The PRK Mendi Muruks snatched a dramatic 15-14 win with a filed goal over the Kroton Hela Wigmen in the Round 11 showdown of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup 2025, held at the National Football Stadium. The Muruks outfit displayed a thrilling demonstration of resilience and patience as they paced their momentum and win from a one-point field goal by Playmaker Mark Tony on Saturday 21st June 2025. In what was a see-sawing scoreboard from start to finish, the one-point field goal in the final minute that proved the difference between the two heavy performing teams. The Muruks trailed early as Hela Wigmen built a solid foundation through two penalty goals by Lote Kuman in 20minutes into first-half, including a try by Stafford John after 20 minutes. However, the Muruks found their rhythm just before halftime, with Doa Tapako sparking life into the side by scoring in the final 40th and again in the 46th minute. Jade Puk added another in the after 60 minutes, putting the Muruks ahead despite a second-half try by Wigmen Siki Konden and a conversion by Trevor Solu that brought the Wigmen within striking distance. Both teams struggled with conversions, each landing one from three attempts. But it was the clutch field goal from Mr. Tony that sealed the match, showcasing composure under pressure and delivering a valuable win for the Muruks. Despite a valiant effort and strong defense from the Wigmen, the Muruks remained composed and sealed their victory. Muruks will now look ahead to 6th July against the NPL Enga Mioks at Aipus Oval, PNG. The Wigmen will be left to reflect on missed opportunities and what could have been, while preparing for their next round 12 against the Wamp Nga Hagen Eagles at John Ambane Oval Jiwaka Province on July 5th, 2025.

The Madang Provincial Police Command conducted first discipline parade for Sector Patrol Unit this week, to progress and improve police conduct. Under the command of Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, the Madang Police Command is determined to improve discipline amongst police personnel. According to Commander Baim, Unit supervisions and Non-Commission Officers (NCO) will be in command and control in the Sector Patrol Unit team as it is key to maintain discipline and iron-out misconduct amongst members under their supervision. The concerns raised during the discipline parade included ignorance of directives given, misuse of police vehicle, drinking whilst on duty and general misconduct by police personnel in the unit. Commander Baim said that critique from the general public on the conduct of several police personnel in the Sector Patrol Unit will not be overlooked but addressed accordingly. He said the negative attitudes from the rogue officers does not reflect professionalism but destroys the collective efforts from the rest of the good police personnel who diligently carry out their policing responsibilities. Furthermore, Commander Baim prompted his members to act responsibly when carrying out their sworn duties to serve and protect lives and properties through maintain law and order. He said it is time for his command to change their work attitude and improve for the better. PPC Baim reminded the team that being first responders to law-and-order issues, they play a vital role in shaping the people’s perceptions of policing service in the Madang Command, thus, their conduct must be of high calibre. PPC Baim concluded that Sector Patrol Unit was the first section to undergo the discipline parade, other section will also be paraded.

A much-needed field goal by Woodie Kawage in the final 2-miuntes sealed a dramatic 15-14 victory for the Kroton Hela Wigmen over the PRK Gulf Isou in Round 10 of the 2025 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup. The contest was fierce with shifting momentum throughout the entire match at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby yesterday Saturday, 14th June 2025. The Wigmen drew first blood with back-to-back tries from Kopu Piju and Stafford John after 20 minutes to take an early 8-0 lead in the first half. The Gulf Isou responded through Eliakim Lukara, narrowing the margin before a sin bin to Charles Sul after 30 minutes of the first half, momentarily reduced Isou to 12 men. Despite a man-down disadvantage, PRK Gulf Isou fought back with two penalty goals from the boot of playmaker Felix Beki in the second half, and a try to Perry Iva’a in the 66th minute, leveling the score at 14-all after a successful conversion. The Wigmen in the second half initially crossed the line for a try by Takai Francis and a conversion from Lote Kuman, but missed opportunities kept the scoreboard tight. With time winding down and the match hanging in the balance, Woodie Kawage stepped up and kicked a one-point field goal in the 78th minute, securing the one-point victory for the Wigmen. The Hela Wigmen now take their 6th win out of 10 rounds, while the PRK Gulf Isou take their 4th win. Wigmen now rest, recover and strategize for their next match on Saturday 25th, June 2025 against the Lae Snax Tigers at the Santos NFS.

“K200,000 is a big prize money, it’s an unprecedented prize throughout Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) local Rugby League competitions, said NCD Governor Parkop. National Capita District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop emphasized the generous prize money in his opening remarks at the KCK Rigo Rice Cup (RRC) Grand Final at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium on Thursday 12th June 2025. Acknowledging the generous amount of K300,000 worth of prize money, Governor Parkop believes domestic Rugby League Competitions need to raise the competitions standard and prize money including the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup competition. “I think the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup should raise their prize money, because it’s a high-level competition with the best players in the country, and NCD Government spends more than K1 million for the NCDC Vipers each year only to receive K70,000 for the grand prize,” said Governor Parkop. “That is not right,” said Parkop. “Digicel and ExxonMobil must raise the prize value, or the KCK RRC will be the new competition in town." Governor Parkop commended the KCK RRC management and sponsors for their swift collaboration and the successful coordination for the KCK Rigo Rice Cup Grand Final. He also expressed delight in the height of the KCK RRC grand final prize money as a worthy prize for a grassroots Rugby League Competitions. Governor Parkop also expressed delight in the height of the KCK RRC grand final prize money as a worthy prize for a grassroots youth Rugby League competition.

The NCD Governor Powes Parkop expressed gratitude to the Inaugural KCK Rigo Rice Cup Management for an outstanding Grand Finale at the Hubbert Murray Stadium in Konedobu-Port Moresby. Governor Parkop stated this in his opening remarks of the KCK Rigo Rice Cup Grand Final at the Hubbert Murray stadium on Thursday 12th July, 2025. The Grand final’s opening remarks was witnessed by special guests, the Minister for National Planning and Rigo MP, Sir Ano Pala, PNG Rugby International Justin Olam and Rigo Rice Managing Director Jeffery Kennedy, Rigo Rice Chief Executive Officer (CEO) McSteve Poly including Management, and supporting families and supporters. Governor Parkop emphasized the value of the KCK Rigor Rice competition in driving encouragement and promoting youth development through the sport of rugby league, including community collaboration and welfare. He expressed his delight to a successful event acknowledging the social support filling the Sir Hubert Murray stadium's central-grandstands and commended the KCK Rigo Rice Cup Management for demonstrating a competitive and satisfying grand finale, while celebrating Papua New Guinea’s National Sport Rugby League. “Thank you for taking Rugby League to another Level,” said Governor Parokop. Furthermore, Parkop commended the sponsors for representing a platform that creates a worthy opportunity for grassroots potentials to compete while exposing their talents on a broader level domestically. “Thank you to Rigo Rice and sponsors for putting out a platform for the youths, with a worthy prize to challenge us to compete responsibly and fairly.”

The SSD Dolphins have been crowned champions of the KCK Rigo Rice Cup 2025 Grand Final, narrowly defeating a determined Morobe Pride 12-10 in a tense and tactical showdown at Hubert Murray Stadium on Thursday, July 12, 2025. The Dolphins set the pace early in the first half, demonstrating discipline and sharp execution. Their opening try came within the first 20 minutes through Ita Paiso, setting the momentum in their favour while Ray Vagi executed a successful conversion. Moments later, Dolphin’s Jerry Lo passed a weak Pride defense and Paiso stepped up once again, successfully converting the second 2-points to send the Dolphins into halftime with a commanding 12-0 lead. However, the second half saw a shift as the Morobe Pride stormed back with two well-worked tries, showcasing speed and relentless pressure. Jackie Winas managed to convert only one of the two tries, bringing the score to a tense 12-10 and setting up a nail-biting finish. The most controversial moment came late in the second half when Morobe Pride appeared to have scored what could have been the match-winning try. However, match officials ruled the effort as a no-try, citing an infringement. The decision led to a 20-minute pause due to protests and confusion, but the referee’s call stood. Despite the intense pressure and fatigue, both teams demonstrated exceptional commitment, grit, and sportsmanship. The SSD Dolphins maintained composure in the dying minutes, holding off a final push from Morobe Pride to secure a hard-fought victory. With this win, the SSD Dolphins secure first place in the KCK Rigo Rice Cup season rankings, while Morobe Pride finish as strong runners-up.

The Mono Mutrus Brothers held off a late charge by the Talai Spartans to secure a hard-fought 8–6 victory in the curtain-raiser match of the KCK Rigo Rice Cup Grand Final at Hubert Murray Stadium on Thursday 12th June. Despite the Mono Mutrus Brothers first to register points on the scoreboard 2-0 lead, the Spartans retaliated with a late first-half try by winger Api Alex in the final 10 minutes, showcasing their attacking grit. However, the Mono Mutrus Brothers maintained pressure deep in the Spartans’ territory, constantly forcing defensive responses inside the 10-meter line. The second half saw the Mono Mutrus Brothers retake the lead with a well-executed try by Sweden Taki followed by a successful conversion by Playmaker Pokapen Pes, pushing the score to 8–4. Although Talai Spartans’ Elwin Lapen managed to convert a penalty, narrowing the gap to just two points, the Mono Mutrus Brothers held their ground defensively. Both sides demonstrated discipline, resilience, and composure under pressure. The Spartans fought to break through in the dying minutes, but solid defensive structures from the Brothers denied any scoring opportunities. Despite multiple efforts from both teams near the 10-meter line, neither side could break the stalemate in the closing stages. The final whistle sealed an 8–6 win for the Mono Mutrus Brothers, highlighting an entertaining performance to the Rigo Rice Cup Grand Final. Mono Mutrus now earn their position in third place in the top 3 contenders in the KCK Rigo Rice Cup 2024-2025 season.

The Joint partnership between Papua New Guinea-Australia Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) initiative officially launched its PNG Greenpreneurs initiative in Port Moresby on 6th June 2025, marking a significant step forward in supporting inclusive, climate resilient growth in PNG. The Joint PNG-Australia government partnership and the global green growth institute initiative is delivered under the under the Australian Government funded Climate Finance for Resilience, Innovation and sustainable transition (CLIMATE First) Project. The PNG Greenpreneurs Initiative over the next three years, aims to empower more than 250 aspiring green entrepreneurs across seven provinces. They are Eastern Highlands, Enga, Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, New Ireland, and Simbu provinces, through tailored support and capacity building. During the Launching, Dr Cate Rogers, Minister-Counsellor for Economics and Infrastructure at the Australian High Commission, officially opened the Call for Applications for the PNG Greenpreneurs Incubator Program. “We are proud to launch this exciting opportunity for emerging green entrepreneurs in our partner provinces." “The incubator program will provide targeted support to help participants grow their climate-smart business ideas in alignment with PNG’s SME Policy,” said Dr Rogers. The PNG Greenpreneurs Initiative focuses on accelerating the growth of climate-smart micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), creating green jobs and promoting sustainable development. The launching included key representatives of the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), the Australian High Commission, and GGGI share opening remarks. A high-level panel consisting of Government officials, financial Institutions, implementing partners and MSME entrepreneurs from the pacific Green Entrepreneurs network alumni, discussed on addressing the theme: “The challenge and Future I Green Entrepreneurship in PNG.” The formal announcement of the PNG Greenpreneurs Incubator Call for Applications was the events major highlights, inviting early-stage entrepreneurs in the target provinces to apply and benefit from the incubator program’s tailored support. The Climate FIRST project also works to strengthen PNG’s ability to develop and finance bankable climate projects beyond entrepreneur support, mobilizing both public and private investment. The initiative places a strong emphasis on gender equality, disability and social inclusion, and youth participation across all activities.

The SP PNG Hunters endured a devastating 50-16 defeat at the hands of the Redcliffe Dolphins in 2025 QRL Hostplus Cup Round-12, played at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby city on Sunday 8th June. It was a brutal showing from the Dolphins, who ran in an effective nine tries to dismantle a struggling Hunters outfit that failed to match their opponents’ pace, discipline, and execution across both halves. The striking tone was set early when Dantoray Lui and Aublix Tawha’s crossed the line within the first 10 minutes, followed by Tom Opacic’s in the 27th. The Dolphins led 18-10 at halftime. Meanwhile, the Hunters showcased brief moments of promise with tries from Solo Wane and Elijah Roltinga just before the break, while the Dolphins led. The second half was a one-sided play as the Dolphins shifted into a high gear scoring 6 tries, led by a commanding performance from playmaker Joshua James, who contributed 7 out of 9 conversions and a try in the final minute. Dontoray Lui, Tom Opacic, Tom McGrath, Zacariah Miles, and Aublix Tawha added their names to the scoreboard in a relentless scoring spree that saw the Hunters' defense fall apart under sustained pressure. Despite a second try from Roltinga in the 68th minute and two successful conversions from Trevor Solu, the Hunters were still unable to claim their position back into the contest. The heavy loss has raised alarm bells for the Hunters, who now face critical questions around their defensive structures and mental resilience. For the Dolphins, the performance was dominant, a clinical display of disciplined rugby from start to finish. Furthermore, this is the first loss for the Hunters on home-ground. The Hunters will now wind down, and prioritize their attack and defensive strategy to face the SC Falcons in Round-13 on Sunday 15th June, 2025.

The Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers delivered a strong-willed performance to defeat the Kroton Hela Wigmen 14-8 in the 2025 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Round 9 clash, The Vipers were persistent in their attack and defence at the Santos National Football Stadium (NFS) in Port Moresby on Saturday, June 7th, 2025. The Vipers wasted no time asserting dominance, with Benjamin Tony crossing over just three minutes into the first half, sending early shockwaves through the Wigmen’s defensive line. However, the Wigmen retaliated with a pair of tries by Stafford John diving over, followed by Siki Konden’s after 30th minutes into first half, giving Hela the lead midway through the first half. Despite two failed conversions from Wigmen's two tries, they remained in the lead into half time 8-4. The game was locked in a tense arm-wrestle with both sides trading heavy tackles and strategic plays, until the Vipers' halfback Morea Morea lit up the scoreboard with a slick solo try in the 50th minute followed by a successful 2 points conversion, reclaiming the lead. As the Wigmen scrambled to respond, Gilmo Paul surged through in the 69th minute with a game-sealing try, showcasing sheer determination and strength. Slyder Bulu’s successful conversion in the 70th minute added the points the Vipers needed to close out the match. Regardless of failing to convert any of their two attempts, the Wigmen remained dangerous throughout the match, but were ultimately undone by their missed chances and the Vipers' rock-solid second-half defense. The Vipers have claimed their sixth win in 9 round, their triumph sends a clear message to the competition that they’re here to stay and they’re not backing down. The NCDC Vipers will now prepare for their next match against the Lae Snax Tigers at the Lae League Ground on Sunday 15th June 2025, 1pm.

The PRK Gulf Isou edged out the Lae Snax Tigers in 12-10 gritty match of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday 7th Jun 2025. The contest saw both teams cross the try line twice, but it was the precision kicking of Gulf Isou that proved the difference. Isou's Joseph Heni opened the scoring with a try in the 28th minute, but Snax Tigers hit back almost immediately with a try by Walter David following a minute after. Despite both teams having chances with conversions, Isou failed to convert their two tries, while the Tigers converted one through Mark Alunga in the minute.Kenny Laho added Isou’s second try in the second half, extending their lead before Felix Beki’s two successful penalty goals in the first and second half cemented their edge. The Tigers Alunga struck again with a try in the 66th minute to bring the Tigers within two points but an unsuccessful conversion, while Isou’s disciplined defence held firm in the final stages. While the halftime score stood at a draw of 6-6 all through penalties, Isou held off a determined Lae Snax Tigers pack to secure the narrow victory. The win marks a crucial boost for Gulf Isou as they look to climb the ladder in the second half of the season. Meanwhile, the Tigers will rue missed opportunities, especially their inability to capitalize on attacking momentum and match Isou’s clinical kicking game. It was a match of fine margins, where discipline and pressure under the posts proved decisive. Gulf Isou now collect their fourth win and look ahead to face the Kroton Hela Wigmen at NFS on Sunday 15th June, 2025 at 2pm.

Four police officers have been arrested and charged accordingly to the full extent of the law after the rape of a 22-year-old woman from the Central province whilst she was in custody at the Saraga Police Station in 6mile, Port Moresby city. The Commissioner of Police David Manning addressed this concern today June 6th, 2025, describing their actions as a disgrace to the police uniform and abuse of trust of the communities they sworn to serve and protect. Commissioner Manning confirmed the apprehension of the officers and expressed his outrage, stating that three officers were responsible for the offence. Their supervising officer will be accountable for failing to prevent criminal conduct. “A completely disgusting and dangerous criminal act is how I describe it,” said Commissioner Manning. “Within hours of this horrific incident, two constables and their supervising officer were arrested and are now detained at the Boroko Police Station, including an auxiliary member currently being pursued by investigators.” The officers have been identified as Constable Jerry Aura and Constable Danny Karaio. The two were immediately arrested. The supervising officer, Sgt Karl Yori, was also arrested and charged with related offences. While a further accused, an auxiliary member, is currently being pursued by investigators. Commissioner Manning stated that all police resources have been put forth for full investigations, prosecution and conviction of the four officers responsible for this offence. According to police reports, the three members from the Saraga Police Post detained a man and a woman for false presence; however, after the release of the man, the two constables and an auxiliary member allegedly raped the woman while the Officer in Charge was well aware of the occurrence and did nothing to stop the men who were under his command. “Last night, Thursday 5th June, the victim reported the matter to OIC Vision City Police Post and Police moved swiftly to arrest the four police officers involved.”  “Specialist investigative units are currently processing the crime scene at Saraga Police Post, while briefs of evidence are prepared for the Courts,” stated Commissioner Manning. Additionally, Australian Federal Police advisors will be assisting investigators to ensure that all investigative avenues are pursued. Commissioner Manning expressed his outrage at the actions of those sworn to protect the community. “Those involved in criminal offences are a minority of personnel that tarnish the reputation of the force and the majority of hardworking police throughout the country. “A Police Station is a safe place and anyone being brought in must be protected and treated with respect and dignity.”  “The arrest of the Officer in Charge of these members reflects the Constabulary’s commitment to holding supervisors responsible for personnel under their command." “I am disgusted and outraged at this incident. I share in our community’s pain that any member of the force would do this to our public. This conduct has no place in our police force or our nation.” Meanwhile, according to reports, the offence took place between June 3rd-5th 2025, at Saraga Police Station.