Another milestone achieved for rugby league development in Papua New Guinea (PNG) with the soon to be opened first- ever Academy for Elite Junior Players. The most talented 14 to 16 year-old players in the country will now receive the best possible coaching, mentoring and off-field support as part of PNG’s bid to become the next NRL club. The program will be launched in Port Moresby on Monday 17 July, with a view towards becoming a national program in the coming years, with 74 players initially identified from over 60 schools in Port Moresby. All players will receive specialist coaching, with the focus being on enhancing players’ technical skills and decision-making abilities. In addition, all players will be physically tested and given programs that will align them with those of the same age group that are currently in the NRL Club system. With coaching and guidance crucial at this stage of a player’s development, the Academy will provide a vital step towards an elite player pathway model that will educate young PNG players about all aspects required to become an NRL player, both on and off the field. It will also provide another important building block in the overall structure of rugby league in the country. Andrew Hill, PNG NRL Bid CEO, saw the Academy as another major step in the development of rugby league in PNG: “Launching an Academy for our best 14 to 16 year-old’s, is a major step forward when it comes to creating an elite player pathway for the game in PNG,” he said. “Having visited a number of NRL clubs over the past few months, I’m confident that the program we have created will provide talented young players the opportunity to be successful and on par with NRL Clubs in Australia. “Having witnessed the success in recent seasons at the Parramatta Eels with Joey Grima leading the academy programs, I know our players in PNG will be given the right environment for success. The Parramatta Eels won the U/19 competition this year and many players had been in that system for several years.” “We are looking to create a structure that can identify and develop the next Justin Orlam, Edwin Ipape or Elsie Albert, and take them on a journey to playing in the NRL.” “I would like to thank the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Sport, Don Polye, for assisting this project and helping us take our elite player pathway model to another level. The NRL Bid is looking forward to helping with the Government’s Go Rural Go Global strategy over the next few years.”

A penalty goal in golden point to Jamayne Isaako has helped the Dolphins secure their eighth win of the season following a 23-21 victory over the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday. Titans forward Erin Clark was ruled offside in attempting to charge down Isaako's field goal attempt in the 85th minute with referee Grant Atkins not hesitating to give the Dolphins a penalty from in front of the posts to break the deadlock. It was somewhat of an anti-climactic finish to the match after both sides couldn't be separated for 80 minutes after field goals to Isaako and Tanah Boyd in regular time set up a 21-21 scoreline. Isaako appeared to have won the game for his side with a 75th minute field goal before Boyd stepped up to sink his own one-pointer three minutes later and send the game into golden point. Adding to the drama, Sean O'Sullivan lost the ball over the line in a try-saving play from Sam Verrills and Jayden Campbell that would've won the game for the Dolphins in regular time. Campbell was enormous for the Titans in a beaten side, setting a new record for the club for most metres run in a match with 305 as well as coming up with two big defensive plays to deny the Dolphins during the match. Less than three months after the Dolphins rallied from a 26-point deficit to beat the Titans in Round 8, Wayne Bennett's side were back causing their Queensland rivals a headache in front of 18,335 on the Gold Coast. The Titans led 14-6 early with Kieran Foran instrumental in the first half before a Jarrod Wallace try in the 48th minute sparked a 15-minute Dolphins onslaught that included Kenny Bromwich and Isaako both crossing on the right edge. A try to Brian Kelly on the left edge got the Titans back level with the Dolphins to set up the grandstand finish. Earlier, the visitors crossed first through Connelly Lemuelu after a short pass from O'Sullivan close to the line setting up a 6-0 lead. Foran returned serve to produce a masterclass in cut-out passes and set up his own try via an Alofiana Khan-Periera kick before sending Phil Sami over from a scrum four minutes later. Titans debutant Jacob Alick appeared to have had a memorable first touch in the NRL when placing a kick in for Khan-Periera to go over but the try was pulled back due to Isaako being impeded in the lead-up. A penalty goal through Boyd allowed the Titans to skip ahead by eight but that evaporated when Wallace - who bombed a try only a minute earlier - was able to cross when he linked with Isaiya Katoa. The final 20 minutes of the match was at its see-sawing best before an unnecessary pass from Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui put Jaimin Jolliffe - who couldn't hold the ball - under pressure and enabled the Dolphins to get within striking range in extra time. Source: NRL.Com

Mid-week signing Toby Sexton made an instant impact for his new club on Saturday night, helping the Bulldogs survive a late scare from the Rabbitohs to record a 36-32 win. After joining from the Titans on Tuesday, Sexton sparked a Bulldogs attack which in the 16 games prior had averaged just 15.8 points scored per game, making two line breaks and running for 123 metres, in addition to saving a likely try with a desperate kick retrieval in the final minute. Perhaps more importantly though, his presence and direct style of play appeared to free up star half Matt Burton, who in turn enjoyed arguably his best game of the year. In just the fourth game of his career, winger Blake Wilson scored a hat-trick, while Jake Averillo starred at fullback, with two try assists and three line-break assists. The Bulldogs rallied to pick up their sixth win of the year despite the efforts of Rabbitohs fullback Blake Taaffe who was excellent at Accor Stadium, scoring a pair of tries, breaking seven tackles and almost single-handedly dragging his team back into the contest. After establishing a 36-22 lead with 10 minutes to go, the Dogs appeared to be home safe before South Sydney scored twice in two minutes to get within a try at the death. It was a fitting end to a game which was frantic from the start. Thomas Burgess and Wilson scored converted tries inside the first eight minutes before there was a long break in play while Ryan Sutton was taken from the field on a medicab, following a shoulder charge which saw Taane Milne sent to the sin bin and placed on report. Sutton was later sent to hospital for scans on his neck. When play resumed it was the Dogs who took control, with Tevita Pangai Junior charging down a kick to secure field position for Wilson's second, before skipper Reed Mahoney grabbed his side's third two minutes later to give the Dogs a 18-6 lead. Tyrone Munro then scored his second try in as many career games, before Jacob Kiraz struck back to re-establish a 12-point advantage which the Bulldogs took to the break. South Sydney protected their line brilliantly through the opening exchanges of the second half as the Bulldogs peppered their line, but eventually the pressure told and Ethan Quai-Ward marked his NRL debut with a try in the corner. Taaffe burned the Dogs' edge defence minutes later to bring his side back within two scores, but it was somewhat undone when Richard Kennar was pinged for being offside following a scrum and Burton kicked a penalty with 15 to play. Wilson's third 10 minutes from time looked to have sealed the result, before the Rabbitohs ran in quickfire tries to Munro and Tallis Duncan which set up a thrilling final two minutes. Earlier in the match a member of the crowd was removed from the stadium after Burton had a laser pointed at his face while attempting a conversion.

"In this day and age, family planning is the way forward to control many health and socio-economic issues." That's from the Gordons Clinic Family Planning Nursing Officer Sister (Sr) Edna Ratu. She said, "It’s good for couples to plan their pregnancies because in today’s time, couples who tend to have a lot of children are not as financially secured as planned pregnancies spaced two or more year’s apart result in healthier babies and fewer medical problems for the woman." “Unlike other family planning methods, the family planning injection known as Depo Provera is commonly taken at the Gordons Clinic.” Sr Ratu added that she has attended to 131 females aged 20 years and older from the month of June. “It is very important because it is the way forward to not only control population growth but to also control health issues.” “People wonder why we are having a lot of TB and HIV/AIDs cases as well, and it’s all because people are not really seeing the importance of family planning." "For example TB, if we have control of family planning than we don’t have overcrowded homes for the germs to spread quickly.” She stressed that this is also one factor why having a healthy small family is better than having a unhealthy large family. “The most important thing is to control family planning." "Both partners must agree before having more kids because everything comes at a cost." "Some of the challenges that mothers face when they don’t use contraceptives can also lead to causes of cancer because there having a lot of children, loss of blood, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, infections, miscarriage and stillbirth." Sr Ratu is now calling on the government to further support more family planning. "So much money and resources is put into TB, HIV/AIDs, and COVID when it should be pumped in Family Planning as it is the most important factor that can help control everything."

NSW players have been urged to approach Origin III like a grand final as they set out to spoil Queensland’s celebrations when they receive the Shield at Wednesday night's post-match presentation. The Blues may have lost the series, but coach Brad Fittler insists his players will not lack for motivation to stop a 3-0 clean-sweep by the Maroons as they still have the honour of representing NSW before their home fans at Accor Stadium. “Not everyone gets to do that,” Fittler said. “I think we are up to 310 players in the history of State of Origin, so we're talking about a real limited amount of people that actually get to play for New South Wales. “There is an Origin series, and we don’t have a chance to win that, but they have a chance to play for NSW in front of a home crowd and they need a good game.” Debutants Bradman Best and Keaon Koloamatangi will become the 309th and 310th players to pull on a Blues jersey at Origin level and Fittler said it will be a big occasion for the pair. Of the 308 players to have previously represented NSW in Origin since 1980, 84 managed just one appearance. “Call it what you like, but 310 people have done that - and that’s not many,” Fittler said. The Blues squad, which includes seven new faces, watched footage from the 32-6 defeat in Origin II at Suncorp Stadium on June 21 as Fittler and his coaching staff outlined areas they needed to improve. However, Fittler and NSW team advisor Greg Alexander said the Blues were approaching Origin III as a stand-alone fixture and were determined to prevent Queensland achieving the first series whitewash since 2010. “Origin is different,” Alexander said. “It’s not a club game where your team has won four games, it is the backend of the season and you are no chance of making the finals series. It is completely different. “Origin is three grand finals and it doesn’t matter whether it is a decider or Game I, it’s important because it’s another grand final." “We can’t win the series, but we can atone for what’s happened. It’s as important as what Game I was or Game II – and it’s at home.” Asked if the Blues wanted to ensure the Maroons were presented with the Origin Shield after a loss, Alexander said: "Why not". After scoring three tries in their series opening 26-18 loss at Adelaide Oval and just one in Origin II at Suncorp Stadium, Alexander said the Blues coaching staff had identified areas of the game the team needed to significantly improve. “We had a quick review of Game II and there were some aspects that I think none of us were really happy with what happened,” Alexander said. “It was just highlighting a few areas that we thought we could improve drastically in Game III. They were just little things bit lots of little things add up to a big thing and generally that can add up to a win." The Blues trained on Friday behind closed doors as media were kicked out and the fence around the NSWRL Centre of Excellence was wrapped in black matting, but officials insisted the measure had nothing to do with fears of spying. A number of teams in the FIFA Women’s World Cup are set to use the venue for training from next week and it is a requirement of the tournament that they are able to conduct their sessions in private. The NSW team will also use the field for their pre-match warm-up before entering Accor Stadium next Wednesday night via a tunnel under the road that was constructed for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Source: NRL.com

The much anticipated Pepsi Win a Ford Ranger competition has been drawn and announced its first lucky winner from the Southern Region draws with Mr Benjamin Petrus being announced the lucky winner. The draw winner was conducted by Dadi Toka Jnr as the prominent third-party figure of the community to ensure fairness and transparency. Mr Petrus only purchased 3 cans of Pepsi and was announced as the lucky winner after his name was drawn from a draw barrel containing all the eligible entries from the respective region. The 3 month long competition which began on the 1st of April and concluded on the 30th of June attracted participants from all corners of the country. Participants were only required to purchase 2 cans of Pepsi in order to enter the completion. Director at Pacific Industries Ltd Everett Chue thanked all his hard working staff for running a successful and exciting promotion that caught the attention of millions of Papua New Guineans nationwide. He said, this promotion is one way of giving back to Pepsi customers. “I think more than these amazing prizes, this promotion is about giving back to our loyal customers and thanking them for continuing to support and enjoy this amazing product of Pepsi.” “I think there's a lot of people across the nation that could really make use of a car like this." "Whether it is being able to take your children to school, getting to work on time instead of catching the bus and much more." "I hope all the winners will make good use of these cars and share the benefits with their friends and families.” Meanwhile, the National Trade Activation Manager at Pacific Industries Ltd Christine Miria added that in the coming days the 3 remaining draws will be drawn in Lae at the Rauma Super Market on the 10th July for the Momase region, Mouth Hagen at the Queens Park Oval on the 11th of July for the Highlands region and lastly, the New Guinea Islands draw will be at K-Central in Kokopo on the 12th of July.

Jacob Alick is set to make his debut as Titan #186 in this Sunday's history-making clash against the Dolphins at Cbus Super Stadium. In the Gold Coast's first-ever home contest against the NRL's newest franchise, the Papua New Guinea International has been named on the bench - one of four changes made by interim coach Jim Lenihan to replace the Maroons quartet who are on Origin duty this weekend. Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui replaces his older brother Tino in the front row alongside Jaimin Jolliffe who will also start in place of Moeaki Fotuaika; meanwhile, a well-rested Klese Haas comes straight back in to fill David Fifita's spot on the edge. Jayden Campbell will wear the No. 1 jersey with AJ Brimson earning a Queensland recall, opening the door for Jojo Fifita to remain in the 17 after an eleventh-hour call-up to play on the wing last Saturday, although Phil Sami is expecting to overcome last week's hamstring tightness that ruled him out in the warm-up against the Raiders and is expecting to start on the wing this weekend. With both Fa'asuamaleaui and Brimson missing this weekend, Kieran Foran will assume captaincy duties for the Sunday afternoon showdown - the last of three big games commencing from 1.15pm. Source: Titans.com.au

Playmakers Blayke Brailey and Nicho Hynes controlled proceedings and Sione Katoa bagged a hat-trick as the Sharks downed Wests Tigers 36-12 at CommBank Stadium on Thursday night. The Sharks have now won 10 of their past 11 clashes against the Tigers and consolidate their place in the toRugby League, four with eight games remaining. After mounting plenty of pressure early the Sharks went up 2-0 when Hynes slotted a penalty goal after David Klemmer was pinged for a high tackle. The Sharks then grabbed their opening try in the 16th minute when Katoa bounced over the line in the right corner to make it 6-0. A spilled bomb by Tigers winger Asu Kepaoa midway through the half handed the Sharks the opportunity to grab a second and it was Siosifa Talakai who powered over from close range to make it 12-0 with Hynes' conversion. Having gone 166 minutes since their last try, the Tigers broke the drought in the 28th minute when a Will Smith cut-out pass found Tommy Talau who crossed for his first four-pointer of the season. Hynes got across the line in the 32nd minute when the Tigers dropped another bomb but Jesse Ramien was penalised for pushing a defender in the lead-up and the try was disallowed. A one-on-one strip by Talau on Ramien in the 38th minute gave the Tigers field position and when Shawn Blore crossed off a superb short ball by Alex Seyfarth the scores were level at the break. The Sharks regained the lead in the 45th minute when Katoa crossed for his second of the night before the Tigers were able to earn a repeat set on the back of a clever grubber by Brandon Wakeham but they were unable to turn the opportunity into points. Another pinpoint kick by Wakeham looked to have set up Talau's second try but the bunker ruled the Tigers centre had lost control of the ball into a Sharks defender as he made the catch. The Sharks marched down field and Ramien bagged his second from a Hynes bomb and the score was out to 22-12. When Talakai powered over for his second try of the night in the 68th minute the Sharks had done enough to rack up their 10th win of the season. A long run by Brailey out of dummy half in the 73rd minute set up Hynes for a try and the Sharks led 32-12 before Katoa completed his hat-trick with a spectacular dive into the corner. The Tigers showed plenty of heart to bounce back from last week's horror show in Townsville but in the end it was a 13th loss of 2023 and they remain last on the ladder. Source: NRL.Com

Papua New Guinea’s International reggae artist Anslom is a finalist for the InterContinental Music Awards (ICMA) for two of his hit songs “Love Me Again” and “Keep Hurting” which have secured final spots in the esteemed awards. The Los Angeles based InterContinental Music Awards honors the year’s most successful artists from every continent across all genres of music. The judging panel includes Hollywood music executives and industry professionals who work with talented singers around the world including Celine Dion, Ricky Martin and Nelly Furtado and many Grammy nominated artists. Winners are rewarded with education, prizes and high quality, direct coaching on how to be successful in the music industry. For any musician to have their original song make it to the finals in the ICMA is a huge deal. For Anslom, having two songs as finalists in the ICMA is a dream realized. “It is a dream come true to be named a finalist in the InterContinental Music Awards" "I am humbled and honoured to be representing Papua New Guinea on such a grand stage." "I express my deepest gratitude to my fans and supporters and management, Bassline." "I look forward to the final rounds of the Awards,” said Anslom. Anslom’s songs convey messages of hope and positivity and bridges gaps in diverse communities and have picked up a fast-growing global audience who love his music. Recently, Anslom was also announced as finalist in The International Singer Songwriters Association (ISSA) in Atlanta, Georgia in the USA, in two categories: · International Band of the Year; and · International Male Album of the Year – Love me again If anything, the singer and songwriter from Papua New Guinea is promoting his country with his passion for music and subtly rising to international fame in leaps and bounds.

Riding high with three wins from their last four games, the SP PNG Hunters will return to the Santos National Football Stadium this Saturday, 8th July to host the Burleigh Bears in Round 17 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. Kickoff is at 3pm. After navigating a difficult start to the year, the Hunters have been back to their best over the last month. The fruits of a challenging preseason are starting to bear fruit as Stanley Tepend’s men work their way through the 2023 regular season, building on their combinations and growing in confidence each week. For the bulk of this current Hunters squad, this is only their first or second year in the Hostplus Cup competition and some growing pains must be expected with such raw talent. As they make the step up from Digicel Cup into the QRL competition though, these young Hunters are showing they’re up for the challenge. In recent weeks, the likes of Joshua Mire, Joshua Lau, Trevor Solu, Seal Kalo and Whallan Tau-Loi have all risen to the occasion and impressed with their ability to fill a void at this level. With such a long and gruelling season, the best clubs are those with good depth and this Hunters squad can consider itself amoung that group in 2023. With five games left in the regular season and an uphill battle before them into the top eight, the Hunters will once again look to defy the odds when they host the ladder-leading Burleigh Bears on Saturday afternoon. The Hunters are no strangers to the underdog tag, having faced – and overcome – some far more fancied opposition in recent weeks. Against the Tweed Seagulls in Round 12, the Sunshine Coast Falcons in Round 15, and the Central Queensland Capras last week, the Hunters rose to the occasion and claimed the two points on offer despite the lofty ladder position of their opponents. In those games, the Hunters defensive resilience and discipline kept them in the contest and in a position to win it late. The points piled up against the Seagulls and Falcons in a reminder of the Hunters attacking skill, but against the Capras last week it was a grind right down until the final sets. The Hunters defence will take plenty of confidence out of their latest win, having conceded just eight points against a Capras attack that averages 23.4 points per game this season. If they can hold their own around the ruck and work in unison on the edges again this weekend, the Hunters will give themselves every chance of claiming another big scalp in their 2023 campaign. The Burleigh Bears won’t make it easy for them though, having played 15 rounds for the best defensive record in the competition at time of writing. Allowing their opposition just 17.3 points per game on average, the Bears employ a patient and grinding gameplan designed to wear their opponent down. Led by QRL veteran halfback Guy Hamilton and boasting a wealth of NRL-contracted talent, the Bears are currently equal first on the Hostplus Cup ladder, tied with the Souths Logan Magpies with 11 wins apiece. They were out of the winners circle last week though, bested by the Falcons in an upset result on the Gold Coast. The Bears will be desperate to return to their winning ways and enjoy a good historical record against the Hunters, having beaten them most recently in Round 6 this season. It’s the Hunters who will enjoy the home ground advantage this time around though, in what is sure to be a fiery and competitive contest at the Santos National Football Stadium.

The development of rugby league in PNG has received a major boost with the appointment of renowned coach, Joe Grima, as the new Head of Elite Player Development. Grima, will bring extensive experience to the role having coached in the Super League, NRL and at International level with both Papua New Guinea and Malta. Having played lower-grade with the Parramatta Eels between 2004 – 2010. Grima began his coaching journey while stll playing, taking on the Head Coach role of the International side Malta, in 2004. Grima then made a smooth transition into full-time coaching, starting as an Assistant Coach at the Cronulla Sharks in 2008, and working with both Ricky Stuart and Shane Flanagan during his time there. This led to a move to the St George Dragons in 2014, where Grima worked closely with Head Coach, Steven Price, to turn the fortunes of the club around. Having served a great apprenticeship as an Assistant Coach, Grima then took the next step, being recruited by the London Broncos as Head Coach in 2014. In his time with the London Broncos, he was able to drive improvement in a young squad that was looking to make an impact in Super League, before an opportunity to return to Australia in 2016, saw Grima take on the role of Assistant Coach at the Parramatta Eels under Brad Arthur, with this role transitioning into his appointment as Eels Coaching Director in 2019. Grima, began his association with Papua New Guinea in 2018, when he joined their rugby league program to work with the Kumuls (men’s) and Orchids (women’s) teams. The culmination of his impact with both programs came in 2019, when he was part of the coaching team that led the Kumuls and Orchids to the most famous night in the history of rugby league in Papua New Guinea, when they defeated the Great Britain Lions and Roses in front of a capacity crowd at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. In more recent times, post COVID, Grima has looked to help develop the next generation of coaches in PNG, conducting a number of coaching updates for the Digicel Exxon Mobil coaches. Andrew Hill, PNG NRL Bid CEO, was delighted that Papua New Guinea and the NRL Bid had been able to appoint such an outstanding coach to help develop the next generation of players in the country.

Prime Minister James Marape fondly remembers the late Sir Kostas Constantinou as "a great man who held a deep affection for Papua New Guinea”. These sentiments were expressed during the funeral service held at the Twelve Apostles Catholic Church in Brisbane on Friday, June 30, 2023. The solemn occasion was attended by a multitude of friends, business associates, prominent PNG leaders, and members of Sir Kostas' family. PM Marape was accompanied by National Capital District Governor Hon. Powes Parkop, Oro Governor Hon. Gary Jufa, Gulf Governor Hon. Chris Haiveta, Minister for Community Development Youth Religion and Sports Hon. Jason Peter, Popondetta MP Hon. Richard Masere and Moresby South MP Hon. Justin Tkatchenko. Sir Kostas Constantinou, who expanded his father Sir George Constantinou's legacy with the Constantinou Group, left an indelible mark across the Pacific. His visionary endeavors encompassed prestigious establishments such as Airways Hotel, Lamana Hotel, Lamana Development, Monier, Hebou, Loloata Island Resort, Gazelle International (PNG), Heritage Park Hotel (Solomon Islands), and Taumeasina Island Resort (Samoa), among others. Renowned for his astute business acumen and magnetic personality, Sir Kostas held esteemed positions as the chairman of prominent organisations including Air Niugini and Bank South Pacific. He exemplified resilience and was deeply committed to empowering Papua New Guineans, fostering employment opportunities, and inspiring countless individuals in their pursuit of progress and prosperity. Furthermore, Sir Kostas served as the Honorary Consul for Greece. Tragically, Sir Kostas passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations to come. During the funeral service, Prime Minister Marape delivered a heartfelt eulogy, reflecting the sentiments shared by the nation. “I stand here today, representing the entire length and breadth of my country Papua New Guinea and our people, to offer our final respects and condolences to the family and friends of the Late Sir Kostas Constantinou, who called PNG home." “Your late father, husband, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many was a humble and well-respected man who believed in greater things for our country PNG, his business, and family." “He was a man larger than life and a giant." "On behalf of my family, the country, ministers, members, governors, business leaders, and others who are here today, I pay respect to a great man who lies before us. “Indeed, we have lost a giant." "Many will miss him." "He served his country Papua New Guinea well." "It is a huge loss for PNG." “If we could bring him back to life, we would, but life belongs to the Maker, the one who has made us and will take us back, like our dear friend, father, and grandfather, the Late Sir Kostas." “I encourage his children, family, and business associates to carry on the wonderful work and deeds he has done for our country." “May his memory live longer." "Goodbye, my good friend.”