Papua New Guinea’s emerging rugby league talent will take centre stage this weekend when the National Youth Competition (NYC) Grand Final is showcased as part of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Amazing Round at Santos National Football Stadium.The Under-19 Male Grand Final will see the Central Dabaris take on the Port Moresby Vipers on Sunday morning, providing a platform for some of the country's most promising young players to compete on one of rugby league’s biggest stages. The championship match has been included as a key feature of the expanded Amazing Round program, which will also host all six Digicel ExxonMobil Cup fixtures. The initiative aims to highlight both the current stars of the game and the next generation of talent progressing through Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League’s (PNGRFL) development system. Among the players expected to make an impact is Port Moresby Vipers fullback David Sevara, who enters the decider as the competition’s leading try-scorer with five tries from five matches. For the Central Dabaris, versatile outside back and edge player David Taraka will be one to watch after producing a standout hat-trick performance in the preliminary final to help secure his side’s place in the grand final. PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina said the decision to stage the youth grand final during Amazing Round underscores the organisation’s commitment to developing future rugby league stars. “Many of these players have come through the PNGRFL Academy and National Youth Competition pathway, where they have been exposed to a structured development program designed to help them grow as athletes and individuals,” Hondina said. “The Grand Final is an opportunity for them to demonstrate the skills, discipline and commitment they have developed throughout that process.” Hondina said the National Youth Competition continues to play a vital role in preparing young athletes for higher levels of the game. “By staging the Grand Final during the Amazing Round, we are giving these young athletes the opportunity to experience a premier rugby league event and showcase their talent in front of a national audience,” he said. “The pathway from junior rugby league through to the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and beyond is an important part of our game. Events like this demonstrate the opportunities available to young players who are committed to developing their skills and pursuing their rugby league aspirations.” The National Youth Competition has become an important component of the PNGRFL development framework, providing elite competition opportunities for young players from across the country while preparing them for representative and senior club football. Additional information on the National Youth Competition Grand Final, participating teams and related activities is expected to be released through the competition’s official social media channels throughout the week.

Remington Technology and Don Bosco Technical School (DBTS) Gabutu have formalised their long-standing partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for 2026 on May 28. The agreement reinforces both institutions’ shared commitment to advancing technical education and strengthening professional skills development in Papua New Guinea. The partnership establishes a coordinated framework focused on two key areas of collaboration. Remington Technology Limited will provide DBTS Gabutu students with structured on-the-job training aligned with the school’s academic calendar, giving them practical, hands-on experience across the company’s operational environment in various technical fields. In return, Don Bosco Technical School Gabutu will deliver tailored training and professional development programs for Remington employees, helping ensure staff remain up to date with current industry practices and standards. The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from both organisations, including DBTS Gabutu Principal Mr. Martin Dai, Deputy Principal Mr. Kenneth Gonzales, and Remington Group CEO, Mr. Justin Kieseker. Mr. Kieseker highlighted the importance of the continued partnership, noting that Remington’s investment in technical education institutions remains central to its goal of developing a skilled local workforce and creating long-term opportunities for Papua New Guinea’s youth.

Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea (PNG), H.E. Mr.r Ewen McDonald, has formally welcomed the return of infant Sawong and his parents, Kevin and Fetima, to Papua New Guinea following specialized medical treatment in Australia. The High Commissioner also extended official condolences regarding Sawong’s twin brother, Tom, stating, "There are few things in life more precious than a happy, healthy, thriving baby. With joy and gratitude, I welcome baby Sawong and his parents, Kevin and Fetima, back home to Papua New Guinea. At the same time, I acknowledge and pay my respects to Sawong’s late twin brother, Tom, who sadly gave his life for Sawong to live." The medical journey required significant endurance from the family and their local community. High Commissioner McDonald noted that the infant demonstrated exceptional resilience throughout the clinical process, successfully overcoming consecutive health challenges through remarkable tenacity. The successful outcome was made possible through an international collaborative effort. The Australian Government facilitated the infant's specialized clinical care through the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, working in coordination with multiple stakeholders. High Commissioner McDonald expressed formal gratitude to the family, network partners, church groups, civil society, and healthcare professionals in both Papua New Guinea and Australia, while also acknowledging the critical role of private donors who provided financial and in-kind logistics. Following the successful repatriation, the High Commission confirmed that Australia remains committed to its bilateral development partnership with Papua New Guinea, specifically targeting health and welfare initiatives designed to secure positive long-term outcomes for children nationwide.

Parents, teachers and school board members in Central and Sandaun provinces are taking a more active role in supporting schools and improving student learning following recent training workshops on the National Department of Education's new Parents and Citizens (P&C) Handbook. The three-day workshops, held in Port Moresby and Vanimo, were delivered with support from the Australian Government-funded Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE) program. Participants learned about their responsibilities on school boards, strategies to improve student attendance and behaviour, and ways communities can support education. Ruatoka Primary School P&C representative Philip Solomon said the training had increased parents' understanding of how their involvement directly contributes to teaching and learning outcomes. “That awareness quickly turns into action. Parents begin taking ownership, joining discussions, and sharing ideas to improve their school.” Sogeri Primary School Head Teacher Chris Manggin said the P&C was also helping promote inclusive education, with parents and teachers working together to identify and support children with disabilities. “Through the P&C, we are raising awareness and encouraging parents to bring their children forward for assessment and support,” At Gabagaba Primary School, P&C representative Vaporo Rei-Kondolo said parents are becoming more engaged in school activities and development initiatives. She said parents are helping maintain school facilities, encouraging good student behaviour, and ensuring children come to school prepared to learn. “This renewed understanding is changing what we see every day in schools.” This was part of the celebrations of ‘Global Day of Parents’

Children at Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) Library Learning Centres across Papua New Guinea (PNG) enjoyed a day of fun, learning and treats as the organisation marked World Biscuit Day with the support of Lae Biscuit Company (LBC) and The Chow Foundation. The celebrations took place at BbP centres in Port Moresby and Lae, where children participated in a range of biscuit-themed activities, including colouring competitions, biscuit decorating, storytelling sessions, games and educational exercises. At the St Steven Library Learning Centre in Lae, which is sponsored by The Chow Foundation, the festivities were made even more memorable with a visit from the Lae Biscuit Company events team. Children dressed up as popular LBC biscuit brands, bringing creativity, colour and excitement to the occasion. Students also had the opportunity to sample the newly launched Lewa Cookies range while learning important lessons about healthy eating and oral hygiene. Organizers encouraged children to enjoy biscuits as part of a balanced diet alongside nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, eggs, peanut butter and milk, while emphasizing the importance of brushing teeth regularly to prevent cavities. BbP thanked The Chow Foundation, the charitable arm of Lae Biscuit Company, for becoming a Library Learning Centre partner and supporting the establishment of the St Steven Library Learning Centre in 2025 at 3 Mile, Lae. The partnership is helping provide local children with access to books, early learning opportunities, and a safe environment for education and development. BbP also acknowledged Lae Biscuit Company’s long-standing support, noting that the company recently donated 90 cartons of biscuits to assist fundraising efforts at the Lae Showground Library Learning Centre following a theft incident in which important items were stolen. Over the years, LBC has supported BbP through product donations, student activities and special events, including engagements involving the Snax Tigers team. The company’s contributions have helped create enjoyable and memorable learning experiences for children attending BbP centres. BbP expressed gratitude to its donor partners and supporters for their continued commitment to helping children and families in communities throughout Papua New Guinea.

Students and teachers at the Lakira Primary School in the Southern Highlands province can now have access to clean and reliable water, all thanks to Kina Bank. Kina Bank recently donated a 5,000 litre water tank to the primary school under its Strongim Komuniti Grant (SKG) program, led by Kina Bank staff member Sylvia Kotapu, who played a key role in coordinating the initiative and ensuring the donation addressed the school’s specific needs. “As a member of this community, I have personally observed the dedication and resilience of our teachers, as well as the daily hardships faced by both staff and students, particularly in relation to water accessibility,” said Sylvia. Located in a remote part of the Southern Highlands, Lakira Primary School serves children from surrounding rural communities where access to basic services, including safe water, remains a significant challenge. The new water tank will help address daily water shortages, supporting a healthier learning environment, and easing the burden on both students and teachers. Headmaster, Mr. Andrew Ambuya, on behalf of the school, teachers, students, and the wider community, expressed sincere appreciation to Kina Bank for the support. “This contribution makes a real difference to our school. Access to clean water has always been a challenge, and this support will greatly improve the wellbeing of our students and staff. We are truly grateful to Kina Bank for this assistance,” Mr. Ambuya said. The water tank was successfully collected and delivered to the school on 11 March 2026, marking an important signpost for the school and surrounding community. Kina Bank’s Strongim Komuniti Grant program is an internal staff-driven initiative designed to support community-based projects across Papua New Guinea. The program provides an opportunity for Kina Bank employees to give back to their home communities by nominating and leading meaningful projects that address real local needs. Through the Kina Bank’s SKG program, staff take an active role in identifying priority areas such as education, health, and community development, ensuring that support reaches places where it can have the greatest impact.

A rural talent identification program in Papua New Guinea’s Gulf province is creating new opportunities for young women and girls in rugby league, following a successful initiative held in Moveave Village. The Cathy Neap Rural Talent Identification Program, delivered at Terapo Primary School in Malalaua District, brought together communities along the Taure and Lakekamu Rivers to identify emerging female rugby league talent while promoting confidence, leadership and life skills through sport. Supported by a grant from the Australian Government’s Team Up Program in partnership with the International Olympic Committee’s Olympism365 strategy, the initiative has completed its first rural talent identification phase in Gulf Province. The program combines exhibition matches and trial games with structured talent identification sessions aimed at uncovering promising players from remote communities. A total of 23 girls from surrounding villages participated alongside 18 women and girls, one male participant, and two women officials who travelled from Port Moresby to support the program. The event also received backing from the Head Teacher of Terapo Primary School and the President of the Mailover Rugby League Association, highlighting strong local involvement. Six standout players, aged between 18 and 23, were identified for their performance across key areas including skill, speed, discipline, teamwork, and determination. They will now travel to Port Moresby for further development opportunities, training and exposure. As part of the transition to elite pathways, the selected players will receive support including life skills training, accommodation assistance for five months, medical check-ups, and small business support to help with living costs while pursuing rugby league careers. Program founder and NRL in PNG Country Manager Cathy Neap, said the initiative is designed to go beyond sport and build long-term opportunities for young women. “This program is about empowering young women and girls through sport, helping them build confidence, courage, and belief in themselves,” Neap said. “There is so much untapped talent in our rural communities, and these girls deserve opportunities to reach their full potential.” Neap also acknowledged the support of the Play for Equity grant through the Team Up Program and Olympism365 strategy, saying it had been essential in delivering the initiative. The program has already begun to make an impact in participating communities, encouraging greater female participation in sport and strengthening community engagement across the region. One of the selected players, Gulf province athlete Mary Sauka, said she was proud to have earned an opportunity to continue her rugby league journey in the capital. “I am very happy to be selected to go to Port Moresby to play rugby league and hopefully one day play in the Santos Cup,” Sauka said. Neap said she now hopes to expand the program to other regions of the country, providing ongoing support which can be secured. “I look forward to travelling to other regions of Papua New Guinea to scout and identify talent,” she said. “Most importantly, I need continued funding and support to keep doing what I love- empowering young women and girls through sport, inspiring them to realize their full potential, and helping them reach the highest level possible.” The success of the Gulf province program highlights growing momentum behind rural sports development initiatives aimed at creating sustainable pathways for women and girls in Papua New Guinea.

Prime Minister James Marape has congratulated the people and government of East New Britain (ENB) on the province’s 49th anniversary, describing ENB as a model province whose resilience, unity, and vision set an example for Papua New Guinea. This historic milestone marks 49 years since East New Britain was officially recognized as a province of the independent State of Papua New Guinea. Celebrated on Sunday, May 31st, the anniversary was marked with deep reflections on governance, service delivery, and community strength. “This event has marked a significant milestone as we celebrated ENB being officially recognized as a province of the independent state of Papua New Guinea,” Prime Minister Marape said. “This day serves not only as a commemoration of governance but also as a reminder of the resilience and unity that define your province.” In his address, the Prime Minister paid tribute to past leaders whose foresight and dedication laid the foundation for ENB’s political journey and development. He also acknowledged the vital role played by churches and the private sector in shaping the province’s progress over the decades. Noting that East New Britain has consistently shown remarkable resilience in recovering from major challenges like volcanic eruptions and natural disasters, Prime Minister Marape emphasized that this spirit of perseverance is what makes the province truly special. He added that the occasion was a time to celebrate achievements and look ahead with optimism and purpose, urging ENB to continue building a prosperous future for its people while contributing to the strength of a greater Papua New Guinea. The Prime Minister’s remarks echo those of the Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources and Member for Gazelle Jelta Wong, who also commended ENB residents for their unity and forward-looking outlook. To ensure the province keeps advancing and delivering for its people, the National Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting East New Britain through continued investment in infrastructure, economic growth, and disaster resilience.

Papua New Guinea’s Under-19 Men’s National Team has departed for the Cook Islands ahead of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Under-19 Men’s Championship Qualifying Stage, carrying the nation’s hopes of securing a place at the regional championship in Samoa later this year. The qualifying tournament will be held from June 6th to 12th, with PNG competing against Tonga and host nation the Cook Islands for the sole qualification spot on offer. Led by captain Nalau Moses, the 23-man squad features a talented group of young footballers aiming to continue their development on the international stage and take a step closer to achieving World Cup aspirations. Moses brings valuable experience to the side, having competed in the Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) Premier Soccer League and represented PNG at various national youth levels. He will captain a squad that includes several players from the PNG Under-16 team that impressed at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in the Solomon Islands. That side narrowly missed out on qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup after a 2-0 semi-final loss to New Zealand, an experience that Head Coach Mathew Witu believes has prepared the players well for the challenge ahead. “The players have worked hard throughout our preparations and are ready to compete,” Witu said. “We know the task ahead will not be easy, but the team is focused on giving their best in every match and achieving the results needed to qualify.” “The experience many of these players gained at the U-16 level has been invaluable. They understand what it takes to compete at this level and are motivated to take the next step in their football journey.” PNG will begin its campaign against Tonga on June 6th before taking on the Cook Islands on June 12th. To advance to the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Samoa this September, the team must finish at the top of the standings. The stakes are particularly significant this year with the OFC U-19 Championship serving as a pathway to the FIFA U-20 World Cup. For the first time, Oceania has been allocated three qualification spots for the global tournament, providing unprecedented opportunities for emerging football nations across the region. Meanwhile, speaking at the team’s farewell dinner on Wednesday evening, PNGFA President John Kapi Natto, encouraged the players to embrace the opportunity before them and continue striving towards higher levels of international football. “This squad is a very special squad. You came through the Under-16 programme and now you are in the Under-19 team,” Natto said. “Next year we have the Under-23 Olympic qualifiers and many of you could be part of that same squad.” “We are hosting the Under-23 qualifiers here in the country next year, so the future is good for you. The opportunity is there.” In addition, Natto stated that the expanded FIFA qualification pathway had made the dream of World Cup participation more attainable than ever before for PNG’s young footballers. “With three World Cup qualification spots now available to Oceania, the dream of reaching a FIFA World Cup is no longer out of reach.” “It is an opportunity that this generation of players can strive towards, but it starts with the challenge ahead in the Cook Islands,” he said. The Papua New Guinea Football Association has wished the team a safe journey and success as they represent the nation in the qualifying tournament.

Prime Minister James Marape has announced that Papua New Guinea is entering a period of sustained economic growth and investment, driven by major resource projects including Papua LNG, Wafi-Golpu, P’nyang, Pasca A and other future petroleum developments expected to come online over the next decade and beyond. The country’s energy sector remains a key pillar of PNG’s long-term economic strategy and will continue to generate employment, business opportunities, government revenue and broader economic benefits for Papua New Guineans. Prime Minister Marape said Papua LNG remains one of the country’s most important development priorities and, once it reaches Final Investment Decision (FID), is expected to trigger a continuous pipeline of major energy investments and construction activity across the country. “These projects will provide long-term construction activity, production opportunities, employment and revenue for Papua New Guinea.” “We are looking at the next 10 to 15 years as a period of sustained energy sector activity, not only in construction but also in long-term production and economic growth.” PNG’s economy continues to be supported by major resource developments, particularly in the oil and gas sector, while agriculture and other non-resource sectors continue to contribute strongly to economic growth. He noted that the non-mining and petroleum sector has recorded growth of approximately four percent, led largely by the agriculture sector where the majority of Papua New Guineans continue to earn their livelihoods. The Prime Minister said his government remains committed to ensuring resource development delivers greater benefits to the people and that future projects create opportunities for local businesses, landowners and impacted communities. “Our government is predominantly known for the principle that we are fighting to take back more benefits for our country.” “This Pangu Administration has made it absolutely clear that we will not compromise on ensuring the State secures around or above 55 percent of the total benefit from our major resource projects.” “There can be no clearer example than the New Porgera Limited Agreement. The resource sector industry knows very well our vision and where we want to take the country.” “We want to secure above 55 percent as the total stake for the state.” He further thanked all resource developers, investors and partners for understanding the government’s position. “This is being achieved within our existing laws and through good, amicable negotiations that benefit all stakeholders.” Meanwhile he stated that while his government may not have solved all of the country’s socio-economic challenges during the past seven years, it has remained focused on growing the economy, increasing national participation in resource projects and ensuring the country receives a greater share of the benefits from its natural resources. He said projects such as the Papua LNG Project in Gulf Province and the WafiGolpu Project in Morobe Province, would generate additional revenue, strengthen foreign exchange reserves and create long-term economic opportunities for Papua New Guineans. “We get Papua LNG and Wafi-Golpu online and get more revenue into the country to ensure our foreign reserves improve for the government, landowners and developers.”

The PNG Chiefs have secured a major addition to their inaugural NRL squad, signing England international and St Helens premiership-winning forward Matty Lees as Player 004 ahead of the club's entry into the competition in 2028.Lees becomes the fourth player officially announced by the franchise and joins an emerging roster designed to establish the foundation of Papua New Guinea's first NRL club. Widely regarded as one of the toughest front-row forwards in rugby league, the 27-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the Chiefs after making more than 170 professional appearances and representing both St Helens and England at the highest level. The signing is another significant step in the club's recruitment campaign as it continues building a squad capable of competing with the NRL's elite while laying the groundwork for long-term success. PNG Chiefs General Manager of Football Michael Chammas said the acquisition of Lees reflects the club's focus on securing players who embody the standards and culture it wants to establish. "Matty Lees is one of the toughest and most respected forwards in rugby league," Chammas said. "He's built his career through hard work, consistency and an uncompromising approach to the game. "Those qualities are exactly what we're looking for as we build our roster and culture for 2028. "We're delighted to secure Matty as Player 004 and look forward to seeing the impact he'll have both on and off the field." A multiple Super League premiership winner, Lees has earned a reputation not only for his performances on the field but also for his professionalism, resilience and leadership qualities. PNG Chiefs Chief Executive Officer Lorna McPherson said the club's recruitment strategy extends beyond football ability, with character and leadership considered key components in building a successful organisation. "As we continue building the PNG Chiefs, we're focused on bringing in quality people as much as quality players," McPherson said. "Matty has earned enormous respect throughout his career through his professionalism, humility and commitment to his team. "As Player 004, he becomes part of the foundation group that will help establish the standards and identity of our club for years to come." The Chiefs also acknowledged St Helens for its cooperation throughout the signing process and said Lees will join the club following the completion of his commitments in England. The announcement follows the unveiling of Players 001, 002 and 003 and marks another milestone in the club's preparations for its historic NRL debut in 2028. With each new signing, the vision for the PNG Chiefs continues to take shape, as the club seeks to build a roster founded on talent, leadership, professionalism and character while inspiring future generations of Papua New Guinean rugby league players and supporters.

The New Ireland Provincial Government is launching its largest-ever Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) support program, driven by a new political partnership between Governor Byron Chan and Kavieng MP and Treasurer, Ian Ling Stuckey. ​The massive economic rollout combines direct goods assistance with banking investments to financially empower nearly 5,000 women across the province. ​Announcing the initiative just three months after officially taking office, Governor Byron Chan emphasized that the collaboration between his People’s Progress Party (PPP) and the Pangu Pati represents a united mandate for New Ireland. ​"This is a PPP-Pangu partnership and must be encouraged in order for development to happen," Governor Chan stated. He praised Treasurer Ian Ling Stuckey for leading the way with local projects, noting that the Governor’s office is now building upon that momentum. ​Despite spending his first three months in office dealing with ongoing election disputes in court, Governor Chan stressed that his administration is determined to deliver major projects quickly. ​ ​The initiative targets mothers and women across New Ireland, reaching from Kavieng Urban to the remote communities of Lambom and Laskona in Namatanai, as well as New Hanover and the Mussau Islands. ​The financial and material support structure includes, Direct Goods Assistance, 1,420 mothers across 124 wards will receive K900 worth of starting goods over the next two weeks. ​The New Ireland Provincial Government has backed the Mama Bank with a K1.5 million financial guarantees, following the recent launch of the New Ireland Mama Bank where 3,000 women will benefit from a dedicated financial drive. Furthermore, Governor Chan pledged K1 million annually for the next five years to help local women open bank accounts and grow their investments. ​ ​In addition to the SME and banking programs, Governor Chan announced a K5 million allocation to distribute 2,000 corrugated roofing iron sheets across the province over the next two months. This housing initiative will run alongside and complement ongoing projects managed by MP Stuckey. ​The government's long-term goal is to expand the financial rollout so that eventually, every family in New Ireland can hold an active bank account. Pics: Initial kick starting of Governor Chan’s SME program for wards 1, 3 & 6 in Kavieng Urban LLG signaling start of the province wide roll out.