The Lae Snax Tigers set their eyes on the Grand final showdown tomorrow, Sunday 14th September 2025, following some good preparations. Speaking at the Grand Finalist Coach and Captain Conference, Tigers Head Coach Noel Zeming said his side is fully prepared and eager for the challenge ahead as they take on the 2025 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Grand Final this Sunday at the Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby. Zeming, in his first campaign as head coach, described the journey as demanding but rewarding. “It’s another tough season this year. We are fortunate to come this far and to play the grand final on Sunday,” he said. Team captain Terry Wapi, who has represented the Kumuls and the Hunters over the years, said this occasion marks a personal milestone. “After 10 years of playing in the Digicel Cup, this is my first grand final. The preparation is alright. The boys are all ready,” he said. The Tigers coach also acknowledged the significance of fan support during PNG’s 50th Independence Golden Jubilee year. “We’ve got a really good connection with our fans and followers around the world. It’s good for us to be here at the grand final and give the game back to our fans and our sponsors,” Zeming said. When asked about facing familiar rivals, Wapi explained the respect between players despite the competitive edge. “Outside we’re brothers, but inside the field we’re playing rugby. After 80 minutes, we’re brothers again,” he said. Zeming added that many former Tigers now feature in the opposition, making the clash even more meaningful. “It’s always a friendly rivalry between us,” he said.

The Lae Snax Tigers Head Coach Noel Zeming has praised the Lae Snax Tigers’ mix of experience and youth, crediting both senior leaders and the club’s pathway system for preparing the next generation of players. Coach Zeming stated this at the Grand Finalist Coach and Captain Conference at the Santos National Football Stadium on Thursday 11th September 2025. When asked on Player development and experience, Zeming highlighted the contribution of veterans guiding the squad, including long-serving forward Subha Kubode, who will retire after Sunday’s match. “These are the players we rely on to guide our young players through,” Zeming said.  “We have a really strong schoolboys league in Lae, one of the best in the country. Before the preseason, we usually bring in 30 players from the schoolboys just to get them into the system. If they deserve the spot, they get the chance,” he explained. This year, players like Carlos Lung and Finley Glare have earned senior team places after progressing through the academy. “Carlos was one of our academy players and he’s done tremendously well. Now he’s in the main squad and performing,” Zeming said. The coach also expressed confidence that some of his players are ready for higher honours. “I’m not in the power to select our players, but I’m confident some of them have been very consistent throughout the year. If they get selected, it’s a bonus to the team,” he said. For Zeming, the blend of seasoned leaders, youth from the academy, and the opportunity for representative selection reflects the strength of the Tigers’ development pathway.

The electric 17year-old playing from the NCDC Moni Plus Port Moresby Vipers, Miles Manaseh Watt received the Rookie of the year Award in the 2025 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Season Awards night. The youngster from Hagen and Goroka humbly set the standard of being a top tier contender among his experienced side, receiving the award at the Gateway Hotel on Thursday 11th September 2025. Miles humbly expressed to PNG HAUSBUNG his intentions toward his overall goal in the competition to give his best on the field for his team and hopefully wear the Kumuls Jersey in the near future. Miles first competed in rugby league at the age of 15 in the Under-15 schoolboy's competition. By 16, Miles was entrusted to play in the Governor’s Cup for his side where he was than selected to train with the Port Moresby Vipers, taking the field in the 2025 season at the age of 17. While accepting the rookie award, Miles acknowledged and praised the support behind and beside him to test and protect his ability to perform on the field. Miles expressed gratitude to his coach and staff including his team for the support and their continuous belief in his ability. “I want to thank my coaches and team members. I learnt a lot in the season.” “I gave my best in training and in game days,” said Miles. Looking ahead, miles clarified his long-term goal in his rugby league career, expressing his interest to make it into the SP PNG Hunters following the 2026 season of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup. With his plan already in motion, he announced his first successful step forward, securing a spot in the Junior Kumul's. The young and electric winger remains focused and humbled to play alongside experienced players and hope to learn and gain experience to prepare himself for the upcoming years in his rugby league career.

PNGRFL has acknowledged and pointed out the vital importance of development pathways in ensuring the growing future of Rugby League in Papua New Guinea. PNGRFL General Manager for Performance and Pathways, Tony Archer, reaffirmed this at the Grand finalist Coach and Captains conference at the Santos National Football Stadium on Thursday 11th September 2025. While this Sunday’s Grand Final is a major highlight, Archer said the success of the game relies equally on the investment in players, referees, coaches, and community engagement. Archer commended the hard work of referees and officials throughout the season, noting their development supported by both domestically and by international expertise, including Queensland Rugby League referees coach, Greer Beck. “The referees have trained hard under guidance and earned their place in the grand final. Their achievement reflects the depth and professionalism growing in our systems,” Archer said. Moreover, Mr. Archer highlighted the role of national coaches Tani Norris and Jason Demetriou, who have been closely monitoring talent in the Santos Cup and beyond. He explained their input ensures that the best players from PNG’s domestic competitions have opportunities to step into higher-level representation, including the Prime Minister’s XIII fixtures against Australia in October and the junior Orchids program. “From our National Youth Competition (NYC) to the Hunters and Blossoming Orchids, these programs play an integral role in developing players for the future. Every season gives players a chance to prove themselves and grow under the watchful eyes of our coaches,” he said. Archer concluded by stressing that Rugby League in PNG is not just about the big games, but about building structures that sustain the sport’s growth and strengthen its role as the national pride of the country.

The Pacific Advances University (PAU) School of Business Club President, Miss Sophia Warep, has said that the future of Papua New Guinea’s development rests on investing in people, not just infrastructure. The 23-year-old final year bachelor's in accounting and entrepreneurship student, stressed this when interviewed by PNG HAUSBUNG at the IEA College of TAFE Pre-Independence Celebration, on Friday 5th September 2025, at Ela Beach in Port Moresby city. The young and dedicated Miss Warep holds the historic position as the first female president of Pacific Adventist University's School of Business in 40 years, while bearing three other roles such as the National Youth President in Reformation Ministries and Churches Network (RMCN), COGC Youth Vice-President and a Public Officer for the Zion Association. Speaking as a youth-oriented representative and leader, Miss Warep highlighted the importance of human resource development during her interview as a priority to nation building in the next 50 years of PNG’s Development. “From my own personal opinion, we should focus on human resource,” she said. “We can focus on infrastructure, we can focus on development, economic improvement, unemployment… but if we focus solely on human resource building—because humans build countries—I feel that human resource building is one thing that we can focus on in the next 50 years.” She expressed concern over rising unemployment and the visible struggles of young people in the country. “You see so many young people that are jobless, so many of them just going around the streets. That shows our lack of attention on human development,” she said. Her comments connect strongly with her leadership role, balancing academics, youth work, and community responsibilities. “If we don’t develop humans, we cannot develop the country,” she emphasized.

The First Female President in PAU’s School Business Miss Sophia Warep has urged Papua New Guineans to take greater responsibility in shaping the nation’s future, instead of waiting on government action alone. Speaking as a special guest at the Pre-Independence Celebration hosted by IEA College of TAFE, the PAU School of Business Club President Miss Warep emphasized her main message was to challenge citizens to shift their perspective. “My main message was to help citizens to not only focus on what the government or organizations can do for us, but what we as citizens can do for Papua New Guinea,” she said. She emphasized that focusing too much on government shortcomings leaves citizens powerless. “If we try to say, what is the government doing, we will be stuck there.” “But if we sort of change that, flip that around and say, what can I do to see a change in Papua New Guinea?” “That was the main message I was trying to give, especially with the youth,” she explained. Looking ahead, Miss Warep believes the next 50 years of independence require a change in leadership priorities. “In the next 50 years, if we do want to see tangible change and development, we just need leaders that are people-oriented and not self-oriented,” she said. She stressed the importance of God-fearing leaders who prioritize service over personal gain. “Leaders that put people first… they can even go out of their own way to use their own resources to do something for the people. I think that’s the only way we can change the direction of the country,” she concluded.

The Highlands Region Group Leader at IEA College of TAFE, Miss Maryjoyce Lin, proudly took part in the institution’s Pre-Independence Celebration by wearing full Simbu attire for the first time, despite her own roots being from Oro, Central, and Chinese heritage. The 20-year-old, a final year Diploma in Business student, said the cultural display was a new and memorable experience. “Yes, it’s my first time dressing in Simbu, and the head-dress is just from Simbu province,” she said. Miss Lin explained that while she has previously worn cultural dress from other regions during school years, this was the first time she represented the Highlands, specifically Simbu Province. She credited her classmates and fellow students for making the event a success. “I would like to say thank you to my fellow classmates and my fellow students here at TAFE. Of course, we the students have managed to pull this off and it’s actually happening. And I am very proud of everybody that put in the effort and time, as well as the trainers,” she said. Her participation in Highlands region group highlighted the unity in diversity at the Pre-Independence Celebration, where students from different backgrounds showcased the richness of PNG’s cultures.

The stage is set for ENB Agmark Gurias to take on the PRK Mendi Muruks in a blockbuster Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Preliminary Final this weekend in Port Moresby. The blockbuster showdown is set to commence at the Santos National Football Stadium, Boroko at 3:00pm, on Sunday September 7th 2025. The Gurias enter the preliminary final with confidence after edging out the Moni Plus NCDC Pom Vipers 14-9 in a tense semi-final. Star winger Chris Benjamin’s double and Muka Peter’s decisive late try underlined their ability to finish strong in high-pressure contests. Meanwhile, the Muruks will be determined to bounce back after falling 24-16 to the Lae Snax Tigers in the other semi-final. Despite a strong first-half showing led by Mark Tony’s kicking and Dickson Pipi’s try, errors under pressure cost them their grand final ticket. With everything on the line, the Muruks must rediscover their clinical edge, while the Gurias will look to ride their momentum and defensive resilience. The winner will book a place in the 2025 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Grand Final against the Tigers, promising another explosive chapter in PNG’s premier rugby league competition.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) will soon mark its 50th Independence Anniversary, a moment where the NCD Governor Powes Parkop described as a once-in-a-lifetime milestone that reflects the nation’s journey of unity and resilience. Governor Parkop said this at the official commencement of police operations for the Golden Jubilee at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby on Monday, 1st September 2025. Governor Parkop pointed out the significance of the of the anniversary as not only a celebration but also a reflection on how far the country has come since 1975. “On 16th September 2025, our country will celebrate fifty years of independence; a half-century of striving to build a united nation and a better quality of life for our people.” The Governor highlighted the challenges of forging a nation out of more than a thousand tribes and languages, describing PNG’s diversity as both unique and demanding. He credited the vision of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and other founding leaders for bringing the country together under one flag. Unlike other nations with shared cultures and languages, PNG’s diversity has made unity a constant challenge. Governor Parkop however stressed that the Jubilee is proof of the country’s progress and a symbol of its strength. Adding to the significance of the celebrations, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres will visit Port Moresby, the first such visit in PNG’s history. Governor Parkop said this international recognition reflects the country’s growing place in the world community. “This Jubilee is about celebrating who we are and inspiring the next generation to carry our vision forward.”

National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop, has called on the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to rise to the occasion and ensure safe and peaceful celebrations as the country prepares for its 50th Independence Anniversary. Speaking at the official commencement of police operations for the nation’s 50th Golden Jubilee at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby on Monday, 1st September 2025, Governor Parkop acknowledged the difficult role the police have played over the past five decades in maintaining peace and order across the nation. “You are the backbone of law and order. Safety and security are the foundations of nation-building." "Without peace, we cannot prosper, and without respect, we cannot live in harmony.” The Governor recognized the sacrifices made by members of the police force, including those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, while also acknowledging the contributions of the Defence Force and Correctional Services. He stressed that Port Moresby, as the capital and focal point of the Jubilee, will depend on the discipline and vigilance of police officers to manage events and protect citizens. “The responsibility of ensuring peace and safety rests on your shoulders. This is your time to make our city and our nation proud.” The Governor further reminded officers that their professionalism during this milestone will reflect the nation’s progress and unity. Furthermore, with police, security, and specialized units already on the ground, the Governor assured the public that efforts are in place to deliver a safe and successful Golden Jubilee celebration.

A stern warning has been issued to officers under the NCD and Central province command by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for NCD and Central Province Commander Benjamin Turi. He stated that laziness, ill-discipline, and abuse of police resources will not be tolerated during the Golden Jubilee operations. Speaking at the launch of police operations at the Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby on Monday 31st September 2025, ACP Turi said discipline must be the cornerstone of policing. “My appeal to everyone, every police officer in this command, let us cut out discipline issues and concentrate to work together.” Commander Turi condemned bad practices such as misuse of vehicles, negligence, and poor case handling. “No more unauthorized evictions, drunken driving, laziness in doing your court files, prosecuting cases, and dealing with nepotism. We want this to change, no more ill-discipline.” He also reminded officers that their work is closely monitored. “The CCTV will be watching you police officers. Whatever we do, our bad actions will be captured. So now the CCTV will be watching us, how we do the job.” “We cannot be teaching you because you are adults and have your children.” “Two days of pay cut, two weeks of suspension is too much at this time of the crisis in the country. Do the right thing, do it right and do it with all your heart.” Furthermore, he emphasized on teamwork stating that quiet does not mean to slack off as everyone must contribute.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for NCD and Central Province Commander Benjamin Turi, has challenged young police officers to rise to the occasion during the 50th Independence Jubilee, describing it as a defining moment for the next generation of leaders within the constabulary. Addressing officers at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium recently, ACP Turi urged junior non-commissioned officers (NCOs) to prepare themselves for greater responsibility. “You step out from wherever you are now, whatever role, step out and step up to be counted in as the next generation of officers.” “We separate men from boys and women from girls. If you are still thinking like a girl or a boy, this is not the place.” He reminded officers that many senior commanders will soon retire, making way for new leadership. “We are losing a number of seasoned commanders, very senior officers. As a result, this command is now looking up to you, the young NCOs.” ACP Turi also called on female officers to take on frontline policing roles rather than staying in office jobs. “You ladies don’t sign out for an office job, meaning admin officer or clerk. Get out and be counted.” Furthermore, he stressed that the Jubilee celebrations require total commitment. “No one is going to slack off. All of us will be out day and night to make sure the residents of the city are safe.” “When you finish, you are part of the history of the 50th anniversary, the Golden Jubilee.”