The 57th Medical Symposium officially started on Monday in the nation’s capital that saw over a hundred doctors and medical professions from around the country attend this vital gathering to address issues surrounding cancer and the way forward. In the absence of the National Department of Health Minister (NDoH) Dr. Lino Tom, NDoH Secretary Dr. Osborne Liko gave his remarks on his behalf saying, cancer is a real burden but is also a preventable disease when early detected. Dr. Liko said, cancer affects everyone one-way or the other. He said, PNG has the highest number of cancer cases in the world, especially mouth cancer. “Cancer is becoming a major health problem in the world and PNG is no exception.” “In fact, it has become a real burden for many families and PNG has very high incidents of cancers reported to be around 28% of all cancers in PNG.” “PNG has the highest cancer cases in the world.” Dr. Liko said that 1500 women die from cancer every year of which most are preventable. “The estimated limit of breast cancer is around 76-per-hundrend thousand women population.” “As the government of today, we are taking proactive actions to address many health issues including cancer.” “I am also pleased to inform this forum that the issues of cancer have again been prioritized in the current National Health Plan 2021-2030 and also in the Government’s Medium Term Development Plan for 2023-2027 that is aimed to reduce incidents of cancer and archive affordable quality health care by 2030 and beyond.” Dr Liko further stated that, if we can prevent and detect cancer earlier, the better we can manage the disease with the resources that is available to us. Meanwhile, President of the Medical Society of PNG Professor Nakapi Tefuarani said, the theme for this year is “Holistic Approach to Cancer”, an important issue in PNG and the Asia Pacific region, and the world at large. He said, “We hope that our guest speakers both from internally and overseas will guide us in our plan to form our resolutions to the government of PNG through the National Department of Health at the end of the symposium.”

The Roosters have confirmed Joseph-Aukuso Suaalli (head knock) and Billy Smith (jaw) won't play against the Storm on Friday night. Suaalli has been ruled out under concussion protocols after failing a head injury assessment against the Sharks while Smith will undergo surgery on a fractured jaw and is set to miss the remainder of the season. Roosters centre Joey Manu (hamstring) will be given until kick-off to prove his fitness after suffering a reoccurring Grade 1 strain in the side's one-point win over the Sharks. In better news, Sam Walker and Brandon Smith have both been cleared of ankle injuries and will be available. Meanwhile, the Knights are set to be without Jackson Hastings for their clash against the Warriors after he aggravated the ankle injury which saw him miss the last three games of the regular season. The halfback broke down late in the first half of the extra time win over the Raiders and was ruled out at the break and took no part in the game. Post-match coach Adam O'Brien said initial signs weren't positive. "It doesn't look great. We tested him at half-time and he wasn't going to be able to contribute to that second half, so that in itself probably isn't a good sign," O'Brien said. Source: NRL.Com

A Kalyn Ponga penalty goal after 89 minutes of drama and chaos at McDonald Jones Stadium has seen the Knights beat the Raiders 30-28 and continue their remarkable late-season charge into Finals Week Two. After extra time was required to separate the two sides, who were tied at 28-28 at the end of normal time, it was a Hudson Young penalty for offside which presented Ponga with the chance to kick his side to a 10th straight victory and confirm a showdown with the Warriors in Auckland on Saturday. It was a finals game without precedent, marred by an allegation of biting made by Tyson Gamble against Jack Wighton, but which will be defined by so much more. In regular time both sides had enjoyed prolonged periods of dominance that appeared to have put them in the box seat to go on and claim victory and qualification to the next stage of the playoffs. The Raiders led 16-6 at the end of an opening half which saw them dominate on the back of 62 percent possession, before the Knights ran up 22 points in 15 minutes to establish a 28-16 lead which they held until the 65th minute. At that point Matt Frawley scored to set up the prospect of a thrilling finish, which became a reality following Tom Starling's try, converted by Jamal Fogarty, with two to go in regulation time that locked scores at 28-28. Tyson Frizell came up with what may have been a game-saving charge down on a field goal attempt with single digits left on the clock to force extra time. The Raiders had all the chances in the first period, which ended in Fogarty driving a low field goal attempt into the approaching Newcastle defence. When given his own chance minutes later, and with halfback Jackson Hastings off the field after succumbing to injury at half-time, Ponga took his chance and made no mistake. Earlier the Knights faced a grim exit in front of a crowd of 29,548. Greg Marzhew had got the scoring going on six minutes, but a James Schiller double, scored either side of a Trey Mooney four-pointer, gave the visitors a 10-point lead at the break which looked to have put them in prime position to advance. Cue the Newcastle revival, which came minutes after Gamble made an official allegation of biting against Wighton, with the latter placed on report and a fire appearing to be lit under the belly of the Newcastle side from that point on. Ponga sparked his side with a try on 48 minutes which was followed by Dom Young and Dane Gagai both crossing within two minutes of each other. A spilled ball then saw Gamble break down field and patiently wait for help to arrive, which unfortunately for Canberra came in the shape of the flying Young, who took it the rest of the way for a try, which after Ponga's fourth conversion of the day, put them up 28-16. Just as the contest appeared set to cross a line from which there would be no coming back for them, the Raiders got one back through Frawley, which was converted to make it a one-score game again. Starling then scored with two to play and the ensuing conversion locked scores again. Source: NRL.com

Eight teams, four weeks, one ultimate prize... countless questions to be answered. Can the Panthers become the first team the Eels in the early 80s to win three straight premierships or can the Broncos claim their first title since 2006? Can the hard charging Knights become the first team to come from outside the top four to win the competition? Or will be revealed through a sizzling September of finals footy and on to Accor Stadium on October 1 for the Telstra Premiership decider where the 2023 champion will be crowned. Each team's Road to Glory 1st. Penrith Panthers Penrith finished as the minor premiers and therefore get two home games in the finals series, starting with the Warriors at BlueBet Stadium on Saturday. If they win, they will have a week off and then move to either Accor Stadium or CommBank Stadium, to play the winner of the Semi Final between the loser of the Broncos/Storm clash and the winner of the Sharks/Roosters game. If the Panthers lose this week, they will play a home game at either Accor Stadium or CommBank Stadium and play the winner of the Knights/Raiders game in an Elimination Final. If they win that, they will then go to either Brisbane or Melbourne to face the winner of the Broncos/Storm game this week. [caption id="attachment_44981" align="aligncenter" width="1224"] Road to Glory: Panthers[/caption] 2nd. Brisbane Broncos Brisbane finished second and are also guaranteed two home finals matches, set to host the Storm on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium. If they win, they will get a week off and play the winner of the Semi Final between the loser of the Panthers/Warriors clash and the winner of the Knights/Raiders game, with the game to be played at Suncorp Stadium. If they lose this week, Brisbane will remain at home to play the winner of the Sharks/Roosters game in an Elimination Final. If they win that, they would travel to either Sydney or New Zealand to face the Panthers or Warriors the following week. [caption id="attachment_44982" align="aligncenter" width="1224"] Road to Glory: Broncos[/caption] 3rd. Melbourne Storm The Storm head to Brisbane this Friday to take on the Broncos. If they win that they will have a week off before playing a home Preliminary Final against the winner of the Semi Final between the loser of the Panthers/Warriors match and the winner of the Knights/Raiders game. Should Melbourne lose this week, they will host the winner of the Sharks/Roosters game at AAMI Park next week in an Elimination Final. If they win that game, they'll travel to either Sydney or New Zealand to take on either the Panthers or Warriors. [caption id="attachment_44983" align="aligncenter" width="1224"] Road to Glory: Storm[/caption] 4th. Warriors The Warriors travel to BlueBet Stadium to play the minor premiers on Saturday. If they defeat Penrith, they will have a week off and host a preliminary final the following week against the winner of the Semi Final between the loser of the Broncos/Storm match and the winner of the Sharks/Roosters game. If they lose to the Panthers, they will still host an elimination final in Auckland against the winner of the Knights/Raiders game. Should they win that game, they will then travel to either Brisbane or Melbourne the following week to play the winner of that respective game from this week. [caption id="attachment_44984" align="aligncenter" width="1224"] Road to Glory: Warriors[/caption] 5th. Newcastle Knights Should the Knights triumph in their Elimination Final against the Raiders in Newcastle this week, they will play the loser of the Panthers/Warriors game in either Sydney or New Zealand. From there, they would go on to play either Brisbane or Melbourne – taking on whoever wins in their game this Friday night. All games for Newcastle are elimination matches so, if they lose, they are out. [caption id="attachment_44985" align="aligncenter" width="1224"] Road to Glory: Knights[/caption] 6th. Cronulla Sharks The Sharks will host an elimination final against the Roosters at PointsBet Stadium on Saturday night. If they win they will take on the loser of the Broncos/Storm encounter in either Brisbane or Melbourne. If they win that game, they’ll play the winner of the Penrith Warriors game in either Sydney or Auckland. All games for Cronulla are elimination matches so, if they lose, they are out. [caption id="attachment_44986" align="aligncenter" width="1224"] Road to Glory: Sharks[/caption] 7th. Sydney Roosters Having finished seventh, the Roosters will play all their finals games away from home – starting with a trip to the Shire on Saturday night to face the Sharks. If they win, they will play the loser of the Broncos/Storm match in either Brisbane or Melbourne. If they win that, then they will face the winner of the Panthers/Warriors game this week in either Sydney or New Zealand. All games for the Roosters are elimination matches so, if they lose, they are out. [caption id="attachment_44987" align="aligncenter" width="1224"] Road to Glory: Roosters[/caption] 8th. Canberra Raiders Canberra will be on the road for the duration of the finals series after finishing eighth. On Sunday, they go to Newcastle to take on the Knights. If they win that game they’ll take on the loser of the Panthers/Warriors game in either Sydney or New Zealand. If they win that they’ll go to either Brisbane or Melbourne to take on the winner of the Broncos/Storm encounter from this Friday. All games for Canberra are knockout so, if they lose, they are out. [caption id="attachment_44988" align="aligncenter" width="1224"] Road to Glory: Raiders[/caption] Source: NRL.com

nib Newcastle Knights Captain and fullback Kalyn Ponga has taken out the Danny Buderus Medal as the Knights NRL Player of the Year. Having overcome significant adversity earlier in the season, Ponga bounced back to lead the Knights charge into the finals and claim a record third Buderus Medal (2018 and 2020 previously). The fullback amassed 18 appearances in 2023, notching eight tries, 40 goals and 20 try-assists, highlighted by a spectacular run of form in the later rounds. In a tightly-contested Player of the Year vote, KP edged out Dane Gagai, Tyson Frizell and Leo Thompson who all had incredible seasons in the red and blue. Ponga spoke after receiving the award on stage from Danny Buderus and Head Coach Adam O'Brien. "I'm extremely honoured to receive this award," Ponga said. "The support of my family, there were some dark days, but I just believed in myself and stuck to what I know. I have a lot of people to thank. "This is such an enjoyable team to be a part of, we backed ourselves and put ourselves in a great spot. "I'm standing up here for an individual award but it's really a team effort. "We're going to enjoy the week and do our best. It's an exciting time of the year." The 2023 Awards Night, held at NEX in Newcastle, also saw a host of other awards winners announced. Tyson Frizell earned the Players' Player Award from his teammates for another consistent campaign in Newcastle. Versatile second-row forward Dylan Lucas was awarded the Rookie of the Year after his debut season which included six appearances in the top grade. After moving to dummy-half this season, Phoenix Crossland was acknowledged for a tremendous 2023 campaign claiming the Gladiator of the Year Award, chosen by the Once a Knight Old Boys. Jacob Saifiti was awarded the Community Player of the Year Award for his incredible work in the broader community and after being nominated for the Ken Stephen Medal. Last season's Rookie of the Year, Leo Thompson took his game to new levels in 2023 and collected the Knight in Shining Armour Award for his try-saver against Manly back in Round 5. Assistant Coach Blake Green was named the Kilpatrick Club Person of the Year. Dane Gagai and Daniel Saifiti also were inducted as Life Members of the Club for their contributions to the red and blue jersey. In the lower grades, Adam Clune claimed the NSW Cup Player of the Year Award while Jack Johns was named Players' Player. Jack Cullen took home the Jersey Flegg Cup Player of the Year Award and Brock Greacen won Players' Player. NRL AWARD WINNERS: Player of the Year (Danny Buderus Medal) – Kalyn Ponga NRL Players' Player - Tyson Frizell Rookie of the Year - Dylan Lucas Community Player of the Year – Jacob Saifiti Knight in Shining Armour - Leo Thompson Gladiator of the Year - Phoenix Crossland NSW Cup Players' Player - Jack Johns NSW Cup Player of the Year - Adam Clune Jersey Flegg Players' Player - Brock Greacen Jersey Flegg Player of the Year - Jack Cullen ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS NRL Debut Players - Dylan Lucas (#340), Ryan Rivett (#341), Tom Cant (#342) and Riley Jones (#345) NRL Milestones - Dane Gagai (250 NRL Games, 150 Knights Games) Daniel Saifiti (150 NRL + Knights Games), Kalyn Ponga (100 NRL + Knights Games), Lachlan Fitzgibbon (100 NRL + Knights Games), Tyson Frizell (50 Knights Games), Phoenix Crossland (50 NRL + Knights Games), Bradman Best (50 NRL + Knights Games), Brodie Jones (50 NRL + Knights Games), Jack Hetherington (50 NRL Games) Departing Players/Staff - Lachlan Miller, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Kurt Mann, Hymel Hunt, Bailey Hodgson, Dane Aukafolau, Adam Clune, Dominic Young, Simi Sasagi and Jack Johns.

Fiji's footballers defeated Solomon Islands 3-0 in Auckland on Wednesday night in the semi-finals of the Oceania men's Olympic qualifier. The Bula Boys now face New Zealand in Saturday night's final after the Oly Whites thrashed Vanuatu 8-0 in the first semi-final at Mt Smart Stadium. Captain Etonia Dogalau was the hero for the Fijians scoring twice. Substitute Brendan McMullen scored Fiji's third at the end. The result is perhaps a small surprise as the Solomon Islanders were in great form coming into the match, beating Vanuatu and Samoa 3-0 and Tonga 5-1 in their group matches. In the final Dogalau's side will attempt to qualify for the Olympics for the second time, having represented Oceania at the 2016 Summer Games. The Oly Whites were three up within 12 minutes against the shell-shocked Vanuatans, and 6-0 up at half-time. Oscar van Hattum, Jesse Randall and Aaryan Raj all scored two goals apiece. The final at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday is a repeat of the pool stage match between the two sides, when the host nation defeated the Fijians 3-1. Auckland face superstars Oceania champions Auckland City FC will meet local club Al Ittihad at the FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia in December. The winner of the first-round encounter will meet African champions Al Ahly. The Saudi Arabian side has bought several superstars recently including Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Fabinho. And it is currently chasing Egyptian great Mo Salah. Auckland City qualified for the Club World Cup in dramatic circumstances at the Oceania Champions League tournament held in Vanuatu in May, beating Fiji's Suva FC in extra time in the final. Source:rnz.com

Nearly 3000 participants showed up over the weekend converged in Angoram Urban, Ward 14 for the Sepik River Tournament. District Sports Coordinator Nolen Gumaim said the tournament that started on Saturday is their final preparation as they count down the days leading up to the Inaugural Momase Regional Youth Games in Madang. “The event was held in collaboration with the churches and was part of the Repentance Day activities.” “The event was held successfully and all our five LLG’s in Yuat, Keram, Karawari, Marienberg (Lower Sepik) and Angoram (Middle Sepik) in attendance.” “The purpose of the tournament was to engage out of school youths both male and female and occupy their idle time that could have been otherwise spent on crime, drinking alcohol, smoking drugs and other illicit activities.” “Most of the participating teams expressed their appreciation to the organizers for hosting the event as it was quite some time when they participated in such sporting program at their level.” Gumaim said a total of 25 Men’s Teams participated in Soccer while 15 Women’s teams competed in Volleyball. He added that there was a good representation of officials from the Provincial Government along with elites from the district. “The Province and District are behind me to ensure we keep our team’s spirit high as we approach game time. We hope to get some good results in the Momase Games.” Gumaim acknowledged the support of Director Sports & Recreation Unit Malcom Limbai, East Sepik Provincial Executive Director Human Resource Emmanuel ToMarum, Director for Climate Change Bradley Pelau, and Coordinator for Referees,Terence Bandi, plus other teams that were on the ground in Wewak. He also thanked local MP and Minister for Forestry Hon. Salio Waipo, District Administrator Martin Anska and Alpha Cash Lending for their support.

Minister for State Assisting the Prime Minister Justin Tkatchenko MP is in Indonesia this week to assist Prime Minister James Marape MP facilitate the K60 million funding commitment from the Government of the Republic of Indonesia to Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH). Minister Tkatchenko announced this on Friday at PMGH while attending the swearing-in ceremony of the Operation Open Heart (OOH) Foundation board of members. “We secured K60 million for Port Moresby General Hospital on different projects.” “They are going to be rolling them out very shortly as per the Port Moresby General Hospital’s requirements, and we are very happy to facilitate that with PM Marape with the team confirming and formalizing that in the next couple of weeks coming from Jakarta to look at PMGH and what needs to be done and secured; we look forward to that outcome.” Tkatchenko, who is also the Patron of the OOH Foundation, said this organization will become bigger and better in the future. “We have a lot to look forward to, lot of things to do, a lot of money to raise and my role in government as your patron is also help secure that.” “Just like the fundraising we held recently with Daryl Braithwaite and all the efforts there which help raise a lot of needed money for this very worthy cause.” Tkatchenko encouraged the board of members including medical team of doctors and staff that it was not a mistake to be on the board as their dedication, passion and hard work was the basis for their appointments. “For you to be on the board is no mistake, you are there for a reason because of who you are and what you have achieved in your lives and your hard work and efforts; and we acknowledge your expertise in this area which can be a great asset to Operation Open Heart leading it into the future.” “We would like to see double the number of doctors who are working on cardiac and more training overseas and coming back home to give back to the nation the skills and knowledge attained.” “Dr. Boko, a board member is an example of the many testimonies; the work that you all are doing is remarkable.” “Prime Minister Marape and Health Minister Dr. Lino Tom are impressed with what you have achieved so far, they see what you are doing and the great job you are doing for this country.” Tkatchenko further stated, “Let’s continue the good work, never look back, always look forward in making OOH a bigger and better success now and into the future.”

Pat Carrigan may only have the one finals match under his belt, but that single game makes the forward one of the more experienced players in the Broncos line-up, with the squad gearing up to once again face off against the Melbourne Storm to launch this year’s final seriesPat Carrigan may only have the one finals match under his belt, but that single game makes the forward one of the more experienced players in the Broncos line-up, with the squad gearing up to once again face off against the Melbourne Storm to launch this year’s final series. That one game was a 58-0 defeat suffered at the hands of the Parramatta Eels in 2019 – but it’s a very different Broncos team and a much more composed Carrigan who will take to the field on Friday night. “Finals experience, I don’t know what it counts for, mine, but it is what it is,” Carrigan said when asked about that game. “Of course it does (burn). I think to be honest, I'm petty, so any time I lose, it burns and I definitely remember that (game), but in saying that, I'm a different player and a different person and this team is a different team. “We're never going to be able to change that (result), so it is what it is. “(We) move on … and let's get it on Friday night.” Although the Broncos hosted the Storm last Thursday with vastly different line-ups, the result went the way of their recent meetings, with Melbourne having won the past 14 games in a row against Brisbane. The Broncos have also not been able to beat the Storm at Suncorp Stadium for 14 years, but Carrigan said this year’s finals provided a new opportunity to create new memories. [caption id="attachment_44825" align="aligncenter" width="1224"] Walsh: We'll work hard for each other and our fans[/caption] “They're bigger games,” Carrigan said of finals football. “I don't play 27 games a year and get flogged at Red Hill just to rock up and play one finals game. “Melbourne are the same, every club's the same, you want to be in it to win the big games and what better way to do it (than) with 50,000 Broncs fans on Friday night. “As a footy player, as any athlete, this is where you want to be. It's all on the line, I'm excited.” Remarkably, Broncos captain Adam Reynolds with 21 has played more finals games than the rest of the squad combined, with Payne Haas and Thomas Flegler joining Carrigan in having played one finals match before. There are 11 other members of the team taking part in post-season NRL for the first time. One of those players is Reece Walsh, who was looking forward to marking his mark for the team. “It's something that I haven't experienced yet, but I'm confident and excited to get out there and keep playing the footy that we played all year,” Walsh said. “We’ve showed that we're a genuine contender this year. “It's a new comp that is starting and we're really excited to get into work and work hard for each other and play some good footy.” As a premiership winner with the Rabbitohs in 2014, Reynolds had been sharing his knowledge with the team, but had maintained a message of keeping things simple. “(He has) spoken a lot (to us) as a team and just about how the bigger the game, the simpler, you know, your role becomes in the team,” Walsh said. “I think it's just about us going out there and nailing our job and nailing our role the best we can be. “We're in a really good spot and we've got a really good opportunity to do something special here. “Every single person in the team and in the squad are all working hard for each other and they're working hard on their game to get better and if we can all do our jobs to the best of our ability, I'm sure that's going to reflect as a really good team performance.” Coach Kevin Walters has made the big call to leave some of his more experienced campaigners out of the side, including Martin Taupau, who has featured in five finals and Corey Oates, whose spot on the wing has been claimed by Jesse Arthars. Oates – who has played 11 finals with the Broncos in his career – has been hampered by injuries this year and is the last remaining player left in the squad who was part of the 2015 grand final loss to the Cowboys. Taupau has been listed in the team's reserves for Friday night's match, with Oates the 18th player. Source: NRL.Com

After five weeks out of the side, Storm centre Justin Olam made a notable return to the NRL last round against the Broncos, reinvigorated by a recent trip back home to PNG to visit his mother. After injuries earlier in the season dented his confidence, prompting coach Craig Bellamy to send him back to find form with the Sunshine Coast Falcons, Olam has been working hard at his game – and while others might have dropped their heads, the powerful centre knows there’s more to life than just football. “I am very close to her,” Olam said of his trip to see his mother, Evelyn. “I don’t see her a lot and when I am not playing (NRL), she gets a little bit upset and worried. I just had to go and tell her everything is okay. I went back to see her last week. “PNG mothers are different; they want to see if their kids are okay. “I was okay, but she was upset (so) I had to go and see her. She was worried, not because I was dropped, but she wanted to check if I am doing okay mentally. "She has the understanding that getting dropped is hard. It is just another challenge. I have been through stuff. “Coming from PNG, it is never easy playing NRL so I went back to reassure her that I have got myself together and am doing what I can to play first grade again.” [caption id="attachment_44808" align="aligncenter" width="840"] Justin Olam in action for the Sunshine Coast Falcons in their elimination final win against Redcliffe Dolphins in the Hostplus Cup.©Erick Lucero / QRL[/caption] Olam, who came through the pathways in PNG, firstly as a Lae Snax Tiger and progressing to play for the Hunters in Queensland’s Cup competition before being signed by the Storm, Olam said he took Bellamy’s feedback on the chin. He knows there are no guarantees despite his strong performance in the Storm’s 32-22 win in Round 27. “He told me I needed to work on a few things. I said, ‘thank you’. I have zero ego,” Olam said. “I am happy some of the boys have got their opportunities and are playing well. That is what life is about. My focus has been to go back and work on what I can control, which is training hard and working on the things I can improve on. “In saying that, I have got a few injuries this year which slowed me down a little bit, but it is what it is I guess. “My mentality was to see it as a challenge and not be a victim. My focus has been to go back and play well in Cup. I think it is a good lesson. “I have got a big fan base in PNG, especially young kids. Life is not going to be smooth every time. For me to go through this is good. If they are watching … there is going to be setbacks. It is how you react to it and pick yourself up.” With Ryan Papenhuyzen's return, and the eye-catching debut of Sua Faalogo, who have both been playing with the Falcons, Olam was more focused on celebrating the team’s successes. “We always have the next man up mentality (at the Storm) and it's about seizing the opportunity,” Olam said. “(They were) resting some people, but to some players, it's the opportunity to show the coaches, ‘hey, I'm here!’ and so it was good to see the boys playing really well. “And now that our (senior) boys are rested, they can have a good game (in the finals).” Source:NRL.Com

Canberra players have vowed to continue to defy critics as the undermanned Raiders adopt a backs-to-the-wall approach to Sunday’s elimination final against the Knights in Newcastle. After sitting in fourth place at the end of Round 20, the Raiders won just two of their last seven matches to finish eighth, but captain Jarrod Croker said few people outside of Canberra had given them much chance of playing finals at all. “People seem shocked that we are there, but we have pretty much been in the top eight for the past 10 or 12 weeks,” Croker said. “We have played in four of the last five finals series, so I don’t know why people expected us to fall out this year but down in Canberra we have got plenty of belief and the fans down there are really excited for us.” The Raiders will be without winger Sebastian Kris after he accepted a five-match ban for a dangerous throw in last Sunday’s 24-6 loss to Cronulla and he joins representative forwards Josh Papali’i and Corey Horsburgh on the sidelines. Papali’i has been ruled out for the season with a biceps injury, while Horsburgh will not be available again this season unless Canberra make the grand final after last week receiving a four-match suspension for a shoulder charge. “It’s been a rollercoaster season, but we got here,” Croker said. “A couple of moments the last two weeks, with blokes going to the sin bin [Horsburgh] and being sent off [Kris] has made those games a bit hard for us, but I thought we competed really well. “We have lost Papa and Big Red, and now Seb as well, so that makes it harder again, but it’s backs against the wall and we will be ready to go. “There is virtually nothing to lose for us and while it’s disappointing not to get a home semi we would still have been playing for our lives, so we have got to go up there with all guns blazing.” The loss of Kris could open the way for Croker, who is retiring at the end of the season, to finish his career in the starting side after being overlooked for the match against the Sharks and playing just three minutes against the Broncos. However, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart may opt for winger Albert Hopoate to replace Kris, who is also likely to be unavailable for New Zealand selection in the end-of-season Pacific Championships. “Seb is obviously disappointed and upset,” Croker said. “He is a good kid and we will get him through it. “He has had a really good season. At the start he got thrown into the fullback role, which is somewhere he hadn’t really played before, and he was getting better by the week. “He has probably been one of our top three or four players this season so it will be a disappointing way for him to finish but he has got a bright future. “He is still young, he is learning a lot and he has shown this year that he can cover a lot of positions as well so he is going to be a valuable member of the team going forward and we will get around him when we can.” Source: NRL. com

After a long 22 years of waiting, the Enga Mioks will carry home the cup as the premiers of the 2023 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup after displaying a spectacular performance and defeating the Goroka Lahanis in this afternoon’s grand final showdown. Both teams rivalled it out under the steaming afternoon heat in front of a packed house at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby city. The first half seemed pretty tough with both side’s defence strong at play, but after their first attempt with only 6mins into the first half, coming from behind and going in with an extra 6 tackles, the Lahanis made use of that and touched down with Amos Kafare locking in the first try of the match. Mioks retaliated with Kevin Yoko putting them up on the score board with two consecutive tries, and a penalty kick at siren saw the Mioks lead at first half 16-6. Coming back at second half, both teams showed strong defence but the Mioks held their defence strong and saw 2 tries by Mioks’ Francis Sam and Garry James, taking the team home at full time with a 26-6 victory.