The PNG Hunters are set for a thrilling showdown this Sunday 6th July 2025, at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby when they face off against the Townsville Blackhawks in Round 16 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. All eyes will be on the home team with the return of dynamic hooker Judah Rimbu, who reclaims the number 9 jersey. Rimbu’s inclusion should bring renewed energy and structure to the middle, offering sharp service out of dummy-half. His presence is expected to be a key factor in controlling the ruck speed and linking well with halves Finley Glare and Joshua Lau. The Hunters' forward pack remains confident, with hard-hitting props Epel Kapinias, Murray Fige Connors and Robert Mathias set to provide the go-forward. Captain Ila Alu continues to lead from lock position, bringing stability and grit. With the finals approaching, the Hunters will look to capitalize on home ground and the momentum sparked by Rimbu’s return. Fans can expect a thrilling and physical contest as both teams battle for ladder position.

Central Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Joseph Salle has pointed out that the high number road accidents along the Hiritano and Maggi Highways are becoming a concern for the Central Provincial Police Command. PPC Salle stated this in a recent statement following the increase of road accidents along the highway of Central Province, especially in the month of June. PPC Salle confirmed that more than ten (10) road traffic accidents including major and minor cases have been reported in the month of June alone. This has kept police on their toes, including cases in different sections across Central Province highways. Commander Salle emphasized that investigations are ongoing following the highest number of accidents reported along the Maggi Highway, including other reports along the Hiritano Highway, Lea-Lea and Sogeri Road. Commander Salle highlighted that four accidents were reported on the stretched of road between Barakau and Giare villages along Maggi Highway, while other accidents were reported at Porepada village and along Sogeri Road, while the others were along the Hiritano Highway. Although Police are conducting random road checks and vehicle searches to prevent more accidents, citizens have proven to be ignorant. This ignorant behavior has resulted in accidents. PPC Salle concluded by stating that police are bringing their best standard to ensure anyone who need assistance in road traffic accidents are helped accordingly. Meanwhile, Commander Salle pointed out that drivers must be careful when also driving through portions of the highway that is undergoing construction and maintenance by contractors as this road works can lead to drivers ending up in accidents. PPC Salle further urged drivers to consider road conditions, road signs, and passenger welfare when travelling along the highways in the province.

The Hela Community in Port Moresby city delighted the public at the Hubert Murray Stadium with a thrilling contemporary dance at the Meganesia Cultural Festival on Saturday 28th 2025. The Tari dance group from Erima, Wildlife, in Port Moresby demonstrated the symbolic snake-dance passed down from generations. The dance-lead Mr. Amos Patrick. The cultural dance represents the famous “Tagaldi River” in Hela Province that intertwines from Hela all the way to Purari, Kikori and to Kerema in the Gulf Province. Although the contemporary dance was short, it embodied a spirited piece of culture from Papua New Guinea’s Highlands region. Mr. Patrick from Tari Town Hela Province, emphasized that the dance embraces the famous river from Tari, the Tagaldi River and its geography, stretching into a snake-like figure through Tari. "The dance is from a past generation symbolizing the river, we keep the memory alive to remember and embrace our elders and their respect for the land," he said. Meanwhile, Mr. Patrick described the relationship of the 10 dancers as family though they are extended family, they are a part of one bloodline. "We were brought out as the New Tari Cultural Group under our Tari community Association. We are all family dancing, and we represent the Tari New Association from Wildlife.” The Hela group had one unique member who stood out from the dance, a 7-year-old named Raymond Patrick who had full attire on. Although his performance was not in sync with his group, he showed true spirit on stage in front of a packed Hubert Murray Stadium. The group consists of 10 members, four young girls, one boy and 5 male adults, proudly bringing to life the spirit of Hela Province. Mr. Patrick thanked the NCDC Management and his Community Association for allowing their Hela Dance-group to be a part of the Meganesia Celebration, to embrace their culture while celebrating the nation’s upcoming 50th Independence Anniversary on a big platform.

The legendary Quakes Band wrapped up their electrifying return performance with their final song, "Manama Island," sending the crowd into a roaring ovation at Lamana Gold Club on Saturday night, June 28, 2025. After 20 years away from Port Moresby city, the iconic band came alive at the Party Capital, greeted by a full house of loyal fans from across the city. Their signature blend of old-school rhythms and contemporary sounds reawakened memories for long-time followers, while captivating a new generation of music lovers. Every song ignited a choir, and although the crowd sang off-key, their voices echoed pure devotion of how deeply the Quakes Band's music resonates. It was a night of unity, culture, and timeless melodies. From start to finish, the band delivered heart-warming songs of love and family, igniting a celebration of their music throughout the night.

Australia's High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea (PNG), H.E. Ewen McDonald acknowledged a vibrant 50-years of Partnership between PNG and Australia at the Meganesia Cultural Celebration in the Hubert Murray Stadium on Saturday 28th 2025. Amid laughter and excitement, High Commissioner McDonald praised the cultural richness on display, describing the atmosphere as “deadly,” an Indigenous Australian term for “fantastic.” The Meganesia Cultural Celebration came alive with color, rhythm, and unity, with PNG artists, Australia’s Indigenous community and wider Australia, as crowds at the event’s opening night stood together to celebrate the Meganesia show to commemorate the Nations’ upcoming 50th Independence Anniversary. High Commissioner McDonald expressed deep appreciation to Governor Powes Parkop and his organizing team for hosting such an impressive event, emphasizing the symbolic significance of the shared milestones leading up to PNG’s 50th Independence Day on September 16th. Quoting Australia’s Prime Minister, “Our nations are joined at the hip, they are a part of the same earth’s crust,” said High Commissioner McDonald underscoring shared heritage and deep regional ties. Meanwhile, High Commissioner reflected on recent diplomatic milestones, such as Prime Minister James Marape’s historic address to the Australian Parliament, the first by a Pacific leader. Furthermore, he connected this growing partnership with cultural diplomacy, expressing excitement over performances by renowned acts like Yothu Yindi, which now includes four PNG members, and local favorite Sprigga Mek, a 2019 Pacific Break winner. Ending on a spirited note, McDonald urged all to celebrate music, culture, and friendship. He ended his speech by rallying the crowd with enthusiastic chants of “Meganesia!” The evening was not just a cultural celebration; it was a powerful reminder of enduring unity between neighboring nations.

Papua New Guinea’s international reggae icon, Anslom Nakikus, lit up the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium with a soul-stirring performance at the MEGANESIA celebrations last evening, Saturday June 28, 2025, at the Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby. Following an electrifying cultural display by the Balimo, Hela, Siassi, Motu, and West Papua singsing groups, Anslom took the stage, sending waves of excitement through the crowd. Each singsing group brought its own unique flair to the evening — from the thunderous Kundu drums of Hela to the graceful movements of Motu dancers, and the Siassi group’s traditiinal energy, the cultural pride was felt across the sstadium. However, it was the icon performance of Anslom who unified the crowds and delivered the emotional climax. He opened with “Fire Burn Inside,” moving the audience with passion and gratitude, declaring, “What a wonderful crowd, what a wonderful evening.” Anslom’s second song, “One Love,” was intimate as he had the stadium swaying in unison, hands raised, voices echoing the chorus with unity and joy. Anslom concluded with “One Country,” delivering an intimate yet humble request for the crowds to sing and raise their hands to key words in the song expressing love and Unity. Furthermore, he emphasized that the country is young and prideful, and needs to unite. The crowd erupted sighs of pride and applause. With his voice, presence, and message, Anslom reminded PNG and the world that music is the heartbeat of national pride, unity and peace.

The office of the NCD/ Central Commander will be fully supporting the police reservist program in Port Moresby city. ACP Benjamin Turi stated this at the recent relaunching of the Police Reservist Program at the Saraga Police Station on Saturday 21st of June 2025. ACP Turi expressed confidence in the Reservist Program in the presence of new and old Police reservists, including Saraga Police Station Commander, Stationed officers, Reservist Program Coordinator, Ruben Giusu and ACP southern Region Joseph Puri. Turi emphasized that his office will initiate support to the Reservist Program to uphold police standard respectively. “You are one of us. Apart from auxiliary, reservists once registered, you are entitled to regular police authority to enforce any form of arrest and investigations.” Speaking on personal experience, ACP Turi highlighted that during duty-travels the presence of Auxiliary and Reservist members who are always pro-active in police stations and expressed great confidence in their ability to take lead during active duty. “During my experience on official Police duty, travelling around the country apart from Western Province and Wabag, you will find Auxiliary and Reservist Police always present or manning the police stations.” ACP Turi emphasized that despite regular members looking down on reservists, they are always active throughout active duty, while regular police officers tend to slack off. Meanwhile, Turi elaborated that a list of reservists old and new will be made and sent to Reservist Program Coordinator Chief Inspector Ruben Giusu to be presented to Police Commissioner for further review and operational direction. ACP Turi shared respect for the conviction of high-profile cases by previous reservists such as Late Mr. Tony Kawe. He urged reservist officers to continue such arrests and investigations when carrying out their duties. Furthermore, Turi acknowledged former security personnel now reservist and elaborated the close collaboration with security establishment as both share the same duty of public security and safety.

The ENB Agmark Gurias edged past the NPL Enga Mioks 24-16 in a closely contested Round 11 fixture of the 2025 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup over the weekend. The Rabaul Gurias displayed a relentless and vicious strategy in attack and defense, leaving the Mioks lost for momentum at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday, June 22nd. Though both teams scored four tries each, it was the Gurias’ precision with penalty goals and game plan that secured the win. Despite the Mioks opening the score board with a try by Dobby Michael and a successful conversion, the Gurias responded with two tries by Myles Banam and Emil Benjamin after the first half of 40 minutes. A 2-points penalty substituted a failed conversion giving Gurias a solid lead heading into halftime, 12-6. In the second half, Himson Ulalom and Mek Karap powered over the try line, ensuring the Gurias maintained offensive momentum. While only one conversion was successful, kicked by Joshua Mire, his accuracy from three penalty goals ultimately made the difference. Although the Mioks led a second-half resurgence by Junior James, who scored two back-to-back tries, including Joshua Philip’s late try in the final 73rd minute following two successful conversions by Joel William, their rush for hope was shattered by the Gurias defensive line. Despite a sin bin to Benjamin Gaius in the 72nd minute, the Gurias held their ground defensively sealing their victory, 24-16. The Gurias collect a win following a defeat and now set their focus for next round 12 against the Lae Snax Tigers on July 5th, 2025, in Rabaul, ENB. Meanwhile, Mioks will set their eyes on Aipus Oval, to go head-to-head with the PRK Mendi Muruks on July 6th, 2025.

The PRK Gulf Isou secured a hard-fought 20-16 victory over the Wamp Nga Mt. Hagen Eagles at the Santos National Football Stadium (NFS) in Port Moresby. The Gulf Isou displayed a game of hard work and commitment in a thrilling round eleven clash of the 2025 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup on Saturday 21st June 2025. Despite scoring fewer tries, the Isou side displayed exceptional discipline and accuracy in their kicking game to seal the win. Brilliance in the first half saw Isou cross the line three times within a blistering 11-minute window through Kenny Laho, Ishmael Vaieke, and Karis Peter. Sharp-shooting kicker Felix Beki was perfect with the boot, converting all three tries and adding a crucial penalty goal in the 66th minute to keep his side ahead. The Mt. Hagen Eagles mounted a strong second-half comeback, racking up four tries, two from the explosive Sailas Joshua after 60 minutes, and earlier efforts by Stuard Manda and Samuel Wak. However, the Eagles’ downfall came from their conversions, failing all four attempts, leaving valuable points on the field. A yellow card was handed to Henry Wan in the remaining ten minutes, further denting the Eagles’ chances of a late upset, relieving Isou with breathing space to hold on. The result lifts Gulf Isou’s confidence as they chase consistency into the season, while Mt. Hagen Eagles will be left revisiting missed opportunities, particularly their woes with goal-kicking. Isou will look ahead for round twelve (12) as they face the WNB Kimbe Cutters on July 6th, 2025, at Santos NFS in Port Moresby. Meanwhile, the Hagen Eagles will go head-to-head against the Kroton Hela Wigmen at John Ambane Oval in Jiwaka Province.

The Asila Waghi Tumbe stamped their authority with a commanding 26-16 win over the West New Britain Provincial Government Kimbe Cutters in Round eleven of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup 2025 over the weekend in Port Moresby city. The Waghi Tumbe displayed a thrilling demonstration of skills at the Santos National Football Stadium (NFS) on Saturday 21st June 2025. The Tumbe outfit proved effective in execution, notching up five tries to secure the win. Tumbe's Speedster Matthew Jesse led the charge with a thrilling double in the first half alongside Cedrick Kuli. While Ishmael Waine and Scott Francis finished strong with two tries in the second half sealing their win. Playmaker Charlie Simon was instrumental, slotting three successful conversions to push the home side’s tally beyond reach. Despite the hard fought three tries by the Kimbe Cutters Gend Punde, Michael Tilio and Henry Liliket to stay in the contest, the Tumbe’s defense was impenetrable after the Cutter’s tries. Meanwhile, Cutter’s Henry Liliket had a hand in most of the Cutters’ attacking spark, also slotting a penalty goal and a late conversion. Although a resurgence was deployed in the second half, the Tumbe’s early momentum and cohesive team play proved too much. Their forward pack dominated field position, giving their backs the platform to shine. The Asila Waghi Tumbe gain a valuable two points and continue building form as they set the pace for next round against the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis on 6Th July 20205 at NFS. Furthermore, the Cutters will look to recover and regroup to face the Gulf Isou on July 6th, 2025, at NFS in Round twelve of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup. Ends//

The Lae Snax Tigers tore through the Gas Resource Central Dabaris with a massive 30-14 victory in Round 11 of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup 2025, today, Sunday 22nd June. The Tigers delivered a thrilling performance, creating opportunities in every set play at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. From kickoff, the Tigers asserted control, with winger Kevin Yako crossing the line twice in quick succession in the 20 minutes, igniting their momentum. An additional two tries were delivered by David Joseph and Mark Alunga adding to the tally just before halftime, pushing the Tigers to a commanding lead. Despite a spirited effort by the Dabaris, with three tries from Heni Rawa, Nicky Hasu, and Douglas Pirika, they struggled to match the Tigers’ pace. Dabaris Hasu managed to score one out of three conversion attempts. Lae Snax Tigers continued their dominance into the second half, as Samson Tobe and Dickson Otto added further tries. Alunga, who also contributed two conversions and a try of his own, proved instrumental in the Tigers’ scoring rampage. The Tigers converted 3 out of 4 conversion attempts, capitalizing on nearly every opportunity presented. Their aggressive attack and solid defensive effort kept Dabaris on the back foot throughout the match. The Tigers reaffirm their strength in the competition as serious title contenders. The coach, players and Tiger’s fans took pride in this commanding performance. Tigers now look ahead to face the ENB Agmark Gurias at Queen Elizabeth Park, ENB on July 5th, 2025. Meanwhile, the Dabaris will regroup, recover and prepare for round 12 against the NCDC Moni Plus Vipers at NFS Port Moresby on July 6th, 2025.

Reservist Police old and new assembled at Saraga Police Station in Port Moresby alongside Assistant Commissioner of Police, NCD/Central Commander Benjamin Turi and ACP Southern Region Joseph Puri respectively, for a discussion to improve police officers in their duty to serve and protect. The discussion organized by Reservist Program Coordinator Chief Inspector Ruben Giusu saw more than 100 police reservists showing their support to the discussion of proactive and productive policing strategies. Commander Turi welcomed and acknowledged all reservist, pledging his support to progress police manpower in the command. He emphasized on them working with police station commanders alongside regular police officers to maintain law and order in communities. ACP Turi further highlighted some of the significant arrests and convictions of high-profile cases by good police reservist officers and urged this continued. Since the NCD/Central command shares a border with ACP Southern Command Joseph Puri, he stated that he is ready to work with the reservist officers to boost manpower in his command because of the road links that are now connecting other provinces. Meanwhile, Giusu also took time to share his responsibilities when he settled down in the office. He highlighted many things to do including bringing back all trained police reservists. He stated that they all must report to him. The Saraga Police Post will now be the Coordination Center for all the reservists. At the small but meaningful gathering, the original officers of the reservist program 41 years ago shared that they joined and became reservist officers on June 21, 1984. A spokesperson noted that many current leaders, such as Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, Madang MP Bryan Krama, and others including lawyers and judges, are former reservists, emphasizing their willingness to support the cause. The program concluded with ACP Turi presenting the vehicle that was given to the Gereka Police Post by Kumul Petroleum Holdings on March 22nd to the police reservist members for their use after the car was left adorned.