Penrith have been dealt a double blow ahead of Thursday night's clash with Manly after five-eighth Jarome Luai and hooker Mitch Kenny were ruled out of the side on Wednesday. The Panthers confirmed that Kenny dropped out of the squad after failing to complete captain’s run, while Luai has been ruled out by the medical staff due to illness. Subsequently, the Panthers have been given an exemption from the NRL to add NSW Cup hooker Luke Sommerton to the squad to potentially make his NRL debut in the Round 24 clash. Earlier this week, Titans hooker Sam Verrills has played his last game for 2023, while the Knights will be without injured representative star Bradman Best in Round 24. Despite playing the full 80 minutes of last week's win over the Dolphins, Best pulled up lame with an adductor issue and hasn't been named. However, prop Jacob Saifiti doesn't look set to miss any time after failing to finish the match with a hamstring injury, while twin brother Daniel Saifiti is a chance of returning from a quad complaint this week too. Source: NRL.Com

In 2023 Payne Haas is doing more with the ball than ever before, while at the same time being on track to commit the fewest errors of any NRL regular this season. While increased ball movement naturally means more risk of mistakes, Haas has nailed the delicate balancing act all year, making just one error in 1072 minutes of NRL football to date and doing so alongside an offload rate which has him third in the competition with 39. The 23-year-old's ball retention record is unmatched in terms of players with more than 1000 minutes of game time this season, while among the NRL's top offloaders it puts him in a league of his own. Of the top 10 offloaders in the competition, Eels prop Junior Paulo is the only other player with fewer than seven errors this season, with the top two – J'maine Hopgood and Bryce Cartwright – both having error rates in the double digits. The ability of Haas, alongside the likes of teammate Patrick Carrigan, to keep the ball alive in tackles has been a key driver in Brisbane's rise to become minor premiership contenders, and on the back of it players like Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam have flourished. Heading into Friday night's clash with the Eels at The Gabba – in which Haas will celebrate his 100th NRL game – his lack of other negative metrics stands out too. Among players who have played 18 or more games this season the NSW bopper ranks third for fewest missed tackles behind Wests Tigers duo Alex Twal and David Klemmer. Of the 552 tackles he's attempted this year he's failed to make just nine. On the disciplinary front he's been excellent too, with his four penalties conceded being the least among players with 1000+ minutes on the field. Source:NRL.Com

The National Department of Health (NDOH) has acknowledged the World Health Organization (WHO) Papua New Guinea for its technical lead and support in the planning and implementation of the recently completed nationwide Measles, Rubella, Polio, and Vitamin A (MR-bOPV/Vit A) Supplementary Immunization Activity in May-July 2023. NDOH Executive Manager-Public Health Dr Sibauk Bieb, thanked the WHO team for the commitment and, dedication despite many challenges and expressed satisfaction on the outcome of the SIA which achieved a coverage of 70 per cent of the population of children under 5 years of age. “A near 70% coverage will certainly reduce the existing immunity gap in the population, particularly young children.” “However, it is important to continue to focus on improving routine immunization for long-term health benefits and to prevent large Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) outbreaks”, said Dr Bieb. WHO VDI Team Coordinator Dr Ananda Amarasinghe, also expressed gratitude to NDOH for recognizing the work done by WHO and highlighted the investments and lessons learnt from the SIA which will further strengthen the country’s immunization programme. He assured the NDOH of WHO’s continued support to improve the routine immunization program under the leadership of WHO Representative Dr Sevil Huseynova. The department, during the event presented WHO provincial consultant with a certificate of appreciation.

Just a week after celebrating his 250th game for the Cronulla club, Wade Graham has announced his retirement to a room full of current and former teammates, family and friends, with the 2023 season to be his last. On a night which had been arranged to recognise the 250-game milestone, Graham spoke emotionally about his decision to hang up the boots after a journey which has included premiership success and representative honours. He will step away from the game once the Sharks current season comes to an end. Graham delivered the news to the 2023 Sharks NRL playing group, as well as family and close friends including former teammates Paul Gallen, Luke Lewis, Todd Carney, along with Boyd Cordner from his time in NSW and Kangaroo squads, and Sharks Premiership winning coach Shane Flanagan. In making the move from Penrith to the Shire, Graham debuted for the Sharks in round one of the 2011 season, before going on to become an integral member of a Cronulla team which won the 2016 NRL Premiership. While sharing the duties during Gallen’s final years at the Sharks, upon his retirement Graham officially took over the Cronulla captaincy in 2020. During those 13 seasons in the top grade at the Sharks and prior that at the Panthers, Graham earnt the respect of his peers, teammates and many in the game. In addition to 250 games for the Sharks and 42 for the Panthers, Graham also played eight matches for Australia and made six State of Origin appearance for NSW. In becoming the third player in club history to play 250th top grade games, Graham joined Gallen and Andrew Ettingshausen in a select group, in confirming his legacy as one of the very best and most consistent performers to ever wear the black, white and blue. Graham has been named to captain the Sharks in their game against the Titans on Friday night, while expressing to the room his determination to finish his career on a positive note. Source: NRL.Com

In their bid to combat law and order issues through sports, the West New Britain (WNB) Provincial Government has thrown in their support with a sum of K700, 000 to help support the Kimbe Cutters this year. Talasea MP Freddie Reu Kumai said, since the establishment of the Kimbe Cutters in 2019 the WNB Provincial Government has since then been the major sponsor for the team and now the Talasea District Development Authority (DDDA) has also partnered with the team to be one of its sponsors. Kumai said, “The objective of the partnership is to expose the young talent in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup level. It’s a pathway for our young ones to gain a placing or to be recognized by the SP PNG Hunters or the PNG Kumuls team.” “Talasea District has come on board during the beginning of the season with a commitment of K300, 000 to support the team.” He added that the WNBPG also funded K200, 000 through the Provincial Services Improvements Projects (PSIP) as well as an additional K200, 000 support from the WNB Trust Funds account, which all comes under the WNB Provincial Government. “The most important thing is that we want our local players and West New Britain to be represented in the national Digicel ExxonMobil Cup competition. In that way we are addressing the issue on law and order.” “It’s not about always using the Police force. It’s also about Sports being used as an avenue to address these issues. ” Kumai thanked the WNB Governor for his continued support and urged the team to be thankful for such support because the process to receive such funding takes time. Meanwhile, WNB Governor Sasindran Muthuvel said, they are happy to see additional support coming from the Talasea DDA. He said, they will not only support rugby league but continue to support the other sporting codes as well. “Right now, the Provincial Government is only supporting the team, but as we go on, I am appealing to all the corporate companies in the province to help support our teams like the Kimbe Cutters because they carry our name when participating in various sports competitions.” He also made mention that the Kimbe Cutters team will soon have a permanent home after they discuss and finalize funding for the next project.

Rabbitohs great Sam Burgess will leave his role on the club's coaching staff at the end of the season to return to England after being appointed as the next Warrington Wolves coach. Burgess, a former England captain and the 2014 Clive Churchill Medallist after inspiring South Sydney to their first premiership in 43 years, will take charge of the Wolves in 2024 and 2025. Since retiring in 2019, Burgess has transitioned into the coaching set-up at Souths and is an assistant to Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou. “I’m pleased to confirm I will take on the role of head coach at the Warrington Wolves for seasons 2024 and 2025," Burgess said in a statement. “From playing in the Super League to having the opportunity to lead an incredible club, it’s a full circle moment and one I am fully committed to and excited by." South Sydney CEO, Blake Solly, said Burgess has made an enormous contribution to the Rabbitohs. “Sam made his name in the Super League playing for the Bradford Bulls and first arrived on our shores to join our club on his 21st birthday in 2009,” Solly said. “Since then, he has gone on to win multiple George Piggins Medals, a Clive Churchill Medal and the Rabbitohs 21st premiership in 2014. “Since his playing career has come to an end, he has set his sights on a coaching career which saw him coach his own side in the Orara Valley Axemen to a grand final last season, as well as assisting with our NRL side and our young talent over the past season with a specific focus on defence. “Sam has been presented with an opportunity to become a head coach of one of the powerhouse clubs in the Super League competition and it’s an opportunity he wanted to take in his coaching journey. "He moves to Warrington later this year with our blessing and we know he will be doing everything he can help us win our 22nd premiership before he leaves. “On behalf of everyone at the Rabbitohs, we wish Sam and his fiancée Lucy the very best of luck when they return to England. "We hope that sometime in the not-too-distant future the Rabbitohs can take on the Wire in the World Club Challenge.” The appointment of Burgess, an England dual international, follows the decision of former Titans coach Justin Holbrook to join Sydney Roosters as an assistant rather than return to England, where he previously coached St Helens. Burgess represented England and Great Britain on 26 occasions during his playing career and captained the Wayne Bennett-coached team to the 2017 World Cup final at Suncorp Stadium. “I want to thank Simon [Moran], Stuart [Middleton] and Karl [Fitzpatrick] at the Wolves for their courage and collaboration, as I look forward to returning to England to coach this great club," Burgess said. “To Russell [Crowe], Blake [Solly], JD [Demetriou] and the stakeholders at South Sydney, thank you for supporting me in taking on this new position. "We still have an opportunity to play some great football for the remainder of the year and to do so alongside our current staff and squad, is my focus.” Source: NRL.Com

The Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea’s Hoops for Health – Mums A Hero program is continuing its work in Madang Province and the Eastern Highlands Province (EHP) to educate mothers about child protection and safeguarding. The program was delivered to communities in the Wara Wagol, 26 community, Ward 8, of Madang District and also in the Walium Usino-Bundi Gama District and in the Ukarumpa-Aiyura SIL Kainantu, EHP. The key messages given were about child protection and safeguarding, and mothers to value and play an important role in their child's development. Lucy Abel, a Walium participant said, “Through this program, I learned that children have rights and how I must fulfill my role as a mother.” “I also realized that as mothers, we are our children's first coach at home and what we as mother’s invest in them, will be the result of what they become in the future”. The main aim of the awareness was to protect and promote the rights and well-being of all children, regardless of gender, and to protect children from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination. The Hoops for Health Program (H4H) program came about through the FIBA support and funding from Team Up, under the Australian Governments sports for development program.

The Parramatta Eels have kept their finals hopes alive after overcoming the St George Illawarra Dragons 26-20 in an entertaining and intensely fought match. Played in front of a vocal crowd at CommBank Stadium, the Eels scored three straight tries to close out the second half and claim the result in what was must-win game to keep them in touch with the eight. While Parramatta started well, scoring two tries in the opening 11 minutes of the match, the Dragons came roaring back into the game with winger Mikaele Ravalawa overcoming a poor start to cross for a first-half hattrick - the fourth his career. His treble saw the visitors go into the break with a 16-10 lead and things looked ominous for the Eels when Ravalawa scored his fourth of the game to start the second half. However, errors - and some determined last-ditch defence by Parramatta - handed the ball and opportunity back to the Eels, who made no mistake scoring three unanswered tries through Sean Russell, Junior Paulo and Bryce Cartwright. Source:NRL.Com

The SP PNG Hunters returned with a win. After going down to the Brisbane Tigers last weekend, the home crowd at the Santos National Football Stadium boosted the boy’s efforts to hold off the Redcliff Dolphin’s with a brilliant 26-22 victory at fulltime. A beautiful start for the Hunters with only two minutes into the game as they charged in with a floating pass from Jamie Mavoko to Morea Morea and finishing it with their first try from Solo Wane followed by a successful conversion by Jamie Mavoko himself. Bouncing back at the Hunters, Dolphin’s Cameron Cullen broke through the Hunters defense line to put them on the score board at 28 minutes in the first half. In the nick of time, Hunters Jamie Mavoko dashed through a tough Dolphin’s defense line with an attempt for another try but suddenly lost the ball in front of their try line, forcing the team for a switch off play. With the siren alarming both rivalries to a half time brake, the Hunters got their first penalty taking them to the top with a 2 points lead with 8-4 at halftime. Coming back at second half, the Hunters secured their second try with what was supposedly a terrible pass, was saved by Jamie Mavoko with a miracle catch to end the toss with Solo Wane claiming his second try for the afternoon. Just 4 minutes after scoring their first try for the remainder of the match, Hunter’s grubber Whallan Tau-Loi flashed his way through Dolphin’s defense and scored another try for the home team. Trying their best to regain momentum, the Redcliff Dolphins toped the score with 2 consecutive tries by Harrison Graham and Jack Bostock with only 2 points trailing the Hunters 18-16. Trying their best to push their lead, the Hunters saw a good play from Morea Morea as he swayed through with the ball all the way to the half way mark after been tackled by the Dolphins. With a good lead, the Hunters scored another try at the 67th minute with Joshua Lau’s incredible solid play. Returning the pump, Dolphin’s Cameron Cullen’s great assistance took his fellow team mate Levi Wilson to score for his side but couldn’t level the score with an unsuccessful conversion by Cody Hunter. Trying their best, the Dolphin’s got their first penalty in the game tying both teams 22-22. Coming back to claim their home victory, a great try assist by Rodrick Tai took Hunters Benji Kot to settle their triumph with a successful 26-22 victory over the 4th place Redcliff Dolphins.

Prime Minister (PM) Marape is currently out of the country visiting a close friend who is currently hospitalized with a serious medical condition in Gold Coast, Australia and is scheduled to return tomorrow; however, before his departure the PM reflected on the first week of the August parliament session. Reflecting on this week's parliamentary session, Prime Minister Marape expressed commendation for all Members of Parliament who participated. He highlighted the session's significance, particularly the presentation of crucial Ministerial Statements, including those related to Education. "Our Government believes in transparency, and presenting our departmental activities to Parliament is part of our accountability to our people.” “We intend to provide more Ministerial Statements to allow the public to hold us accountable for our actions as a Government.” In addition, Prime Minister Marape extended his appreciation to the landowners of Porgera in Enga and Tari in Hela for their active participation in recent meetings. He assured the Porgera landowners of their rightful benefits and the nation's shared gains. "I want to emphasize that Porgera landowners, who receive 15% equity and an additional 1% in royalties, play an integral role in the success of the mine." The Porgera Development Forum, originally planned for Monday, August 7, has been rescheduled and will now take place on Monday, August 14, 2023, in Wabag. The forum will involve landowners from provinces directly impacted by the mine, including Enga, Hela, Western, and West Sepik. "Later this year, we will also hold Landowner forums with Wafi Golpu landowners and the Morobe Provincial Government," PM Marape added. Prime Minister Marape reassured all landowners of his commitment to addressing their concerns and upholding their rightful entitlements. Meanwhile, while Marape is out of the country, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso will serve as Acting Prime Minister during his absence.

For the first time since Round 6 the Knights have moved into the top eight, after coming from behind to beat the Dolphins 30-28 in a try-fest in Perth. Three tries in the final 27 minutes lifted Newcastle to victory, after they had trailed the Dolphins 22-12 with half an hour to play, with skipper Kalyn Ponga at the heart of the revival which leaves the Knights undefeated in their last five games. Ponga scored the opening four-pointer of the game off a long-range support run and went on to set up his side's final two tries with clutch plays, along with clocking up 179 run metres from just 10 carries. Earlier it had looked like a golden 10-minute period from Jamayne Isaako would set the Dolphins up for victory, and while they fought to the very end they ultimately couldn't match the class of the Knights when the game sat in the balance. After Newcastle had come close on two occasions through Greg Marzhew, Ponga got the scoring going, but the wheels soon fell off in dramatic fashion. With Lachlan Fitzgibbon in the sin bin for a hip drop, Isaako scored a hat trick in the space of eight minutes to get the Dolphins to a 14-6 advantage. While the first two were tidy finishes in the corner after stripping the Knights for numbers, the third required brilliant athleticism, as the former Kiwi Test player jumped high to claim a ball and put it down just before the dead-ball line. After forcing a turnover the Knights hit back to through Kurt Mann to reduce their deficit to two at the break, but the start to the second 40 was something straight out of coach Adam O'Brien's worst nightmares. After kicking the restart out on the full, a penalty for a Tyson Frizell high shot – which saw him placed on report – presented Isaako with an easy two points, before rookie wonder Valynce Te Whare scored to stretch the lead to 10. Next it was the Dolphins turn to concede after a penalty that resulted in a player being put on report, with Jarrod Wallace pinged for a dangerous tackle and Jackson Hastings strolling through a would-be tackle from Kenny Bromwich for a try under the posts. Then Ponga hit go, first fending away two defenders at the end of a movement involving six Newcastle players to put Phoenix Crossland over, before providing the final pass for Marzhew to score. A golden chance to find a winner with three minutes left, after Newcastle coughed up possession 10 metres out, was blown by the Dolphins when Herman Ese'ese was found to have held a player in the scrum. The ball went back to the Knights and the contest was effectively over at that point, despite the Dolphins having one last possession. Source: NRL.com

The National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop continues to support and harness the potential of sports as a development tool to achieve the National Capital District Commission's Safe-City vision. Governor Parkop recently attended the PNG Kickboxing teams fundraising dinner at the Dynasty Restaurant in Port Moresby, where he highlighted the positive impacts of sports in uniting people, instilling positive value systems and inspiring pride. The fundraising dinner was to help raise funds for the team to participate in a tournament in Miami in Florida in the US next week. He said, “The success of former kickboxing champion Stanley Nadex is a testament to sports for development.” Governor Parkop emphasized that having realized the importance of investing in sports, NCDC creates and supports many sporting platforms for youths to showcase their potential, which can lead to career pathways. Acknowledging the presence of the Minister for Higher Education and Sports, Don Polye and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the PNG Sports Foundation Mr. Albert Veratau, Governor Parkop called on the National Government to consider sports as a priority investment as well because it engages youths in positive pathways. The Governor praised the work of the PNG Kickboxing Federation, especially Mr. Nandex, for nurturing a new breed of kickboxers to replace him and shine on global stages representing PNG. Governor Parkop stressed that the major resource the city boasts about is its people, for whom different pathways are created to realize their dreams. He also admitted that creating pathways for the young and energetic population is a challenge all government levels face. “Out of 70, 000 young people who pass out Grade 12 every year, only 30, 000 are absorbed into the formal tertiary education pathways.” “What about the rest? What about those who never went to school?” “Kickboxing and sports must be seen in this context,” said the Governor. “That is the power of sport.”