Paula DAVID

Max and Mat Feagai haven’t shared an edge since their 2019 SG Ball premiership and four years later the twin brothers are set to stand side-by-side on the Dragons' left side. Replacing regular centre Zac Lomax at No.4 for Sunday’s Magic Round clash is a huge task for Dragons junior Max but the 22-year-old will be in familiar territory when his brother Mat lines up right alongside him. Having been linked with the club since they were 13-years-old, Sunday’s Magic Round clash will mark a special occasion for the Feagai family as the two utility backs not only take the field together for just the third time in their careers but will form an edge-pairing for the first time since 2019. “I think it makes things feel a lot more comfortable, standing inside Mathew in my first starting spot in the Centres, just knowing I’ve got him outside of me and Junior (Amone) inside me,” Max told NRL.com. “We both grew up playing centre on both sides of the field and when we moved up here and started playing SG Ball they were happy for us playing next to each other and we were happy to play there too. “We give it to each other a fair bit and let each other know where we’re mucking up or anything like that, so I think that’s going to be the biggest thing, the way we talk to each other and communicate on the field. “We’ve done a lot of work together so I’m just excited to get out there and rip in. It kind of does add a special feeling to it all.” It will be a 2019 Grand Final reunion of sorts for Feagai with hooker Jayden Sullivan, fullback Tyrell Sloan, five-eighth Junior Amone and brother Mat all featuring in the Steelers 2019 SG Ball Cup Grand Final. After overcoming multiple setbacks with injury since making his debut back in 2020, the Leeton product said it's comforting to know he has already built combinations with majority of the Dragons' spine as he prepares to play just his eighth NRL game. “It’s the best feeling to play with people you're comfortable with and have already built a combination with. We all came through the grades together so now it’s just about getting back into it,” he said. “It’s been a long couple of years having not much played NRL, so performance wise I was just happy with the fact that I walked off the field last week and my teammates were happy with my performance so I’ve just got to look forward to this week coming. “I’ve played centre majority of my football but I think it makes things feel a lot more comfortable to be standing inside Mathew in my first game starting there, just knowing I’ve got him outside of me.” Meanwhile, brother Mat said after watching his twin battle a fractured fibula and high-grade syndesmosis injury last season, it will be a special occasion to stand alongside Max when he takes the NRL field for the first time as a centre. “We haven’t played on the same side since we were 18, so I’m really looking forward to that. It’s a credit to Max too, he’s worked really hard to get to where he is now and has faced a lot of adversity…I can’t wait,” Mat said. “It’s something we’ve always spoken about, being able to play on that same edge and it’s finally happening. “He’s a headache," he joked. "But it makes my job a lot easier. It’s super comfortable having just had that connection we’ve always shared. “He sprays me a bit but it goes back and forth. Just like twins and brothers do, we fight a bit and it carries out to the field but it’s all for the better. “Obviously, it’s his first crack at centre and it’s a different ball game when you get to grade, it’s a big step up from (NSW) Cup but I’m sure he’ll take it with two hands and showcase what he can do.” Having felt the heartbreak of four-consecutive losses - in which all were decided by six points or less - Mat hopes several changes to the side can help the Dragons rediscover their winning ways against the Wests Tigers this weekend. “We’ve come off the back of a couple of tough losses, ones we were a bit unlucky to not walk away with the win,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s all about winning and we’ve just struggled in that part of the game lately. "As a group, everyone’s just kind of trusting Hook (Anthony Griffin) with what he’s decided to go with and no one’s really kicking stones which is a good sign. “Everyone is just working really hard because as a team and a club, we just need to start winning some games.” Source: NRL.Com

Final year Public Relations class 1 Journalism students from the University of Papua New Guinea today kicked off celebrations with a road show awareness in commemoration of World Media Freedom Day. This event marked the importance of free press as a lead up to the day’s program which will end in the evening. World Press/Media Freedom Day is important because it increases awareness about the importance of press freedom highlighting the critical role that journalists and media outlets play in promoting democracy, and human rights. Out of the 87 PR Class 1 students, PNG HAUSBUNG caught up with three of the students. Gregory Wesley said today is all about the celebration of the freedom of the press. “Whatever that’s going on in the government, the people need to know about things that are happening in the country.” “And as a journalist we have to give out the right information without suppression from the government or anyone that wants to overturn the right to information.” Bramo Tinkira said Media Freedom Day is all about the celebration for free press and a day to also remember past journalists who passed on during their time of service. Meanwhile, Benson Wema told PNG HAUSBUNG this day is very important to him as we take time to remember those that were in the front line reporting on such important events. “As a young journalist, we must live up to that standard. Media plays a powerful role in society today.” “Many times, we can see that the media is influenced by political agendas and that drives the truth away from the light.” “World Media Freedom Day is just for us to strengthen those channels of communications and the government should also look at ways to support the channel of communication.” He further stressed that the government should advocate more about World Media Freedom day and the importance of the role it plays in disseminating factual information.

To ensure sports becomes a platform for development, gender equality, creating champions and instilling good values, NCD Governor Powes Parkop honored his word through the City Hall with a commitment of K60, 000 to Port Moresby Soccer Association (PMSA). The commitment was manifested on Sunday 30th April to sponsor a one-month soccer pre-season hosted and managed by PMSA. The cheque was presented when the pre-season was entering its final rounds of the season. Governor Parkop, a staunch sports sponsor throughout his 16-year political reign, did the cheque presentation during PMSA AGM in #AmazingPortMoresby. Speaking during the presentation, he said he would talk to corporate houses to boost the sponsorship with a further K40, 000. “Sports is a powerful medium and tool for development." “It’s more than just a game. It’s a real platform where we can achieve many goals that we find in so many of our visions. Vision 2050, the Medium Term Development Plans and the Sustainable Development Goals.” Governor Parkop said since taking office in 2007; his passion has been to transform #AmazingPortMoresby in all facets of life - social, economic, physical and cultural. He admitted that the challenges are still there: “I must do all that I can, and I recognise sports as part of that equation, so I keep supporting sports in different codes; rugby league, supporting team Port Moresby Vipers, and I have been supporting other sports as well.” Governor Parkop added he was hopeful that after the AGM and election of new executives of PMSA, better dialogues would be established to see how they can work together in partnership, using this platform for development and giving young people hope for a better tomorrow. “Soccer is a beautiful, skillful game played globally in all countries”, he said, “adding opportunities for the city and entire country to become part of the global movement”. He said plans are in place for the Vipers to secure a spot in the New South Wales Rugby League, indicating opportunities for Port Moresby Soccer to enter the North Queensland League in the near future. This year the #AmazingPortMoresby will host the Oceania Soccer Women’s Championship in June.

Despite the SP PNG Hunters claiming their first home win and second win of the season in Round 7 of the QRL Hostplus Cup after downing the Mackay Cutters 14-10, they are learning from their mistakes and vow to make improvements, especially their kicking game and preparations leading up to their matches. Assistant Coach Paul Aiton told PNG HAUSBUNG, “There’s a drastic difference with their defence strategy played over the weekend and that proves that the team can display outstanding wins but the team just needs to work on their preparations leading to the game. “When it starts to get to these levels, you must prepare during the week for the game. You can’t just turn up to play and we had a discussion last week and the boys recognized that and they came to play.” Hunters Captain Ila Alu said, they had a tough 3 weeks leading up to their last match over the weekend, but with two of their boys training down-south with the NRL Dolphin’s squad its a bonus and will also give a boost to the team for this weekend’s third home game against the Ipswich Jets at Santos NFS. “It’s a good step in the right direction for rugby league and for PNG as well. They both showed an outstanding play of rugby league over the weekend and that’s something that had a lot of input into the team.” “Both teammates training with the Dolphins also paves a way for not only themselves but for other PNG rugby players that are coming up through the ranks and that there’s opportunities out there that they can utilize if they only commit themselves to their cause and they can see their dreams becoming a reality.” Meanwhile, Aiton further added Hunters fullback Morea Morea has been a target for the past weeks given his skills-set displayed on the field. “I know that there already calling his name already and he must know this. But the good thing is his aware of it. Obliviously his a very tough player and were also trying to put some weight on him, but he’s a tough kid, so em bai orait.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) handed over to the PNG National Department of Health 10 colour GeneXpert Instruments and 500 cartridges, to support the Tuberculosis program in the country last Friday. The instruments will help scale up TB diagnosis for early detection, treatment and care for people affected by this highly infectious and deadly disease in PNG. In a small yet significant handover ceremony, WHO-PNG Officer in Charge, Dr Mollent Okech said WHO was committed to supporting NDOH in its efforts to end TB. “We are working together with the government of PNG and other partners to scale up TB diagnosis, prevention and care.” “Detecting TB rapidly and identifying drug resistant TB on the spot are essential to improving the care of affected people and avoid transmission in the community.” “The GeneXpert instruments are highly sensitive and will detect TB and resistance to the most important medicines used for treatment of drug- resistant TB.” “The machines can also be used to test and diagnose other diseases including COVID-19, HIV, hepatitis, HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases.” Deputy Health Secretary, Mr. Ken Wai was on hand to receive the Instruments. In thanking WHO he said WHO was a trusted partner, the department could always count on in medicine and health for technical support and advise. He added, partnerships as such are very important in supporting the work of the department.

A five star performance by Luke Brooks inspired Wests Tigers to a gutsy 12-8 defeat of back-to-back premiers Penrith that ended a 273-day drought since their last win. Brooks led last season's wooden spooners to their first win under the club's new coaching staff of 2005 premiership winning mentor Tim Sheens, David Furner and Tigers greats Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah. The often maligned halfback produced two 40:20 kicks that led to tries, ran the ball 10 times for 69 metres and finished with a try assist and six line breaks as the Tigers claimed the Royce Simmons Cup in wet conditions before a capacity Bathurst crowd. Tigers captain Api Koroisau, who played in Penrith's 2021 and 2022 grand final triumphs, also starred against his former club, while rookie fullback Jahream Bula had a game to remember. Brooks got his team on the front foot from the outset with a 40:20 kick in the first set of tackles in the match. Brooks then laid on the opening try of the match for Fiji playmaker Brandon Wakeham, who swooped on a perfectly weighted grubber into the Panthers in-goal from his halves partner to score in the third minute. Former Tiger Tyrone Peachey, who returned to Penrith in the off-season, hit back for the premiers just two minutes later to score off a Jarome Luai grubber kick. The Tigers then had to endure the sinbinning of centre Brent Naden after a shoulder charge on Panthers second-rower Zac Hosking but they did not concede a point while a man short. Samoa World Cup hero Stephen Crichton put Penrith ahead 8-6 with a 30th minute penalty goal but Wakeham levelled the scores with a penalty goal of his own just on halftime. Brooks started the second half as he had the first, by producing a second 40:20 kick as the Tigers continued to mount pressure on Penrith. David Nofoaluma regained the lead for Wests Tigers when he crossed in the 50th minute after Wakeham combined with rookie fullback Jahream Bula, who threw an overhead pass for the veteran winger. However, Wakeham was unable to convert and the Tigers were forced to cling to a four point lead. A try saving tackle by Bula jolted the ball from the grasp of Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary and he produced a deft grubber at the other end before trapping Dylan Edwards behind his line and force a goal line drop out. The Panthers were forced to play 10 minutes late in the game a man down after hooker Soni Luke was sin-binned for a hip drop tackle on Tigers prop Alex Twal. Wakeham missed an attempt at goal from the penalty that would have given the Tigers a six point lead but they hung on to achieve their first win of the season. Source: NRL.com

Through its 2022-2023 Leadership for Change Community Grants program, Digicel PNG Foundation will give K1million worth of grants to support 20 selected local organizations from the country. Through the Leadership for Change Community Grants Program, Digicel Foundation provides grants up to K50, 000 to local organizations across the country who are delivering projects in the areas of health, education, water and sanitation, sustainable livelihoods, and safety. In addition to the grants, Digicel Foundation provides support in terms of capacity building, coordination and monitoring to ensure that these organizations successfully deliver their projects. The Community Grants Program has been provided annually since 2019, and to date has given K3.5 million. The grants for these twenty organizations will go towards supporting projects such as safe houses, sports development, medical equipment, advocacy on gender-based violence, education, agriculture and WASH programs. Digicel PNG Foundation CEO Serena Sasingian thanked the 20 local organizations for their commitment and tireless efforts in following the application process and congratulated them for being the successful recipients. She also acknowledged and thanked all the organizations who submitted their applications last year, and encouraged them and others to apply for the 2023-2024 Community Grants Program, which will soon be launched. ‘’We continue to receive an overwhelming number of applications for our Community Grants program every year, which shows us that there is a real need to support local organizations. Digicel Foundation will continue this program so that we can continue to help those who are providing solutions to local problems and making a difference in their communities.’’ Representatives from each of the selected 20 organizations will be attending a capacity building training in Madang next month to learn the monitoring and reporting aspects of the program, so they are able to effectively implement their projects within the timeframe.

RiRi smurf? Not quite, but superstar Rihanna is set to play Smurfette in the upcoming “Smurfs” animated film. On Thursday, Paramount Pictures announced the news during their CinemaCon presentation, revealing that the singer will create and perform original music for the film. She will also serve as a producer. “Getting to do animation is a fun journey for me,” Rihanna said. “I’m usually front and center with everything with my likeness…but this was fun, I got to imagine, I got to show up in my pajamas in my third trimester, and be a blue badass.” Chris Miller and Matt Landon will co-direct the movie. Pam Brady penned the script. The “Smurfs” film franchise kicked off in 2011 with “The Smurfs,” starring Neil Patrick Harris. Katy Perry formerly played Smurfette. “The Smurfs 2” was released in 2013, followed by 2017’s “Smurfs: The Lost Village.” As for her acting career, Rihanna starred in 2012’s “Battleship” and appeared as herself in 2013 comedy “This Is the End.” She also appeared in “Ocean’s 8,” among television show appearances. The “Smurfs” movie hits theaters February 14, 2025.

Holding on to the wisdom her father passed on to her, Bowi Courtney Agiru overcame the challenges life threw at her and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG). Bowi expressed an over whelming emotion for her loved ones who were not present to witness her achievement but also appreciated her family and friends who showed up for this special occasion. “It’s very over whelming and mixed feelings. A little bit of sadness for the people who couldn’t be here, but overall, just happy that I’ve passed a mile stone and another chapter and looking forward to the next. ” Bowi is the only daughter of the former Hela Governor Anderson Pawa Agiru who passed away in 2016. She said, moments like this when you expect to see and hear from them but are not present. These are the hardest, especially during her schooling years. “His done his bit and taught me what I needed to know and I’ve come this far. It kind of hurts more but it makes you embrace that moment and appreciate everything and everyone around you.” Coming from a back ground where her father was associated in the political area, Bowi said she was always encouraged by her father to always encourage her to do want she wanted to do in life where she made sure of that when she got degreed. “He always encouraged me to do what I want with my life and he never really liked me in the political eye. He always encouraged me to do want I want and to never let other people’s expectations get in your way or cloud your judgement.” After four years of studying at the university, perseverance and independence are two of the most profound virtues that she learnt while studying. “It’s not real life, it’s still a bubble but it teaches you how to look after yourself. To network, what to expect out there. It’s basically, like a trial face before you get out there.” She also uttered a very strong message to fellow students who are still in school to make education the most important priority in their lives and everything else falls behind. “One important thing I’ve really learnt is education and I’ve made it this far, and I’ve seen the power of education and independence for young people. As early as you can know what you want to do in life.” She also encouraged other young individuals out there to never let other people’s expectations and judgments cloud their own but to be themselves as they are the best versions of themselves. Bowi was among the 200 School of Law students that graduated at the UPNG 68th Graduation Ceremony, which was held at the Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium at Port Moresby on Thursday 27th April.  

The SP PNG Hunters will have an advantage this weekend when they run out to a home crowd welcome tomorrow Saturday 29th April, to play host to the Mackay Cutters in Round 7 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. Having fallen short to the Burleigh Bears in Round 6 last week, the Hunters should outplay the Cutters who are currently sitting at 14th place on the ladder while the Hunters are at 11th place. However, the Hunters will be without suspended five-eighth Sakias Komati this week but will be confident of returning to the winners circle against the 14th placed Cutters. The last time these sides met was in Round 20 last year, when the Hunters produced one of the performances of the season. Down on the scoreboard with just minutes remaining, a length of the field try in the 77th minute clinched the result for the Hunters to ensure they finished the 2022 season on a high. Current Hunters players Rodrick Tai, Judah Rimbu, Ila Alu and Brandon Nima were instrumental to that result and shape as key players for PNG again, this week. Mackay have made a host of changes to their Round 6 losing side and will be desperate to get their season back on track with a win this weekend. Head Coach Stanley Tepend was understandably disappointed with last week’s performance and is looking forward to a response on Saturday. “It’s obviously been a disappointing last few weeks.” “Full credit to Burleigh who played a great game, but we just lacked energy and intent right from the kick off. We just weren’t there last week but the boys are learning quickly that in this competition you have to be ready to turn up every week.” Tepend said his side has focused on being accountable for individual performances this week. “We’ve had a look at our individual preparation – what we do throughout the week, on game day, how we’re preparing ourselves for the game. We need to be accountable for our own actions and make sure we’re all on the same page.” “We’ve focused on staying in our systems and being more resilient when things don’t go our way. We know we’ve got points in us but we just need to not panic and trust our defensive systems.” Team List 1. Morea Morea 2. Siki Konden 3. Brandon Nima 4. Rodrick Tai 5. Solo Wane 6. Joshua MIre 7. Jamie Mavoko 8. Junior Rop 9. Wesser Tenza 10. Epel Kapinias 11. Sherwin Tanabi 12. Julius Yakoba 13. Ila Alu (captain) 14. Judah Rimbu 15. Tom Moide 16. Henry Noki 17. Koso Bandi 1 8. Benji Kot 19. Sanny Wabo 20. Trevor Solu  

Another Nicho Hynes masterclass and a double to Ronaldo Mulitalo led the Sharks to a 44-6 win over the Cowboys at PointsBet Stadium last night. Mulitalo took his try tally at the Sharks' home ground to 19 in 18 games as Cronulla's outside backs ran riot in a seven-tries-to-one demolition. On the back of an early error by Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt it was the home side striking through Siosifa Talakai in just the second minute before Hynes added a penalty goal nine minutes later to make it 8-0. The Sharks had a second in the 14th minute when edge back-rower Briton Nikora's grubber kick rebounded into the in-goal and Jesse Ramien pounced forn his fourth try of the season. With Hynes' conversion the score had blown out to 14-0. With 15 minutes to go in the half the Sharks turned up the heat defensively on the back of a Hynes kick, forcing the Cowboys to kick from just 15 metres out from their own line and grabbing a try on the next set. Winger Sione Katoa was the beneficiary of some slick hands by Hynes and Will Kennedy and the Sharks had racked up a 20-0 lead. The Cowboys got on the board in the 34th minute when Tom Dearden exploded through a gap from 40 metres out and linked with Feldt, who produced a huge fend on Mulitalo to cross for his fourth try of the season. Four minutes into the second half the Sharks went left and another peach of a pass from Kennedy found Talakai who sent it on to Mulitalo for the home side's fourth try and the margin was out to 18. [caption id="attachment_39402" align="alignnone" width="788"] Mulitalo burns them on the outside[/caption] Sharks back-rower Jack Williams then made a line break and was taken high by Cowboys No.1 Scott Drinkwater, the resulting penalty gifting Hynes two more points to make it 26-6. Cowboys prop Coen Hess' 150th NRL game turned sour in the 55th minute when he was sin binned for tripping and the Sharks cashed in when Talakai produced another quality tap-on for Mulitalo to cross again. Two minutes after Mulitalo scored the Sharks were in again when Drinkwater made a meal of a Hynes kick and the Cronulla supremo picked up the scraps and touched down for a 38-6 lead. Five-eighth Matt Moylan then laid on a try for Teig Wilton as the Sharks piled more pain on the Cowboys, who also lost their skipper Chad Townsend to a suspected calf injury. The Sharks lost Nikora and prop Braden Hamlin-Uele to suspected knee injuries in the only dampener on a dominant performance. Source: NRL.Com

The graduating students from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) School Of Law were urged to be agents of positive change by being industrious and innovative. UPNG Vice Chancellor (VC) Professor Frank Griffin, encouraged the 200 graduating law students not to be confined to their subject area that they have studied, but to diversify themselves and the certain skills set that they have been taught while studying at the university. “The training you have received for the past four or five years will now be put to good use as you progress yourselves from here on wards,” said Griffin. Pro. Griffin also challenged the students to embrace and accept change and to continue to look at ways to improve one’s self. “Make positive changes for our people where you are and thrive as you have done in the last years you spent at school (University).” “Be effective to make effective positive changes at the policy and process levels. To make changes for the better good of every Papua New Guinean, so that their lives can be improved, enriched and fulfilled.” He advised the graduating Law students to never under estimate their degrees as they are comparable to any in the world and to be competitive at the national, regional and international level. Pro. Griffin also reminded the student that as they graduated today, they will all become part of the UPNG Students Alumni and they should be proud of that. Meanwhile, Lady Winifred Kamit who is an alumni of the university expressed much emotion to see over 60 females graduate this year in the School of Law. “The Balance contribution to any work force brings out the best outcomes, said Kamit.” She is also calling out to the University Administration to make data available for students to know how many female students have graduated from the school of law since its establishment.