As teams across the Pacific prepare for the ultimate U17 Basketball Championships, the official logo for the FIBA Oceania U17 Championships 2023 has been revealed with less than 50 days until the event tips off in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. “The logo references the national emblem of Papua New Guinea, the bird of paradise, complimented by our traditional national colors, red, black and gold.” That’s according to the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea. “The traditional Motuan tattoo design, namely the Revareva, is used across Oceania by various tribes linking Pacific cultures everywhere.” “There is a pulse in the Revareva design that also highlights the intrinsic link shared by the Oceania people.” BFPNG have also included a pink thread on the basketball to recognize and promote awareness for breast cancer which is a core national educational priority in Papua New Guinea (PNG) during the month of October, coinciding with the championships, PinkTober. “We are excited to have this event taking place in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea,” said FIBA Executive Director – Oceania, Amanda Jenkins. “Launching this culturally significant logo is a key milestone as we approach event tip-off on October 2.” The FIBA Oceania U17 Championships serve as the first step in the qualification process to the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup. The top two finishers will qualify for the FIBA Asian U18 Championship 2024.

Lana Del Rey is hitting the road. Live Nation announced on Monday that the singer is heading out on a limited tour this fall. It all kicks off on Thursday, September 14 in Franklin, Tennessee and will make stops across ten cities in the US, including Austin, Texas, Tampa, Florida, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, before wrapping up at Charleston Coliseum in in Charleston, West Virginia, on Thursday, October 5. Her ninth studio album, “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd,” was released in March. Over the past few months Del Rey has been performing in the festival circuit including at Glastonbury and Lollapalooza. She also stirred a buzz while serving coffee at a Waffle House in Alabama in July. Source: CNN News

After winning eight straight to book an unlikely finals berth in 2022, the Roosters are confident they can once again defy the odds and find themselves among the September action. The Tricolours' season looked all but over after a loss to the Broncos saw them slump to 14th after Round 22 but three consecutive wins have them sitting two wins away from a place in the eight. While everyone else is already eyeing the possibility of a do-or-die clash with their arch-rival Rabbitohs in Round 27, Trent Robinson’s men have pledged to stick to the process and focus on making it four straight against Wests Tigers on Sunday. “Being in a similar situation last year sort of helps and I know it's a cliche but we're just going with that mentality of just one game at a time,” Roosters forward Nat Butcher told the media on Saturday. “When you focus all your energy and effort into that week and then you play as hard as you can, you get the result and then you just go again for the next week. “That pressure has also freed us up a little bit. I feel like we're not as tight at training and then producing that on the field in the game. “We're just playing our footy, playing our strengths and letting the result take care of itself. "You obviously don't choose to be in a situation like we are, but it is what it is and we’ve just got to come up with the wins." After he helped Roosters string together eight straight wins to claw their way back to last year's finals, Robinson is also expected to welcome back 21-year-old halfback Sam Walker (ACL sprain) for his first game since Round 7. In pleasing signs for the Roosters, Walker got through his second 80 minutes performance in NSW Cup last weekend, however a battle for the No. 7 jersey looms with Drew Hutchison steering the side to three-straight wins alongside Luke Keary in the halves. “He’s looking good at training. He's tough to come up against, he's obviously on that right edge with the reserves and then I've been on the left,” Butcher said. “He does throw a lot of questions at you at training and he's looking good, back to the full Sam Walker. “He just brings that X-factor and carefree footy. He throws those long balls, puts in the grubbers, does a lot of things that you don't expect and have to react to and that's probably been his best attribute coming into the NRL and why I love playing with him. “But in saying that I think Drew (Hutchison) has done such a great job, he's in career best form at the moment. “I love seeing him not only step up and do a job but really execute his role and he’s been one of our best players on the field for the past couple of weeks.” Meanwhile, after the Roosters suffered a big blow in Friday's win over the Eels with James Tedesco now undergoing concussion protocols, Butcher has full confidence in Golden Boot winner Joey Manu to step seamlessly into the No. 1 role. “You never want to see that...especially Teddy being our captain so that was sad to see, but hopefully he just gets that rest that he needs and can come back whenever it is and play with us again,” he said. “When you’ve got Joey Manu, you know he’s 1B, Teddy being 1A. "He's such a great player what he does for New Zealand and then when we do get him for a couple of weeks throughout that Origin period there at fullback, he really executes his role there.” Source: NRL. Com

The Raiders have moved four points clear of the chasing pack in the battle for the remaining top-eight spots, following a 36-24 win over a stubborn Bulldogs outfit on Sunday. After an opening 66 minutes in which the gap between the two sides was never more than six points, Jordan Rapana struck the telling blow with a four-pointer that sent a wave of relief across GIO Stadium in Canberra, before Josh Papali'i put the icing on the cake with a try under the posts. The try capped off a brilliant game from Rapana, who set up another three tries and broke the line three times from fullback. Remarkably the 12-point gap was the Raiders' biggest winning margin in 2023 and with just two regular season rounds remaining and four points up for grabs, it puts the Green Machine within touching distance of the post season. In what was one of their better performances of the year, the Bulldogs simply refused to go away for the first hour, with star recruit Viliame Kikau coming up with several big plays and Jake Averillo putting in a strong showing from the back. Canberra centres Matthew Timoko and Jarrod Croker both got over for first-half tries, but on each occasion the visitors scored next, with rookie wing Blake Wilson crossing out on the left before Jacob Kiraz juggled the ball and regathered just in time to ground it five from the break. With both goalkickers on song it was 12-all at the half. Timoko grabbed his second nine minutes after the return of play, but it was quickly cancelled out by Toby Sexton who fended through Hudson Young to get over from close range. As both sides traded blows in the second half, the Raiders appeared to be slowly gaining an advantage and began to enjoy more time on the ball. Nick Cotric battled over to give his side the lead again on the hour mark and from there they never looked back, with Rapana's try following and Papali'i sealing the deal. Liam Knight scored a consolation try inside the final two minutes, but it was too late to threaten the outcome.  Source: NRL.Com

The SP PNG Hunters 2023 campaign has come to an end at the hands of Norths Devils on Saturday, 19th August, falling short 30-40 in Round 22 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. Although they finished on the wrong side of the scoreboard, the Hunters made the most of their last showing this season to give fans plenty of hope for what is to come. It’s been a year of learning for Head Coach Stanley Tepend’s men, who have developed out of sight to just miss out on a finals berth this season. With one of the youngest and least experienced squads in the entirety of the Hostplus Cup competition, the Hunters have embraced the underdog tags all season and produced some memorable performances. A farewell game for Devils skipper Jack Ahearn made things too difficult for the Hunters in their last game of the year, but not without threatening to spoil the party at the Devil’s home ground. A trademark try to Hunters prop Junior Rop kicked off an entertaining contest at Bishop Park. As he’s done all year, Judah Rimbu’s craft from behind the ruck bamboozled Norths goal-line defence and gave Rop an opportunity to crash his way over the line. Burrowing low and using his strength to drive into the in-goal, Rop gave the Hunters first points in their last game of the season. Try scoring sensation Solo Wane almost added to Norths troubles when the Hunters backline combined smoothly down the right edge. Rodrick Tai’s quick hands sent Wane down the touchline, but a desperate tackle from the man of the hour – Jack Ahearn – managed to hold Wane up over the line. The game quickly settled into a grind from there as the try scoring opportunities dried up and the Hunters and Devils traded blows in yardage. A try to Gagan just before halftime gave Norths a 20-14 lead at the break which lasted less than five minutes into the second half. A trademark Komati show-and-go, split the Devils defence on their try line to score first points after the break before Rimbu crashed over himself just three minutes later. Both tries came on the back of some Devils’ ill-discipline and the Hunters impressed to take the opportunities presented to themselves in attack. It’s a good example of the Hunters development this season. Rimbu – once a utility and now a specialist hooker – and Komati – playing in just his first year at Hostplus Cup level – have consistently turned half-chances into points in 2023 and the Hunters improved ladder position is testament of this. With 20 minutes to go and everything to play for, it was the home side who finished strongest. It’s hardly a disappointing end to the Hunters 2023 campaign, though. A desperate and emotional Norths Devils side were too good on the day, but the Hunters were never out of it. It’s a good example of the improvements made by Stanley Tepend this season to put the Hunters in a position to win almost any game in their 2023 campaign. With key players like Rimbu, Mavoko, Morea, Tai and Whallan Tau-Loi now all a full season older and wiser, the Hunters will begin the 2024 season with a host of confidence and experience – something they’ve lacked in previous years.

A pioneering carbon market regulatory framework recently developed to guide the carbon market in the country received resounding validation from national stakeholders in Port Moresby recently. This landmark step signifies an epic stride towards climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability through a robust and accountable market mechanism. Led by Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), the Climate Change (Carbon Markets) Regulation 2023 was developed through rigorous consultation involving environmental bodies, regulatory agencies, industry leaders, NGOs and Community Based Organizations. CCDA’s Acting Managing Director William Lakain said that the carbon markets exist to incentivize emission reductions and help mobilize resources and reduce costs to give countries and companies the space towards a low-carbon transition. Mr. Lakain said that the challenges confronting the country in the absence of a regulatory framework prompted the need for the government to regulate this sector. “Recently, we have experienced an influx of interest in the country from developers targeting the Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCM) in the absence of a regulatory framework, posing significant risks of governance, transparency and standards.” “Given that challenge, the Government of PNG through the CCDA was tasked to ensure administrative processes are established to provide for regulatory guidance and oversight for project developers pursuing the Voluntary Carbon Markets,” said Mr. Lakain. Many stakeholders in the country expressed their contentment on the final draft of the Climate Change (Carbon Markets) Regulation 2023, but also provided additional inputs on the contents of the regulation. Next step is for the regulation to go before the National Executive Council (NEC) for endorsement. CCDA’s Acting General Manager for MRV and National Communication, Ms. Debra Sungi who officially closed the validation program, sincerely thanked all the key stakeholders who have contributed to the development of the regulation.

The BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) has added its financial support to become a gold sponsor for the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP) PNG Learning Centre, who will lead the ANCOP global walk on Sunday 15th October. The Cry of the Poor (ANCOP) PNG Learning Centre - located at Gerehu Stage 7 in Port Moresby - runs learning and nourishment programs for under privileged children below the age of 8 years, with no formal early education. “Through our pre-school program, we aim to provide children with a strong foundation upon which to build their future academic and personal success,” Cecille Chuacuco, ANCOP POM Fundraising Chairperson said. “Our program includes a comprehensive curriculum, tailored to the needs of young children, that focuses on developing key skills such as literacy, numeracy, and socialization. In addition, we also provide daily nutritious meals to our students, ensuring that they are receiving the sustenance necessary to support their physical and cognitive growth. “This will be our first time engaging with corporate companies in PNG, and we are very grateful that BSP is supporting our foundation’s effort,” she added. Community and people are among BSP’s core values and take pride in helping underprivileged children not only in Gerehu, but from other suburbs in NCD. “We are more than just a bank,” said Amelia Minnopu, BSP Corporate Sponsorship Manager. “As a responsible corporate organization we give back in sponsorships, donations, and charity work. In 2022, we invested over K2.4 million in sponsorships, more than K800 thousand in donations and K1.6 million in community projects here in PNG. “It is our belief that when our communities prosper, our ecosystem thrives, and our customers, stakeholders, shareholders, and businesses remain successful. Our donations reach organizations, charities, community groups and other worthy causes that contribute meaningfully to improving lives. It is our hope that we are able to enrich and empower for the better.

For the first time in 21 years the Warriors have won six games in a row, after a Dallin Watene-Zelezniak hat-trick helped them overcome a dogged Sea Eagles side 29-22 on Friday night. In front of 24,112 at the Warriors' traditional home in Auckland – renamed Daniel Anderson Stadium for Round 25 in honour of their former coach who suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury late last year – the home side were forced to overcome a 22-16 deficit at the break to earn a victory which ensures they will remain third heading into Round 26. Earlier both sides went on first-half runs which saw them score 16 unanswered points, but with Manly edging out an advantage thanks to Jason Saab's hat-trick and an earlier Jake Arthur strike. The Sea Eagles were ultimately left to rue a series of missed opportunities late in the game, with the defeat all but ending their hopes of playing finals in 2023. After being a late call-up to start at five-eighth, Arthur made a dream start when he bounced through two would-be tackles and dived over from close range, but that joy would prove to be short lived as the Warriors promptly ran in 16 points in the next 17 minutes. First captain Tohu Harris got over for his third try in as many games, before Watene-Zelezniak took it upon himself to give the hosts the lead with a pair of special tries. The first was a trademark flying finish in the corner, before he embarked on a monster run that left Arthur flat on the deck on his way to the line. But whatever the Warriors could do with ball in hand, so too could the Sea Eagles it seemed, as they then had their turn at running in three tries, during a period which saw both sides also have four-pointers ruled out by the Bunker. Saab was responsible for all three with near carbon copy breaks down the right flank as Daly Cherry-Evans and Sea Eagles took full advantage of some leaky edge defence. Saab's third three minutes from the half was followed by a sideline conversion from Reuben Garrick which put him into fifth on Manly's all-time scorers list and gave his side a 22-16 lead at the half.  Watene-Zelezniak's third and a Adam Pompey sideline conversion tied scores at 22-all and they stayed that way until the 73rd minute when Marata Niukore – who was playing in the centres after Marcelo Montoya's 67th minute injury forced a reshuffle – was put into a gap by Shaun Johnson and ran 35 metres for the match winner. It came just minutes after Garrick missed a go-ahead penalty from out wide, before Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad hit Garrick in mid-air in a collision which didn't draw a penalty, due to the bouncing ball negating the mid-air tackle rule. The Sea Eagles had their chances late but couldn't find a way through, before Johnson kicked a field goal to ice the win at the death. Source: NRL.Com  

The Roosters overcame the loss of two of their leaders as they outscored the Eels 34-12 to keep their finals hopes alive. Prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was a late withdrawal before the match due to acute neck pain, but in big news, captain James Tedesco left the game mid-way though the second half for an HIA, with the head knock later deemed to be Category 1 by the independent doctor, which would rule him out for next week's match against the Tigers. Going into tonight's game, there was all to play for with both teams needing to win to keep their finals flame flickering. The Eels were always going to do it tough without their chief playmaker Mitchell Moses, who suffered a facial fracture last week and it showed, despite them looking up for the contest early, displaying the type of intent expected of a game of this importance. Parramatta even scored the first try of the match to the delight of the home crowd at CommBank Stadium when a fully outstretched Bryce Cartwright reached out and was able to touch the ball down on the line to garner a green light from the Bunker. The Roosters however were able to soak up more pressure before returning fire, going bang, bang, bang with three unanswered tries to close out the first half. They got their first try thanks to skipper James Tedesco following a scrum, with the Eels defenders falling for his dummy and falling off their attempts to tackle him as he ran through the score. They went back-to-back, again following a scrum play, but this time by going to the other corner, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii finding space down the right side. The third try came by exploiting Parramatta's left-side defence once more, with Joey Manu galloping down field, producing an offload back on the inside to Tedesco who was trailing up the middle, who then ran over for his second of the match and the third try of the half for the visitors. The second half saw the Roosters open the scoring with Tedesco again involved, setting up Suaalii to do over for his second. Eels skipper Clint Gutherson provided a brief moment of hope when he was able to run in for a second half try, with his conversion narrowing the margin to 10 points. But that hope was short-lived, with Siua Wong and Nat Butcher adding to the scoreboard extend the lead for their side. Prior to this win, the Roosters' season looked to be on a knife's edge after suffering a heavy loss to the Broncos, but they have since won three games in a row and are showing good attacking form. Source:NRL.com

Cronulla have kept their top four hopes alive and put North Queensland's finals aspirations in jeopardy with a statement 32-12 win over the Cowboys on Thursday night. The beginning of the match saw an even contest play out with both sides trading sets and tries but new Cronulla halves pairing Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall proved the difference in the end, with their kicking and game management a class above in Townsville. As if a place in the top-eight wasn't motivation enough, the Cowboys also celebrated captain Jason Taumalolo's 250th match in front of home fans but couldn't overcome a gallant and gritty Sharks who are now three wins on the trot. After both sides traded sets in the first 13 minutes, the Cowboys quickly capitalised on a Sharks no-try, marching the ball downfield before Scott Drinkwater scooted from dummy-half and sliced through Sharks defenders to score the opening try. Five minutes later the Cowboys were made to pay for their first error (offside) and the Sharks hit back when Hynes and Connor Tracey combined superbly out the back to set up Ronaldo Mulitalo flying over on the left edge. Hynes' conversion locked the scores 6-6. But the scoreboard continued to reflect the see-sawing style of the first-half when Chad Townsend stamped his authority on the match, busting the Sharks wide open and delivering a superb pass to Semi Valemei who burrowed his way over to put North Queensland back in front. Five minutes after entering the fray, Cronulla cult hero Tom Hazelton got one back for the visitors thanks to some nice lead up work from hooker Blayke Brailey and the scores were brought back to a 12-12 deadlock. Seven minutes before the break the Sharks stole the lead when Royce Hunt carried several Cowboys defenders over the line to score his third try of the season and hand the Sharks a 18-12 lead. The arm wrestle continued early in the second half with both teams trading sets before the Sharks extended their lead 24-12 with departing skipper Wade Graham scoring his second try in as many matches, pouncing on a perfectly weighted Hynes' grubber in-goal. Come the 72nd minute and Hynes' put the game out of reach for North Queensland, showing off some classy footwork to stretch the visitors' lead 32-12 and put them into contention to leapfrog the Storm into fourth position on the NRL ladder. Source: NRL.Com

Coach Mal Meninga has firmly backed his skipper James Tedesco to guide Australia from fullback when the Gallagher Kangaroos face off against their Pacific rivals later this year. Speaking at the announcement of the Pacific Championships, which will be held across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea in October and November this year, Meninga praised the performances of Tedesco, whose place in the team has come into question in some corners of the game, given the hot form of contenders such as Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga this season. “Teddy is the incumbent, he's the captain of the Kangaroos, he led the team to a successful World Cup last year,” Meninga said. “He's coming back into (form). Everyone’s questioned his form, but I thought he's been going well I think year. His effort levels are great, so certainly in my mind – we've got a couple of other selectors – but in my mind, (he is) the number one fullback at the moment and out of loyalty, he should be selected.” When asked about Walsh, Meninga said while he admired where the Broncos fullback’s game had gone to this year, there were a number of players who would also be in the mix for inclusion in the Kangaroos squad. “There's a whole heap of fantastic fullbacks in our competition; most teams have got a great fullback who really influences games,” Meninga said. “I think versatility is really key to picking squads for the Kangaroos in national space. “Reece, I know he can play fullback, obviously, I know he can play in the halves as well. “I'll be interested to see whether he can put his head in the scrum, play 13; because that's what you need, you need a player who plays 14 or a player that sits on your reserves that can play a number of positions. “That'll be spoken about it at the selectors meeting …He is certainly putting pressure on actually being in the team itself, but so is Dylan Edwards and so is Kalyn Ponga, players of that ilk; you have Ryan Papenhuyzen coming back, so there's plenty of good fullbacks around who can play a number of positions.” When the coach of Queensland, Meninga often picked players who had done the job previously for the state, despite arguably displaying indifferent club form in the lead-up to Origin games, and said as ever, finding the balance between strong form and loyalty was a consideration for national selectors. “Form plays a part in selection in my mind, loyalty does as well, obviously, rep footy does, all those factors will be taken into consideration,” Meninga said. “I don't believe that playing right through the final series puts you in a better place than if you get knocked out in the bottom nine basically, so I just feel that the rest could do some people good. “And if you talk about Teddy, they're [the Roosters] still in the hunt [for finals] of course, but if he gets to have a bit of a spell for a number of weeks, he'll come back a better player, more refreshed and looking forward to playing the green and gold jersey.” A vocal advocate for the expansion of the game, Meninga joined Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as part of a notable contingent of international rugby league representatives on hand for the announcement and said with time, the passion for these games would rival that seen during State of Origin. With Australia facing off against World Cup final opponents Samoa to launch the men’s tournament in Townsville, Meninga said he was hoping to see plenty of support for the national teams. “It was fantastic atmosphere at Old Trafford, 73,000 people there (for the Rugby League World Cup 2021 final)”, Meninga said. “I think we'll get a full house up in Townsville for that game. “The women are playing there as well, which is great, so it's a double header and I am looking forward to it definitely. “And I know all the players are really excited about putting on their country colours because it is a passion and I would dare say that if we keep going on the international line with players putting on their country colours, their ancestral colours, I think will rival Origin down the track in passion.” Source:NRL.Com  

England reached their first Women's World Cup final after beating Australia 3-1 on Wednesday despite a wonder goal from Matildas striker Sam Kerr as the co-hosts' fairytale run came to an end. After falling at the semi-final stage in the previous two World Cups, England will face Spain on Sunday looking to add a world title to last year's European Championship triumph. Attacking midfielder Ella Toone gave England a first-half lead to silence the crowd of 75,784 but a stunning strike from Kerr, making her first start of the tournament, squared things up after halftime as Stadium Australia erupted in euphoria. However, Lauren Hemp restored England's lead before Alessia Russo put the result beyond doubt shortly before the end. "This is the one thing I've always wanted, to make finals at a World Cup and after two times of getting huge disappointment, honestly I can't believe it," England full back Lucy Bronze said. "We all dreamed of being in the final and all our family and friends who booked to stay here until the final because they all believed in us." Sarina Wiegman's side clearly had a game plan to impose themselves physically on Australia, committing nine fouls in the first half as they nullified their opponents' attacking options. England opened the scoring in the 36th minute when Russo worked her way to the byline before cutting the ball back and Toone smashed it into the top right corner for her first goal of the tournament. Historic moment Australia started the second half much brighter and began pressing England higher up the pitch, looking to create a historic moment that would match Cathy Freeman's incredible 400 metres victory in the same venue at the 2000 Olympics. And they got it in the 63rd minute when Kerr received the ball in her own half, ran toward goal and fired an unstoppable rocket into the top left corner from 25 yards out beyond the diving Mary Earps. The stadium erupted as Australia fans finally got to see their star striker score at this tournament, reigniting hope that Tony Gustavsson's side could yet play for the title. But the hosts found themselves behind again less than 10 minutes later. Matildas defender Ellie Carpenter failed to deal with a long ball over the top from Millie Bright, allowing Hemp an easy finish into the bottom corner to restore England's lead. The 23-year-old was involved once more as the game entered the final stages. Shortly after Kerr had missed a golden chance to equalise again, Hemp turned brilliantly on the halfway line before releasing Russo, who fired a low shot into the far corner to seal England's place in the final. Australia will play Sweden in the third-place playoff on Saturday and Kerr said they were proud of what they had achieved despite falling at the penultimate hurdle. "We can't thank the fans enough, they've been amazing," she said. "We've felt the love all over the country. Just to see the support has really pushed us on. "So hopefully this stays around because this has been amazing for us... It's hard to think about (the third place playoff) now but Tony's already said it's a quick turnaround. "We've got to pick ourselves up and hopefully not go home empty-handed." After leading her native Netherlands to a runners-up finish in 2019, Wiegman becomes the first coach to take two different teams to a World Cup final. "This team has ruthlessness, whether it's up front or in defence, we really want to keep the ball out of the net, we really want to win and we stick together and we stick to the plan, and it worked again," the 53-year-old said. "I've never taken anything for granted, but I'm like 'Am I here in a little fairytale or something?'" Source:rnz.com