Another major boost for rugby league in the country with the recent announcement of the launch of the NRL Bid Academy to create future rugby league stars for the country. Building on the success of a pilot program in Port Moresby last season, the Academy will identify and nurture the best 15, 17 and 19 year-old male players, alongside the most talented females in the 18 age group. The program will also expand its geographical reach, creating development centres in Lae, Mt Hagan, Goroka, Rabaul and Port Moresby. In total, over 700 players will become part of the program under the guidance of experienced Player Development Manager, Joe Grima. This will make it larger than any current NRL Academy. The program will be crucial in developing the best up and coming talent in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and will build on the success that the Junior Kumuls are currently enjoying. This was highlighted last September with a mighty performance against the Australian Schoolboys Junior Kangaroos, with the Kumuls nearly pulling off a major upset before the Australians scored with 90 seconds remaining to win by four points. The Academy will also create a new level of professionalism off the field through the employment of 25 coaches, trainers and managers who will work under the leadership of Joe Grima to teach all players the skills, discipline and techniques that will be required to play at the NRL level. PNG NRL BID Chief Executive, Andrew Hill, saw the move as another major step towards creating a player pathway system that would prepare players for the NRL. “We have said from the early days of establishing the bid that we would focus on getting the best systems in place in respect to pathways and coaching for our top junior players.” “There is absolutely no doubt that there is an abundance of talent here in PNG." "We saw that last season with the way our Junior Kumuls competed against their counterparts from Australia.” “That next generation now need the best coaching and development opportunities to be able to harness their talent and prepare for the next level." "We believe that the creation of this Academy, under the leadership of Joe Grima, will provide the best environment to allow that to happen.” “It is a really exciting time to be involved in rugby league in PNG. In addition to the Academy, we have seen the great work that Tony Archer has already done with our competitions structure and match officials.” “Creating the most professional environment, on and off the field, will help shape the development of the game for years to come." "The NRL Bid appreciates and acknowledges the support of the Australian Government via the Team Up program.”

Superstar fullback Reece Walsh launched his 2024 season in style as the Broncos downed the Cowboys 46-20 in Mackay on Sunday afternoon. After a quiet opening half Walsh exploded in the second term with a try and two try assists as the 2023 grand finalists flexed their muscle ahead of their trip to Las Vegas. The Broncos needed just two minutes to open the scoring when veteran flyer Corey Oates finished off a left side raid that featured Reece Walsh and Selwyn Cobbo. A strong tackle by Sam McIntyre on Cobbo in the 14th minute forced an error and gave the Cowboys- good field position but they came up empty. Come the 17th minute and some clever ball-playing from Adam Reynolds created space for edge back-rower Brendan Piakura to stroll over and the Broncos led 10-0. The Cowboys hit back in the 21st minute when Semi Valemei picked off a Walsh pass on halfway and sprinted away to score. With 14 minutes to play in the opening stanza Piakura made it a double when he charged onto a short ball from Jock Madden and ran 30 metres to score and with Reynolds' conversion the Broncos led 16-4. It took the Cowboys just four minutes to strike back through Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, who carried three defenders over the line with him in an impressive show of strength. A dropped ball by Oates late in the half opened the door for the Cowboys to grab their third try when hooker Sean Mullany threw a dummy and burrowed over from close range. Ahead 16-14 at the break the Broncos needed just 60 seconds to extend their lead when Cobbo soared above the pack to bring down a bomb and run away to score. Walsh converted to make it 22-14. Cobbo was in the thick of the action again just two minutes later when he exploded into space off a Walsh pass before turning the ball back inside to his fullback who strolled over for Brisbane's fifth try and a bonus point. A superb 40-20 by Walsh eight minutes after the break handed the Broncos field position and Madden strolled over but the try was ruled out due to obstruction in the lead-up by Martin Taupau. Tristan Sailor was next to strike in the 51st minute when Walsh again stamped his class on the play and the scoreline blew out to 34-14. Sailor continued his impressive second half with a 40-20 in the 68th minute and the Broncos had a seventh try soon after when youngster Benjamin Te Kura surged over from close range. With three minutes to play the Broncos scored again through Cory Paix before 19-year-old Cowboy Jaxon Purdue brought the crowd to its feet with a runaway try to make the final score 46-20. source: NRL. Com

England winger Dom Young has been taken to hospital after suffering a neck injury in his first outing for Sydney Roosters against Manly in Gosford. Young, who was the NRL's leading tryscorer in 2023, scored a try in the Roosters 36-22 win but came from the field after an alleged crusher tackle, which saw Sea Eagles forward Toafofoa Sipley placed on report. The former Knights star was stretchered out of the ground wearing a neck brace and taken to hospital for precautionary scans. "He's good. It's just that when you're dealing with the neck, you want to be precautionary there, so he's just gone to the hospital to get a scan," Roosters coach Trent Robinson explained. "He was good in there [in the dressing-room], talking and sitting up and all of that, but they just want to keep it stable so we know what's exactly wrong with it, but he was in good spirits." He was taken to hospital in a neck brace after the match, with Roosters officials saying it was for precautionary purposes as the team flies to Los Angeles on Wednesday ahead of their Round 1 match at Allegiant Stadium.

The Indigenous All Stars' brilliant backline stole the show as they ran out 22-14 winners over the Māori All Stars on Friday night in Townsville. Prolific Bulldogs wing Josh Addo-Carr struck twice inside the opening 20 minutes, before local fan favourite Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow added another just before the half-time break in Townsville, to set the Indigenous up for back-to-back NRL Harvey Norman All Stars victories for the first time since the concept changed to include the Māori in 2019. A fourth try from Titans flyer Alofiana Khan-Pereira inside the final 10 minutes put the icing on the cake, in front of a crowd of 15,369 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Five-eighth Braydon Trindall was awarded the Preston Campbell Medal for his performance, which included setting up two of his side's four tries and kicking for 226 metres, in what was a strong halves partnership with club teammate Nicho Hynes. As is often the case in these games which are powered by cultural pride and emotion, both teams raced out of the gates, with Joseph Tapine opening the scoring and Josh Addo-Carr replying with one of his own, inside the opening seven minutes. But constant rain meant the execution often didn't match the enthusiasm in a first half which saw a combined 11 errors made. While the Māori managed only to add further two points via a penalty, Addo-Carr's second – which came after he pressured Jesse Arthars into a spill while retrieving a grubber on his own line – and Tabuai-Fidow's effort after he glided past the chasers to a loose ball, gave the hosts a 16-8 lead at the break. After Jack Howarth came close to scoring a try on debut for the Māori minutes into the second quarter, but for the Bunker finding double movement, the visitors were guilty of wasting further chances to add points which included a clean drop from Matthew Timoko over the try-line on 54 minutes. Following Khan-Pereira's try which put the result beyond doubt, Xavier Willison capped a fine performance with a consolation four-pointer on the full-time siren. Source: NRL.Com

In a response to a series of questions regarding the “Connect PNG Infrastructure Development Program” raised by various Members of Parliament including member for lalibu Pangi, Peter O’Neil, the Minister for Works and Highways Solan Mirisim gave a progressive update on the floor of parliament today. Minister Mirisim said, since their government took office in 2019, they developed the 20-Year Connect PNG Program to immediately deal with the threats of the growing deferred maintenance that would require K45 billion in replacement costs. “At the same time, we want to meet the countries future demands by embarking on a long-term vision to connect the entire country with 100% road connectivity by 2040.” He said, to date, approximately 3, 500km, which accounts for 21% of the total 16, 200km of strategic highways, have been upgraded to a good condition. This achievements represents over 38% of the phase 1 target of 4, 200 km. The government has spent a total of K2.2billion over the last 4 years on the main highways, almost 50% of the total expenditure at K1 billion on the 60% share of projects funded by loans and donor grants, including the ABD funded 10 years highlands highway improvement program. He said the uninterrupted implementation of the 20-year program is supported by sufficient funding guarantee, and the program targets and the funding annual allocation of 5.6% of the annual budget, are legislated by an act of parliament. “We are not running the Connect PNG on an ad hoc basis as many assume, but we are doing so in full compliance program limits provided by the act of parliament.” He further stated that, they are 100% focused on increasing road access and connectivity by upgrading, expanding, developing and maintaining the existing 16, 000km of road as well as constructing the major missing link roads of 1, 800km. “Only in this way will we, as a nation, connect the unconnected, reach the unreachable and unlock economic potential in the landlocked regions identified in the vision 2050.”

The up-and-coming football club, East Coast Football Club (FC) recently received a timely financial donation of K12, 500 from the FX Business Center on Tuesday this week. The East Coast Football Club, under the leadership of Managing Director Shannon Andrew, has emerged as a pioneer in junior football development in PNG. With a focus on nurturing young talent through partnerships with schools, the club aims to elevate the standard of football in the country and establish strong international connections within the sport. Mr Andrew expressed his pride in this partnership, stating, "I'm extremely proud that our club is the first football organization in PNG that is focused on junior football development, with a vision to compete at the highest level and to establish international partnerships.” “This sponsorship from FX Business Centre empowers us to revolutionize the way football is perceived in PNG, and soon the Pacific." Andrew added that ECFC is passionate about football excellence and is fortunate to have corporates like the Remington Group and FX Business Centre supporting its vision, providing confidence in the sporting code in PNG. FX Business Centre is an important member of the Remington Group of Companies. The Group is well known for its commitment to supporting the growth and development of future generations of Papua New Guineans through education, sport, and other learning activities, and recognizes the potential of youth football in fostering positive change in communities. CEO for Remington Group, Peter Goodwin said, “We do our very best to stay in touch with things that matter to Papua New Guineans the most and one of the things that matter to Papua New Guineans, is the future opportunities for their young people and children.”

Star fullback Latrell Mitchell has been named as the new captain of the Indigenous All Stars for Friday night's All Stars clash with the Māori. The 26-year-old will take over captaincy duties in what will be his sixth All Stars appearance after last year's skipper and Rabbitohs teammate Cody Walker was ruled out due to a calf injury. A proud Biripi, Wiradjuri, Worimi and Gumbaynggirr man, Mitchell said the All Stars competition and opportunity to lead his teammates 'means everything' to him as a player. "To lead my people is an honour that I don’t take lightly both on and off the field," Mitchell said in camp this week. “This week we celebrate our culture and get to go and express that in front of the whole nation. This is much more than a game to us. "I feel content, I feel like a lot of things are going right and it has been really good to come into this camp and express who I am and fill the cup up for the rest of the year." While Mitchell has captained the Rabbitohs on two occasions in 2022, Friday will be his first experience leading the Indigenous All Stars but coach Ronnie Griffiths knows his side is in good hands. “Latrell is a pillar in our community, his work away from the limelight is unheralded," Griffiths said. "A magical player who will go to the nth degree to make sure the All Stars camp is a success and leave a lasting impact in community.” Source: NRL.Com

The Central Province now has a representative on the NCDC Board. Acting Provincial Administrator Edward Kila was sworn into office last month at the City Hall Boardroom by Senior Magistrate Peter Balus from the Waigani District Court as required by the NCDC Act on the composition of the NCDC Board and relating to the representation of the Central Provincial Government. In a simple but significant swearing in ceremony Mr. Kila vowed to represent the people and the government of the Central province truly and willingly on the NCDC Board. Mr. Kila said, “We (Central and NCD) are divided by provincial boundaries otherwise we share the same landmass which we need to develop.” “We have many things in common and I am glad that Central province is having a say in the development of the city.” City Manager Ravu Frank in welcoming his Central Province counterpart said, the participation of the Central province on the NCDC Board through the Administrator is required by the NCDC Act and it resonates the emphasis on good working relations between NCD and Central province. “With the representative from Central province in the board now, I am already assured of a productive working relationship with the management for prudent results in service deliveries and developments in the city.” The swearing in ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy NCD Governor and MKA Chairman, Dadi Toka Jnr and the Member for Moresby North East John Kaupa including the executive management of NCDC. The Deputy NCD Governor is looking forward to a closer working relationship with Central province on development issues affecting both provinces and having a direct input from Central province will add detail and value to discussions. He said, it’s an indication of two government bodies working together and the Central Provincial Administrator being part of the NCDC board is a timely intervention. “Involvement of people with calibre of such brings to the Board and NCDC quality and experience and we look forward to his participation on the NCDC Board.” The Central Provincial Administrator joins the 3 open members of NCD and the Motu Koita Assembly Chairman on the NCDC Board under the Chairmanship of the NCD Governor Powes Parkop. Representatives from Motu Koita, women, settlements, youths and the trade unions are pending appointment to complete the composition of the board.

Prime Minister James Marape recently expressed the Government's stance on the potential vote-of-no-confidence against his leadership, as the National Parliament is set to reconvene today. Emphasizing respect for the democratic process, he, however, criticized what he termed “frivolous and opportunistic” attempts to undermine his administration. PM Marape highlighted the opposition's intent to propose a no-confidence motion following the expiration of the 18-month grace period last Friday. “We will respect those who want to initiate a vote-of-no-confidence against my leadership,” he affirmed. He underscored the importance of adhering to the due process under Section 145 of the National Constitution, which governs the procedure for a no-confidence vote. “The due process will facilitate those who want to invoke Section 145 provisions of our National Constitution.” He also announced that the Pangu Pati National Convention has urged a closer examination of Section 63, related to the invitation to form a government, and Section 145 of the Constitution. This approach aims to ensure that any no-confidence motion is based on substantial grounds rather than being motivated by short-term political gains. “This is so that only serious proposals emerge instead of ‘frivolous and opportunistic’ attempts.” Furthermore, the government plans to reinforce the role of the Parliamentary Opposition, enhancing the democratic dialogue within the legislature. In a reassurance to the economic sector, Prime Minister Marape affirmed the stability and longevity of the current government, encouraging the business community and investors to have confidence in the government's continuity. “I assure investors and the business community that the Government is stable and is here to stay.” Additionally, Marape appealed to the populace to trust the political process to their elected officials, cautioning against the distractions of social media and public dissent. “I also urge our people to leave politics to politicians.” He further stated that, “They must realize that MPs are mandated by their people to be in Parliament, and they should not be wasting time playing politics on social media and on the street.”

Titans forward Jacob Alick has withdrawn from the Indigenous All Stars squad due to an ankle injury. The Titans released a statement saying that the 24-year-old back-rower had suffered a syndesmosis injury at training on Thursday and would miss the match in Townsville. The PNG international has begun rehab as he works to return for the start of the NRL season. New Cowboys skipper Reuben Cotter has ruled himself out of the Harvey Norman All Stars match due to recent head knocks. Having starred for the Indigenous side in 2021 and 2022, the Australian representative made the difficult decision to withdraw from next Friday's match, being played on home turf at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. While disappointed to miss out, Cotter said he didn't want to risk missing Round 1 of the season after suffering several head knocks last year. "I had a couple of little head knocks towards the back end last year. That’s the main reason why, I just didn’t want to put myself in that position," Cotter told media on Thursday. "And looking at it from a club perspective I want to be there in the opening rounds. "I still might be involved if they want to have me and I’ll go in and see the boys." Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam will also miss out on his chance to represent the Indigenous All Stars due to a niggling groin problem. "I just had to manage my load a bit," Mam said this week at a media conference to announce his new five-year Broncos deal. "It is just a little niggle in my groin. It really is not too serious. "I will be back on the field at the end of the week." Source: NRL.Com

The Sea Eagles have extended back-rower Ben Trbojevic for a further three years, through to the end of the 2027 season. Since making his debut in 2021, the 22-year-old has played 26 games for Manly after coming through the Sea Eagles Pathways Program. After capping 12 first-grade games last season, Manly coach Anthony Seibold said Trbojevic is pushing for a starting spot in 2024. “Ben has already made further strides forward this pre-season. He is pushing for a starting position as it stands,’’ Seibold said. “We want to reward Ben not only for the improvement in him but also where we think he can go to over the next three years. "By extending Ben out for a further three years, it means we have got guys like him, Tolu Koula, Haumole Olakauátu, Taniela Paseka, Josh Schuster, as well as Jake and Tom Trbojevic, all here for the next period of time." Source; NRL.Com

The rising law and order issues and service disruptions in the country have muted business confidence. This is according to BSP Financial Group’s Quarter 4 of 2023 Pacific Economic & Market Insights report. BSP’s Group General Manager for Corporate Banking, Peter Beswick, said “The sequenced depreciation of the PGK/USD mid-rate beginning in May, added to the unease in the business community, with questions being raised on whether the timing was right for the PGK/USD depreciation in 2023.” The Business sector outlook grew optimistic towards the end of Q4 2023, as news of Porgera mine’s recommission and signing of the Final Investment Decision (FID) for Papua LNG in 2024 sparked positive business sentiment. Mr. Beswick added, “the events that transpired on 10th January 2024, severely impacted business sentiment and serves as a reminder of the rising law and order issues PNG face, as the lack of employment opportunities, continuing urban migration and rising cost of living create a focal point for unrest.” He further outlined that there are emerging concerns of political uncertainty, as the vote of no confidence becomes permissible in February and remarked that whatever the outcome, government must work towards repairing business confidence and deliver on their announced “Black Wednesday” relief package. Mr. Beswick concluded that the signing of the Papua LNG FID will be important in boosting business morale and be the trigger point for an extended investment super-cycle for PNG.