Public Servants who have recently pass out as Police Reservists are released to assist the Royal PNG Constabulary and the Electoral Commission in the conduct of the 2022 National General Election over the period of 12th May to 29th July, 2022. Department of Personnel Management Secretary, Ms Taies Sansan said these officers will be put on their normal pay for the period specified, unless the services of a requested officer are essential to be running the Department’s operations, in which he or she must not be released. DPM released Circular No.7 of 2022, dated 4th of May, to all National Departmental Heads, Provincial Administrators, and the Heads of Other Public Authorities, to release those Public Servants who have joined as Police Reservists with full pay. Ms Sansan said this was the request from the Police Commissioner to help stamp out corruption, and to make the 2022 elections free, fair and peaceful for all aspiring candidates. All inquiries regarding clarification can be directed to the Acting Deputy Secretary for Policy Development & Reform, or his officers on; 327 6403, 327 6336, 327 6309, 327 6392, and 327 6373.

39 out of the 53 registered political parties today signed the 2022 Code of Conduct for political parties, candidates, scrutineers and supporters during its launch at the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission office in Port Moresby. The Code of Conduct is aimed at improving the integrity of the 2022 National General Elections and sets out written guidelines to govern the conduct of election stakeholders during the nomination, campaign, polling, scrutiny and after the elections. Deputy Electoral Commission John Kalamoroh said the outcome of the election will depend on the cooperation of all the stakeholders and this initiative intends to ensure all the stakeholders play their part in ensuring that. “This Code of Conduct is to make sure political parties come to an agreement on a set of behaviour that must be displayed during the elections to ensure it is free, fair and safe.” “The document will guide us to come to some general understanding on how we can help each other.” Acting Political Parties Registrar Emmanuel Pok said political parties and their candidates that they have a big responsibility in ensuring a successful election and this will depend entirely on their behaviour.

Gamoga Lawyers Spirit of Rigo and Koita Warriors had a Mother’s Day to remember, going unbeaten and automatically qualifying for the semi-finals of the Trukai VPL. Both teams are now in the box seat for the first prize of PGK 20,000 on Sunday the 15th of May. Gamoga Lawyers Spirit of Rigo comfortably defeated Panamex PNG and Zara Wanderers. Spirit of Rigo was outstanding in the field, restricting their opposition to lower-than-expected scores. Robert Naime not only leads Spirit of Rigo, he is also top of the bowling charts for the whole Trukai VPL taking 6 wickets for only 12 runs from his four overs across both matches. Naime is also in the top ten of batters, along with his captain Damien Ravu. Koita Warriors convincingly defeated Northern Alexanders and Fairprice Furniture Mambas in their pool matches. Koita Warriors dominate batting attack was the foundation of their success. Assadollah Vala, Kumul Petroleum PNG Barramundis captain, leads all batters with 76 runs from his two innings, at a strike rate of 200. In one particularly devasting over, Assad took to former Barras team mate Mahuru Dai for two towering sixes. Teammate Uditha Sameera strongly supported Vala, also featuring in the top 10 batters for the Trukai VPL at the end of pool play. All is not lost for Panamex PNG, Zara Wanderers, Northern Alexanders and Fairprice Furniture Mambas, as they move into knockout quarter-finals to start the finals day on May 15. They all now know what to expect and how they have to improve to have a chance at taking out the coveted title of Trukai VPL Champions. Kumul Petroleum PNG Lewa, Ravini Oa, with her young daughter on had to watch, had a special Mother’s Day playing for Fairprice Furniture Mambas as the only women playing in the Trukai VPL. Ravini played strongly, bowling strongly in both matches, finishing 30th in the bowling ranks at the end of pool play. Playing with a heaver and bigger ball than international women’s cricket, Ravini was outstanding bowling against some of the best batters in PNG, including Assad Vala. The finals are on Sunday May 15 and start at 9am with the knockout quarterfinals. Entry for fans will be free and if you are unable to attend in person you will be able to follow the live scoring through CricHQ https://www.crichq.com/competitions/14568/draws/55924/rounds/finals and livestreaming through our match centre powered by Interact Sport https://www.cricketpng.org.pg/

Friends of the PNG Red Cross Society (PNGRCS), staff and volunteers together with their families gathered yesterday at the Taurama Beach to celebrate the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day in recognition of the work and support being put forward by staff and volunteers globally. The theme for the celebrations this year is #BeHumanKind and with that the PNGRCS is driving the message of kindness to fellow human beings through little acts of kindness and the celebrations yesterday contributed towards sharing kindness. PNGRCS together with its’ movement partners from the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of the Red Cross, put together a day program to commemorate the day. PNGRCS Interim General Secretary Newton Kiafuli said the Red Cross Society in Papua New Guinea is actively involved in providing care and assistance to fellow humans who continue to face difficulties in disaster-stricken areas across the country as well as the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. “We all know how much our volunteers have done, to come out of their way to help humanity and in reaching out to those vulnerable people.” Mr Kiafuli said the PNG Red Cross Society is as old as the country as the movement was first established in the country in 1976 and took the time to appreciate the work of volunteers since its' inception. “I would like to take this time to thank those volunteers from 1976 up until now, who have been forerunners of volunteering here in Papua New Guinea, who have been saviors and just a helping hand to those in need.” “We stand here today because of those who laid the foundations for the way forward,” Mr Kiafuli said. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Communications and Cooperation Manager Ziad Abu Laban said it was important for the day to be celebrated each year in remembrance of the millions of volunteers around the world that have committed and continue to commit their lives towards fighting for the cause of humanity. “We are standing here today on the 8th of May to celebrate this day but let’s also look back on the history of the movement and think of our colleagues who are alive and those who have lost their lives in this fight for humanity. On this day, we remember our colleagues who have laid down their lives for the benefit of humanity.” “Only then will we be able to appreciate the fact that we belong to this family,” Mr Laban said. The PNGRCS operates 13 branches throughout the country with staff and volunteers being actively engaged in providing assistance to mitigate the worst of threats inflicted by challenges such as tribal fighting, natural disasters and the adverse effects of the covid-19 pandemic.

The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) Appeals Committee has reviewed decisions made by the Match Review Committee on the incident that occurred on Sunday, 24th April 2022 in the Round 1 match between the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis and Kroton Hela Wigmen played in Goroka at the Sir Danny Leahy Oval. Following the Appeals Committee Hearing it was decided that the decision by the Match Review Committee was reviewed and Ake Paluse‘s suspension period reduced from 10 yearsto a 3-round suspension, effective as of Rounds 4 to 6. Paluse will be eligible to play in the Digicel Cup in Round 7 with a strong warning that any similar act repeated will activate the earlier decision by the Match Review Committee. The Appeals Committee also reviewed the decision by the Match Review Committee to suspend home games of the Lahanis in Goroka indefinitely and has decided that the Sir Danny Leahy Oval has been re-instated as the Lahanis’ home ground due to the fact that there were a lot of resources provided by the Franchise in restoring the venue. The Sir Danny Leahy Oval will therefore host the Lahanis’ second home game of the season in Round 4 of the semi-professional competition with observation to be done by the Competition Manager on the ground to assess, security protocol, game day management, player safety and welfare for both teams and general game day operations with the inclusion of Police personnel on game day. Failure to do so will result in the Match Review Committee’s decision to be upheld again. The Appeals Committee then reviewed the Match Review Committee’s decision to ban Lahanis Media Officials David Boli, Post Courier’s stringer, and Gabriel Giwi of Yomba Photography, and has upheld this decision, therefore both individuals are banned from entering any PNGNRLC and PNGRFL sanctioned matches. Boli’s case will be referred to the PNG Media Council. The Round 4 match between the Central Dabaris and Goroka Lahanis will be monitored closely by Competition Manager to ensure all compliance for game day operations, Banis Protocol requirements, presence of Police and security personnel are available to ensure the safety of match officials and players.

The U2 frontman said the conflict in Ukraine was "one man's war really" as he surveyed the devastation of one town occupied for weeks by Russian forces. His bandmate the Edge argued that "musicians and poets and writers" have an important part to play in telling the story of the war. Bono has said he trusts young Russians to throw President Putin out of office on a visit to a war-ravaged town in Ukraine after a surprise gig in Kyiv. In an apparent reference to Putin, who has claimed he invaded Ukraine to "de-nazify" the country, the U2 frontman said the conflict was "one man's war really". He said that "younger people in Russia will know what's going on" and that he trusts "in the younger people in Russia to throw this man" out of office. Speaking in Borodyanka, a town left shattered after weeks of occupation by the Russians, Bono told Sky News's Mark Austin: "You can't ever really have a sense of what these people have been through", even though the evidence around was "stark". Asked how he felt, Bono said: "I'm not sure words can fully express what they've been through." Earlier in the day, Sunday Bloody Sunday had roared through a metro station in Kyiv as Bono and the Edge performed in a "show of solidarity" with Ukraine. The rockstars sang the U2 classic, a track about the Troubles in Northern Ireland from their 1983 album War, as well as With Or Without You and Angel of Harlem. Canadian leader makes surprise visit to Ukraine - live updates on the war Speaking in front of the blackened ruins of an apartment building in Borodyanka, Bono said: "The story I wanted to tell today... is how many Ukrainians died fighting fascism, fighting the Nazis: nearly eight million. "And then to be called fascists is just ridiculous." The Irish frontman said they had been invited to perform in Kyiv by the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, himself. The band had met Mr Zelenskyy before he became president, and when war broke out they sent a him a recording of a poem set to music, Bono said. The president then invited them to perform and asked them to "please go around the country, hear stories". The Edge, standing alongside Bono outside the Ukrainian capital, told reporters: "Musicians and poets and writers do have a part to play. We work with our music and our words. "We're not politicians. But we can speak to the horror of what we're standing in the midst of, and just say 'it's wrong'. "So we're here to bear witness to it." During the earlier performance, the small audience clapped along as Bono and the Edge performed Ben E King's Stand By Me, changing some of the lyrics to "Stand by Ukraine". They were joined at the Khreschatyk metro station by the Ukrainian singer Taras Topolia. Bono told the crowd: "The people in Ukraine are not just fighting for your own freedom, you are fighting for all of us who love freedom." In 2005 the band won an Amnesty International Ambassador Of Conscience Award for linking music with the struggle for human rights. SOURCE: SKY NEWS

Kieran Foran has revealed he fought back tears when breaking the news to his Manly teammates that he will be joining the Titans next season. In an interview withNews Corp, the 31-year-old conceded he always knew he would have to move on from his beloved Sea Eagles but is confident that No.6 in waiting, Josh Schuster, is “ready to step up.” Foran is also confident he can prove the “pessimists” wrong when it comes to concerns about whether his body will hold up. Foran has signed a two-year deal with the Titans reportedly worth $400,000 per season. It will be his fifth club and potentially where he will end his NRL career. Foran told his teammates after their 36-22 win over the Tigers at 4 Pines Park on Saturday. “I spoke to all the boys in the sheds after the (Tigers) game and I got pretty emotional telling them I was going,” Foran told News Corp. “Manly have been brilliant. I honestly can’t say a bad word about them. “I’m realistic about the situation. When I took this Manly deal, I did it knowing it would be two years for me and that’s it. “Manly have so much talent coming through and just the way the salary cap is and the players they have, I always knew it was likely to be a two-year thing. “In an ideal world, it would have been nice to stay on, but I had to be open to opportunities that are out there. “Manly are in a good position to move on from me. They have Josh Schuster who is an enormous talent. He is so gifted and he is ready to step up.” Foran revealed that when he realised he’d have to leave Manly he instantly turned his eyes to the Titans and said it was the “easiest deal” he’s ever done with a club. The New Zealand Test star began his NRL career in 2011 with Manly before joining the Eels in 2016 then the Warriors in 2017. He then inked a three-year deal with the Bulldogs but a horror run with injuries saw the Dogs opt against offering him an extension. Foran returned to Manly and reunited with his 2011 premiership-winning halves partner Daly Cherry-Evans and coach Des Hasler. He’ll join a young Titans side next season that’s desperate for an experienced playmaker and Foran’s 247 NRL games and 22 Tests makes him the perfect fit. Foran is also looking forward to linking up with Gold Coast’s million-dollar superstar David Fifita. “When it became clear I was leaving Manly, I rang manager and said I would like to keep playing, so let’s see what else is out there,” he said. “Deep down, I had my eye on the Gold Coast. I thought the Titans would be a good fit for me. Once Chris Orr (his manager) reached out to them, we got it done quickly, it was the easiest deal I’ve ever done. “The Titans have a good young side but they probably need some guidance and I have been around the game a long time. Toby Sexton is a good young talent and I think I can form a good combination with him and hopefully play finals footy with the Titans. “I’m also looking forward to playing with a guy like David Fifita. He is a guy who wins matches and I think a player like myself, I can link well with David and I would love to have him running off me. “He is such a big, explosive body with footwork and speed and if you can put him in the right positions on the field, he can really do some damage.” Foran endured a horror injury run during his time at the Bulldogs, hampering him to just 40 games in three seasons. But he played 25 games for Manly last season and all nine games this year so is confident his aging body won’t be an issue at the Titans. He also hasn’t ruled out playing on beyond 2024 despite turning 34 in the final season of the two-year deal. “I am confident I am not a risk for the Titans,” Foran said. “I can understand the pessimists out there saying I’ve had my fair share of injuries and why would the Titans sign me, but I have shown in the past 18 months the hard work I have done has paid off for my body. “I have stood up week to week for 80 minutes and my body is truly ready for the physicality of the game today. “I’m proud of the way I have soldiered on. My career has been dead and buried four or five times and I just kept picking myself up and proving I can keep doing the job. “I would have played for free in the NRL because I knew deep down my body had more to give. “That period forced me to look into my training methods and I definitely feel I’m a stronger player and person for what I went through. I have no doubt I will stay on the park for the Titans with the way I look after myself. “When my Titans deal ends, I will be 34, but it comes down to form doesn’t it? “If I am playing good footy and the Titans are winning games, there is no reason there has to be an end point. “But I understand it’s a results-driven business and that will determine whether I continue on with the Titans or whether this next deal will be it. “It’s on me to perform.” Perhaps the hardest person to part with will be Hasler, who, according to News Corp, made a last-minute effort to offer Foran a new deal. Foran is understood to be earning $270,000 this season but Manly couldn’t find the cap space to match the Titans’ $400,000-a-season offer. After winning a premiership together, Hasler and Foran have remained close. Hasler signed him to the Dogs and then threw him a lifeline back at Manly. “Me and Des are so close,” he said. “I love him like a father. “He has been so loyal to me throughout my career and it’s fair to say he has believed in me from the day I debuted for the Sea Eagles. “He has never lost faith in me and I would like to think I came back to the club and gave them value for money and played my heart out for him and the Manly fans. “I will forever be grateful to Des. He believed in me when others didn’t and I am a bloke that repays loyalty. If someone believes I can offer something, I will repay the faith.” Foran will also have to juggle expectations as a parent when he relocates to the Gold Coast. According toThe Sydney Morning Herald, Foran and his wife have family in Queensland but his kids live in Sydney. But before he starts looking at the next chapter Foran still has one more job to do. “I want another premiership before I go, spot on,” he said. “Manly means so much to me and I want to throw everything into the next six months and go after another premiership with Manly. “It would be the ultimate dream to win another grand final. I know how hard it is to win a premiership, but I know we have the squad to be a finals team and to challenge for the title, I have no doubt in my mind.” SOURCE: FOX SPORTS

Successive governments formed from a coalition of political parties is a factor behind the lack of service delivery by government authorities in the country throughout the years. People’s National Congress (PNC) Party Leader and Ialibu Pangia MP Peter O’Neill pointed this out when urging voters in the upcoming 2022 National General Election to make the right selection and make their mandate. “Sometimes when we have governments that are made up of so many coalition and partners, we have a situation where we are busy managing politics and forget the priority of managing the country on behalf of the people,” Mr O’Niell said. “Get educated on the full policy platform of each political party, feel comfortable with what they are putting forward to the nation, that they are able to achieve what they say they will and elect leaders on the basis of that.” He said the country’s development agenda over the years has shuffled because of the political instability that has been repeated over the years in the country’s history. “This constant instability is a result of so many small parties and so many independent MPs going into parliament.” “Managing smaller parties and little groups is not easy for anybody who is in government.” The former Prime Minister said this situation has been experienced by previous governments before him as well as for him when he was in government and is still experienced by the current government.

Today, the PNG Red Cross Society (PNGRCS) is celebrating World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the support given by Red Cross/Red Crescent staff and volunteers to some of the world’s most vulnerable people. From global war zones to the most remote parts of PNG, volunteers are working to protect local communities, helping them to rebuild and recover from the destructive impact of natural disasters, conflict and violence. Specific challenges for PNG include tribal fighting in which housing, school and health facilities are frequently destroyed, and families are forced to flee their homes. This country is also prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and, like other developing countries, has a health system struggling to cope with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Red Cross staff and volunteers have been actively engaged in providing aid and assistance to mitigate the worst of these threats, which frequently afflict the most vulnerable in society. PNG Red Cross Society (PNGRCS) Interim General Secretary Newton Kiafuli said “PNGRCS strives to save the lives of people in PNG through support for healthcare, and the prevention of disease. It offers help and support for people to rebuild their communities, always focusing on humanitarian priorities and looking out for the most vulnerable in society such as people who have to flee from violence, women, children and the elderly. “ The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) National Society Development Manager, Dino Argianto said “The coming together of individual societies in the International Federation means resources can be mobilized to where there is greatest need." "Since early 2020, the IFRC has been delighted to be able to fund the PNG Red Cross Society work, raising awareness and increasing prevention against COVID 19.” The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Head of Mission Dominik Urban added that along with other activities carried out, the ICRC has been supporting PNG’s uniformed forces in preparation for the looming general elections. “The ICRC has expertise in providing training for disciplinary forces to operate according to international best practice, aiming at minimizing violence and protecting human rights,” Mr Urban said. Globally, the Red Cross movement consists of a network of 80 million staff and volunteers and represents the largest humanitarian network worldwide. It is active in nearly every country around the world. The movement remains strictly independent, neutral and impartial and so has unique access to work in some of the most dangerous and difficult places, always focused on helping those most in need.

Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) is sounding the alarm on the risk of an inadvertent breach of both the election laws and the Constitutional requirements pertaining to the conduct of the 2022 National General Elections (NGE). Key information from the PNG Electoral Commission (PNGEC) has not been forthcoming inspite of several attempts made by TIPNG. Chairman Peter Aitsi said “Two weeks ago Electoral Commissioner Mr. Sinai published an announcement of the revised election schedule issued by Head of State, Governor General Sir Bob Dadai. On Friday 6th May 2022 PNGEC officials were unable to produce a gazettal notice, giving effect to this announcement.” This is a serious concern he went on to say. “TIPNG understands that the delay in the commencement of an election is the administrative prerogative of the PNGEC. Our concern is that the Constitution is quite clear on the deadline for the return of writs, which is the fifth anniversary of the last return of writs. In the 2017 NGE, writs were returned on the 29th July 2017. It is important to take note that the NGE must be viewed as a holistic process. It commences with the issue of writs, and is completed when the writs are complied and returned. Mr. Aitsi elaborated: “The Organic Law on National and Local Level Government Elections prescribes time frames for the scheduling of elections within the 3-month period before the anniversary of the return of writs. For instance, the nomination period has to be 7 days, the polling cannot start less than 8 or more than 11 weeks after the issue of writs and the return of writs has to take place no more than 21 days after the close of polling. The Organic Law sets a hard limit that if in special circumstances the PNGEC wanted to extend the polling period, they are still legally bound under s177(2) of the organic law to return the majority of writs, 5 days before the fifth anniversary of the current Parliament.” “Fundamentally the issue is that we believe that both the Organic law on National and Local Level Government Elections and the Constitution, may not have contemplated an extensive delay in return of writs, thereby breaching the 5th anniversary deadline, and this is where we envisage a constitutional crisis may emerge,” said Mr. Aitsi. Further to this, the law requires the formal appointment of Returning Officers for 118 districts (electorates) must be made and gazetted immediately. Then each RO must be in place to receive nominations on Thursday 12th May 2022. Undue delays continue to place immense pressure on the staff of the PNGEC. To retain public confidence the PNGEC needs to provide regular and clear information on the plans and actions they are taking to ensure the 2022 elections adhere to Constitutional requirements, TIPNG calls for: 1. The PNGEC to publish in the National Gazette the Election Schedule; 2. The PNGEC to publish the gazette of the Appointment of Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers; 3. The PNGEC to ensure formal media statements are issued regularly with weekly press conferences open to all media outlets; 4. All stakeholders to respect the independence of the PNGEC as it fulfils its constitutional mandate to deliver for the people of Papua New Guinea a free, fair and safe elections.

This is the highest rate of UK military spending on a conflict since the height of the campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. It will include military kit like anti-battery radar systems to target Russian artillery and night vision devices. A further £1.3bn in military support will be provided by the UK to Ukrainian forces as they fight against Russia's invasion. The escalation of British assistance for Volodymyr Zelenskyy's forces is the highest rate of UK military spending on a conflict since the height of the campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. The £1.3bn, drawn from the UK's reserves, includes £300m of military kit promised by Boris Johnson earlier this week. Mr Johnson, US President Joe Biden and leaders from other G7 nations will hold talks with Ukrainian president Mr Zelenskyy on Sunday to discuss the additional support on offer. The military kit promised by Mr Johnson includes anti-battery radar systems to target Russian artillery, GPS jamming equipment and night vision devices. The news comes as Ukraine's deputy prime minister, Iryna Vereshchuk, said all remaining women, children, and elderly people have been able to leave the Azovstal steel plant in the besieged city of Mariupol. She said: "The president's order has been carried out: all women, children and the elderly have been evacuated from Azovstal. This part of the Mariupol humanitarian operation has been completed." Cities across Ukraine are preparing for an expected increase in attacks ahead of Russia celebrating its traditional victory day on Monday. Johnson to meet arms companies over production Mr Johnson will host a meeting of arms companies later this month to discuss increasing production in response to the demand created by the conflict in Ukraine. Officials said the announcement would help support the British arms industry, which could benefit from the global shift away from reliance on equipment from Vladimir Putin's sanction-hit Russia. The PM said: "Putin's brutal attack is not only causing untold devastation in Ukraine, it is also threatening peace and security across Europe." The funding comes on top of earlier commitments worth about £1.5bn, which included £400m in humanitarian aid and loan guarantees for £700m in additional World Bank lending. US promises artillery shells and radars President Biden has promised a package including artillery shells, radars and other military equipment. Sunday's virtual meeting of G7 leaders could also consider additional sanctions on Russia. The White House views the meeting as a way of displaying Western unity on the eve of Moscow's 9 May victory day parade. There has been speculation that the Russian president had hoped to use the symbolically important date to highlight his success in Ukraine, but the fierce resistance put up by Kyiv's forces has scuppered any such claim. The UK's Ministry of Defence said Russia's ability to fight with modern equipment was being damaged by losses in Ukraine and the impact of sanctions. The MoD said at least one of Russia's most advanced T-90M tanks had been destroyed in fighting, while sanctions were restricting access to microelectronic components for sophisticated equipment. SOURCE: SKY NEWS

The SP PNG Hunters have responded admirably to a challenging start to the season, narrowly falling to the defending premiers Norths Devils 28-24 at Clive Berghofer Stadium, Toowoomba during Round 7 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. From the kickoff it was clear the Hunters had a point to prove, defending their line for consecutive sets and denying Norths on both edges before forcing them to find points with a kick to Brendan Frei in the 3rd minute. The Hunters would react convincingly, again turning Norths away on their own line before defending a second attacking kick. Hunters’ winger Terry Wapi would make a superb defensive catch to take possession for the Hunters before getting them 50m upfield with a clever run down the touch line. Unable to score on the back of that line break, the Hunters would force an error in the next set thanks to a huge shot from Sylvester Namo and Solo Wane was the beneficiary when PNG shifted the loose ball to score in the corner. Norths would reply with three quick tries in ten minutes as the Hunters struggled for possession, but a try in the 31st minute to Brandon Nima - courtesy of a pinpoint grubber from Mark Tony and a slick catch-and-pass back on the inside from Wapi – would see the Hunters finish the first half with confidence. That belief flowed into the second half, with Wapi finally crossing himself for a well deserved try. The Hunters fired a shot down their left edge and Wapi took advantage of the disrupted defensive line to scoot from 10 metres out and barge over to bring the scores to 18-22. As the crowd came to life in very wet conditions at Clive Berghofer Stadium, so too did the Hunters. Twice in the dying stages of the match they looked like earning a repeat set thanks to the kicking game of Mark Tony, only for the Devils to somehow make it out of their own end. The Devils also managed to deny centre Rodrick Tai – who looked like he got the ball into the in-goal – only for the ref to determine he had been held up. Norths would have some better luck down the other end of the field when Brayden McGrady somehow grounded the ball before travelling dead in the 67th minute in a try that came against the run of play. Far from dropping their heads, the Hunters would dominate the final ten minutes of the match, scoring next to the posts through Kingstimer Paraia before forcing Norths to finish the game camped on their own line. Coach’s Comments Head Coach Matt Church was delighted with the response his squad showed, particularly in tough conditions in the second half. “I was really pleased with how they responded in the second half,” Church said. “We were a little passive in the opening forty and I challenged the boys to lift their intent, run harder and play to the conditions. I thought they did that well in the second half.” After a string of consecutive losses, it was not the result they were after but Church says the hard work is close to paying off. “It was a real bounce back from our last performance,” Church said. “We put ourselves into a position to win that game, which we haven’t been doing to begin so far this year. I’m proud of the boys’ efforts and if we play like that every week the results will quickly swing in our favour.” Results Norths Devils 28 def. PNG Hunters 24