs to enter the NRL in 2028.

The Sydney Roosters have defeated the Newcastle Knights 19-18 in a thrilling 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final at Accor Stadium on Sunday night.The Knights started strongly in front of 80,814 fans and raced to a 12-0 lead, but the Roosters fought back before eventually securing the premiership in a match that went down to the final minutes.Knights back-rower Francis Manuleleua opened the scoring in the 16th minute after Fletcher Sharpe delivered a pass to put him through a gap. Sandon Smith converted to give Newcastle a 6-0 lead.Kalyn Ponga then extended the Knights' advantage in the 30th minute after collecting a Mark Nawaqanitawase tap-back from a high kick and racing 96 metres to score. Sandon Smith again converted to make it 12-0.The Roosters responded through Mark Nawaqanitawase in the 36th minute. Nawaqanitawase put the ball on the toe after a Rob Toia tap-back and followed through to score. Sam Walker converted, reducing the deficit to 12-6 at half-time.The Roosters continued their comeback early in the second half, with Billy Smith scoring in the 48th minute after breaking free from a Jermaine McEwen tackle. Walker converted to level the match at 12-12.Sam Walker then added a penalty goal in the 54th minute to put the Roosters ahead 14-12.Nawaqanitawase scored his second try in the 60th minute after a Daly Cherry-Evans grubber hit the upright and bounced to James Tedesco, who floated the ball over to his winger. Walker missed the conversion, leaving the Roosters with an 18-12 lead.With 10 minutes remaining, Cherry-Evans produced a crucial moment by calmly slotting a field goal from 18 metres in the 70th minute to give the Roosters a 19-12 advantage.The Knights refused to surrender.In the 77th minute, Greg Marzhew crossed in the corner after Kalyn Ponga and Francis Manuleleua were heavily involved in the lead-up, with Bradman Best providing the final pass. Sandon Smith converted from the sideline to reduce the margin to 19-18.The Knights continued to pressure the Roosters in the closing minutes, but the Roosters held on.James Tedesco made a crucial play in the final minute, cleaning up a bouncing ball under pressure as the Roosters secured the one-point victory.Tedesco was awarded the 2026 Clive Churchill Medal after producing a standout performance. The Roosters captain finished with 385 metres from 35 runs and 14 tackle breaks.The victory gives the Roosters their first premiership since 2019, while Cherry-Evans secured his second premiership, 15 years after his first with the Manly Sea Eagles.The Knights' forwards produced a major defensive effort throughout the contest. Mat Croker made 47 tackles, Cody Hopwood 46 and Jermaine McEwen 42, while Fletcher Sharpe made 29 tackles.The Knights finished the match with 42 per cent of possession and were forced to make 120 more tackles than the Roosters, but continued to fight until the final siren.The Roosters ultimately prevailed 19-18 in one of the closest Grand Finals, completing their comeback after trailing 12-0 early in the contest.Source: NRL

Roosters playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans has opened up on his evolution as a player and a person as he looks to cap a fairytale farewell to the NRL.The veteran will play his final game in the competition in Sunday's grand final, 15 years after he led Manly to the premiership in his rookie season. Cherry-Evans was back in a decider two years later, winning the Clive Churchill Medal as his Sea Eagles went down to the Roosters.It's been 13 years since he's played in a grand final and plenty has changed for the playmaker as he eyes a fairytale farewell before joining Hull FC next season. "If you look at anyone who's 22 years old and fast forward to them as a 37-year-old, things change," Cherry-Evans said. "I'm a husband and a father now. I'm sure there are some mannerisms that have held true with my footy."I'm obviously more mature, so I have a better understanding of what the team needs. I was very instinctive as a young player coming through the grades. I didn't have a lot of structure around me; not that it wasn't getting coached into me, but my style of play and personality was just playing what I see."Over time I've become a halfback. For a long time I was a five-eighth wearing a number seven, and right now I'm probably a halfback wearing a number six."Cherry-Evans took the NRL by storm in his rookie season and quickly developed into one of the best playmakers in the game. While he now concedes he was a five-eighth playing in the No.7 jumper, he eventually developed into a ball-playing halfback with a dynamic running game and one of the best kicking boots in the business. Representative honours quickly followed, Cherry-Evans making his Kangaroos debut just weeks after winning the 2011 grand final.A maiden State of Origin appearance for Queensland followed in 2013 and he went on to captain his state while becoming the oldest player to feature in the interstate series. The 2013 grand final, however, was the last time Cherry-Evans has featured on the first Sunday in October, with club success proving elusive. The veteran acknowledges he eventually came to appreciate how tough it is to play for a premiership and is determined to make the most of one last shot at glory. "Probably around year six to year 10 I started to realise how difficult it was to make finals, let alone a grand final," Cherry-Evans said."There were a couple of lean years there and it gives you a really strong appreciation for the times you do get to play in a finals series. It's definitely not lost on me how lucky I am to be playing in the grand final this weekend."Cherry-Evans became the youngest halfback to win a premiership in the NRL era when he led Manly to glory in 2011 as a 22-year-old. A win on Sunday will make him the oldest player in the NRL era to prevail in a grand final, eclipsing Cam Smith's record set in 2020. He will also be the oldest premiership winner since North Sydney's George Green won in 1922 as a 38-year-old. Cherry-Evans will also set a new record for longest gap between premierships, surpassing Lote Tuqiri's mark of 14 years.The retired winger won titles with the Broncos in 2000 and Rabbitohs in 2014 and has watched on in awe as his fellow Queenslander has continued to play at an elite level for longer than most anticipated. While he could lose his own slice of rugby league history, Tuqiri is hopeful Cherry-Evans can get over the line on Sunday night. "He's done unbelievably well to still be playing," Tuqiri told NRL.com. "It's the week to week grind and the training that gets you more than the games. It's easy to turn up for the game but it's a long season. "The fact he's done it in that position and done amazingly well is very impressive. I hope he gets it, they should get it, they are the favourites going into the game."The weekly grind makes it so hard to do what he's done. The Roosters and Sea Eagles have looked after him in his later years. He's got that senior citizens card. When you know how to look after yourself and the body, you don't have to work as hard because mentally you know what to expect. He's done a great job, I hope he does break the record."There is some poetry in the fact Cherry-Evans' final appearance will come for the club that last dashed his premiership dream.Two tries just after half-time handed Manly an 18-8 lead over the Roosters before Sonny Bill Williams took control of the game and swung it in the Tricolours' favour. The match will always hold a weird place in Cherry-Evans' heart, given his side lost but he was handed the Clive Churchill Medal.Many Roosters fans at the ground voiced their displeasure with the decision but 13 years on those same supporters who have embraced the playmaker this season. Having given the fans plenty to celebrate in 2026, Cherry-Evans is determined to go out on a high on Sunday night. "I said it back [in 2013], it was a very bittersweet moment," Cherry-Evans said. "I'm so proud to have a small part of the game's history. I would have swapped that medal back for a premiership ring that night in a heartbeat and still would."But here I am with a chance to become part of the Roosters history books in a good way."Source: NRL

Australia has provided books and literacy resources to Iobuna Kouba Primary School in Hiri-Koiari District, Central Province, to support students’ reading and learning.The donation, made on World Teachers’ Day, includes Bilum Books and other reading aids to replace heavily used resources as student enrolments and classroom demand increase.Head Teacher Joseph Buka welcomed the support, saying the books have helped improve students’ reading, speaking, listening and writing skills.He said students enjoy using the Bilum Books because the English is appropriate for their learning level.“With these books, kids are learning to read. They are learning to comprehend. It gives them courage to speak, to understand the world around them to make decisions in life,” Mr Buka said.Grade One teacher Maga Goma, who has taught at Iobuna for more than 30 years, said the donation would make a significant difference.She said previously, as many as 10 or 11 students had to share one book, meaning only students who could read were able to use it effectively.Australia says its education partnership with PNG continues through the 240-million-kina Partnership for Improving Education program, which supports foundational literacy and numeracy in schools and education systems.

As the Papua New Guinea PM's XIII fell to Australia PM's XIII today, while the Jnr Kumuls secured a win and the PNG Orchids and Jnr Orchids suffered defeats, John “The Ring Monster” Ume delivered a victory for Papua New Guinea in New Zealand.Ume defeated Hamza Perwaisy to become the new BX-9 Interim Welterweight Champion at Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.Ume will face Riley Allan for the official BX-9 Welterweight title in early 2027.

The G7 has agreed to release 100 million barrels of oil and diesel in a bid to ease supply pressures that have caused prices to skyrocket.The group of advanced economies, including the US, said the move would include a "substantial release" of diesel in the coming days.President Donald Trump had threatened to ban diesel exports in a move which would have eased pressure on prices for US consumers ahead of November's midterm elections, but pushed up prices elsewhere.In a joint statement, the G7 said member countries had now agreed to "refrain from export restrictions on energy and energy products" on one another.The G7 includes the US, UK, Canada, Japan, Germany, Italy and France, with the EU also represented at its meetings.Trump had warned he would ban diesel exports from the US if European countries did not agree to put more of their own stocks onto the market.On Friday, he said on social media: "Europe has just agreed to release a massive amount of their heavily stocked Diesel Oil. The process will begin immediately."His Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had argued US farmers, truckers, and businesses "should not be left carrying the burden" as prices soar.Diesel is used heavily by the haulage industry and in agriculture, meaning rises in the cost of the fuel feed through into essentials such as food.But, following a meeting of G7 leaders, French President Emmanuel Macron said the bloc had agreed to release reserves of "up to 100 million barrels" within four months under the co-ordination of the International Energy Agency (IEA).The UK was represented at the meeting by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, who said the measures would "stabilise energy supplies, build resilience in supply chains and shield households and businesses from price shocks".Macron said the co-ordinated action would "bring down the prices of petroleum products, particularly diesel". Highlighting the agreement not to pursue export bans, Macron said "President Trump, in particular, was very clear on this point".Speaking at the White House, Trump later said an export ban on diesel was "never really on the table".In the joint statement, G7 leaders said: "We will implement our commitments with a co-ordinated release through the IEA of 100 million barrels to begin immediately over four months, including a frontloaded substantial diesel release within the first 20 days by G7 members and partners."It is not yet clear which partner countries will release stocks, nor how quickly.The 100 million barrels will comprise a mix of diesel and crude oil. The price of global benchmark Brent crude oil briefly dropped below $100 a barrel, but rose back to around $102 by Friday evening. Before the US and Israel invaded Iran, it was trading at around $73.Matt Smith, director of commodities research at Kpler, said oil had risen again due to renewed strikes between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in Yemen."Oil prices were selling off strongly due to the announcement of strategic stock releases in Europe, but they reversed course on rumours of Saudi Arabia planning an offensive into Yemen as it looks to re-establish a safe path via Bab-Al Mandeb," he said.European countries had pushed back against US threats to turn off American diesel, against a backdrop of the US-led war in the Middle East and reduced supplies from Russia and China.The G7 leaders said they will also co-ordinate maintenance schedules to avoid multiple refineries being shut down at the same time, while encouraging countries with the capacity to do so to ramp up refining of diesel in particular.Avoiding a ban on US diesel exports will offer significant relief to countries which are reliant on imports of the fuel, including the UK, where prices at the pump topped £2 a litre for the first time on Friday.Over half of the UK's diesel is imported, with 31% of those imports coming from the US.The US is one of the world's leading diesel suppliers, with domestic refineries churning out roughly four to five million barrels every day, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).Americans consume about 3.6 million barrels of that. Refiners export the remaining 1.2 to 1.5 million barrels per day, making the US a vital supplier to the global market.Supplies of diesel internationally have been heavily constrained by the conflict in the Middle East, which has restricted the flow of both crude oil and refined diesel onto global markets.Russia, which is also a major producer, has implemented its own export ban on diesel, following attacks on its refineries by Ukraine, further limiting supply. The G7 leaders stressed that they will maintain sanctions against Russia amid its ongoing war in Ukraine.Diesel is harder to refine than petrol and, because of its use in the haulage industry and agriculture, it is very difficult to reduce demand.Source: BBC News

Dane Gagai V Latrell Mitchell Round 2 could kick start IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026 after the Knights centre was cleared to play for the Kiwis on the eve of the NRL grand final.Gagai, who is aiming to complete a fairytale finish to his career with the Knights in Sunday's premiership decider against Sydney Roosters, has been granted permission to switch his international eligibility from Australia to New Zealand.The 35 year-old, who is set to finish his NRL career at the Broncos, is now in line for a Kiwis call up and his first assignment could be opposite Mitchell in the World Cup opener at Allianz Stadium on October 15.The pair went head-to-head - and toe-to-toe - in an explosive opening match of the NRL finals series which began Newcastle's march to an unlikely grand final appearance after being wooden spooners last season.Gagai has wound back the clock as the Knights have overcome Mitchell's Rabbitohs, the Warriors in New Zealand and minor premiers Penrith to earn a shot at history against the Roosters.  An International Rugby League Appeals Committee approved Gagai's application to change Tier 1 eligibility from Australia to New Zealand.Gagai qualifies for New Zealand through his mother Tania and has represented his Ngāti Pikiāo heritage by playing for Māori All Stars since 2019.He has previously played for Australia and was a member of the Kangaroos team which won the final of IRL Rugby League World Cup 2017.Under IRL eligibility rules players who represent a Tier 1 nation – Australia, England and New Zealand – are unable to play for another Tier 1 nation. Gagai’s application was initially rejected on those grounds.However, IRL recently permitted Kalyn Ponga to switch his international allegiances to New Zealand and AJ Brimson to play for England after both had represented Australia at the IRL World Cup Nines in 2019.Changes to State of Origin eligibility rules also enabled Briton Nikora, Casey McLean and Addin Fonua-Blake to play in this year’s series despite not being eligible for Australia as they have represented New Zealand.An IRL Appeals Committee accepted that Gagai, who has played 23 State of Origins for Queensland, had not been afforded the same opportunity.Gagai has not played for Australia since 2018, and he was not selected in the preliminary 40-man squad for IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026.IRL Chair Troy Grant said there were "special circumstances" in Gagai's case.He said ARLC Executive Chairman Peter V’landys and Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters supported Gagai’s application.“Dane hasn’t played for Australia for eight years and we didn’t want him to be disadvantaged compared to other players with recent rule changes," Grant said.“Dane wrote to us and Peter V’landys was very supportive. He felt there should be a bit of an amnesty period because we didn’t want one player disadvantaged over another, given that Dane wasn’t in the Kangaroos squad and it has been so long since he has played at international level. Kevin Walters was supportive too.“Dane didn’t have the same option as other players who can play State of Origin and represent their heritage.“It was felt that there were special circumstances in his case, so Dane is now available for selection by New Zealand. It is now up to them whether they pick him.”Source: NRL

PNG Air will introduce a K120 fuel surcharge on domestic fares from October 5, as the airline faces rising aviation fuel and operating costs.The surcharge will apply to both adults and children, with tickets purchased or reissued from Monday carrying the additional charge.PNG Air says the decision comes amid volatility in international energy markets, which has pushed up the cost of jet fuel.The airline says it is also facing higher freight charges, supply difficulties and financing costs, while the end of the government fuel subsidy has removed previous support that helped cushion domestic aviation from rising fuel prices.PNG Air Chief Executive Officer Brian Fraser says the airline had absorbed the increased costs for as long as it could.He says air travel remains an important service for Papua New Guineans, connecting families, patients and communities across the country.PNG Air says it will continue to monitor the surcharge and review it if international fuel prices begin to fall.The new K120 charge will take effect from October 5, 2026.

American rapper Rick Ross has been released after posting a $5,000 bond following his arrest in Miami Beach on domestic violence-related battery charges.The 50-year-old rapper, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts II, voluntarily surrendered to Miami Beach police early Thursday, October 1, 2026. He was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center at about 6:10 a.m. on one felony charge of battery by strangulation and one misdemeanor battery charge, with both charges listed as involving domestic violence.Ross appeared before Miami-Dade Judge Mindy Glazer by video during a bond hearing. His attorney, Bradley Horenstein, entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf. The judge set Ross' total bond at $5,000 and issued a stay-away order involving the alleged victim.The court ordered Ross to have no direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim, including through third parties and social media, and imposed additional conditions while the case proceeds.Ross later left the correctional center after posting bond and denied the allegations against him.“I am totally innocent of these fabricated allegations against me,” Ross said after his release. He also said he planned to travel to Dubai and Paris over the weekend.Ross' attorney, Bradley Horenstein, also maintained that Ross is innocent and asked the public not to prejudge the case while the legal proceedings continue. Horenstein said the allegations were false and urged people to allow the legal process to proceed.The charges stem from an alleged incident at Ross' Star Island residence on August 28. According to the arrest report, a woman who told investigators that she had been in a relationship with Ross for about a year reported the alleged incident to police on September 29.According to the arrest report, the woman alleged that Ross struck her multiple times during an altercation and restricted her breathing by grabbing and twisting the collar of the hoodie she was wearing. She also alleged that Ross grabbed her ponytail, slammed her against a wall and struck her in the face, causing a busted lip.The arrest report also contains additional allegations concerning the incident, including an allegation that Ross pushed the woman to the floor and attempted to spray her with water from a shower head. These allegations come from the police report and have not been established as facts in court.Police said the woman provided photographs documenting injuries and that detectives obtained surveillance video related to the alleged incident. Miami Beach police said investigators obtained a victim statement, photographs and video and determined there was probable cause for the arrest.Ross turned himself in voluntarily and, according to police, declined to provide a statement about the allegations on the advice of his lawyer.The alleged victim has not been publicly identified by name. The allegations described in the arrest report have not been proven in court.Ross' arraignment is scheduled for October 22, 2026. He has pleaded not guilty and remains entitled to the presumption of innocence as the case proceeds through the court system.Source: NBC 6 South Florida