Many patients in Kuinga, North Fly District of Western Province are currently being affected due to a lack of dental services. There is no specialist dentist at the Kiunga District Hospital which have caused many patients suffering from toothache problems seeking dental services elsewhere for treatment. Over 1,000 patients within the district have been struggling to access this service for more than 20 years. The district hospital right in the town area has been referring patients to seek dental services in Tabubil hospital. Frustrated patients expressed that fees charged to remove their tooth cost K100 and a bus fee from Kiunga to Tabubil cost K100 both ways which is not affordable for patients especially coming from the rural villages within the district and Western Province at large. A concerned patient Roy Orovet suffering from toothache problem said it is too expensive to seek dental services in private clinic or the company hospital in Tabubil. "I've spent more than K500 to get treatment which is not good and dental services supposed to be provided in Kiunga for easy access." he said. He said most patients remain in their villages and do not go to seek treatment due to this ongoing problem. The last recorded dental service was provided in 2018 and since then, patients have been given open referrals to date. The Kiunga District Hospital management clarified to patients and the people of North Fly that all dental equipment are available but there are no dentists. It is understood the Western Provincial Health Authority (WPHA) has noted this issue two years ago, but the delay is due to slow process of recruitment and lack of co-operation from the provincial leaders. In a recent provincial development forum held in Daru, such issues in the health sector within the province were noted to be addressed but nothing has been done since the beginning of this year. Several attempts made to get comments from Western PHA were unsuccessful. Patients in North Fly District are now calling on the Fly River Provincial Government, the Provincial Executive Council (PEC) members and Western PHA to help address this issue so that effective dental services can be provided at the district hospital in Kiunga.

The SP PNG Hunters have produced their best performance of the 2023 QRL Hostplus Cup season, overcoming the Tweed Seagulls 34-18 in a dominant second half display on Saturday afternoon. Despite conceding first points through experienced NRL halfback Toby Sexton, the Hunters held their nerve to quickly drag the game into a grind. A huge shot from Tommy Moide – starting at lock in place of his injured skipper Ila Alu – in the kick-off set forced an error from Tweed on tackle one, and Moide was the man to turn that field position into points a few tackles later. As a light rain settled over the stadium, both teams were forced to adjust their approach in attack. The Seagulls though – who employ an expansive approach to their footy – stuck to their guns to move the ball smoothly across the field. Mire was first to setup points when he rolled a beautifully weighted grubber kick into the in goal for captain Brandon Nima to score just short of the dead-ball line. Not to be outdone by his halves partner, Mavoko stepped up in PNG’s next attacking set to bamboozle Tweed’s defence on their own line. Just as he did last week against the Pride, Mavoko used his footwork and sleight of hand to engage two defenders before passing Morea Morea into a space on the edge. Morea’s try gave PNG an 18-12 lead going into the sheds. The Hunters took the field in the second half with intent. They went set for set with Tweed in yardage as both sides fought for ascendency. Again though, it was the kicking game of Mire and Mavoko that slowly swung momentum in PNG’s favour. Mavoko’s starring performance continued the other side of the ball as the Seagulls desperately tried to reduce PNG’s lead. Twice in consecutive attacking sets the visitors fell into shape down their left edge, only for Mavoko to come up with a big defensive play to shut things down. Taking confidence from their defence, the Hunters added to the scoreboard as the clock wound down. The Hunters weren’t done there though. Getting reward for his leading role in the frontrow, Hunters prop Junior Rop crashed over the line in the final minutes to ice the game for PNG. A consolation try to Seagulls winger Kaleb Ngamanu allowed Tweed to finish on a positive note, but it was all the Hunters in Round 12. With improved discipline and a good kicking game to end their sets, the Hunters were able to play most of the contest in Tweed’s territory. The craft and ballplaying of Mire and Mavoko proved too much for Tweed to handle from there as PNG took their opportunities in attack. With two more home games at Santos NFS in the coming weeks, the Hunters have a wonderful opportunity to climb up the Hostplus Cup ladder and stay in touch with the top eight. SP PNG Hunters Head Coach Stanley Tepend was delighted with his team’s response after a recent run of narrow losses. “Some of the defense on our own try line was great,” said Tepend. “We scrambled really well to save a couple of certain tries.” “The boys really showed a never give up attitude. We were undermanned by injuries and suspensions; we had young players in the spine but despite the disruption we got the job done.” Tepend said it was a strong team performance but was happy to pay tribute to some individual efforts. “I thought Jamie (Mavoko) was great for us. They targeted him all game but he held his own in defence and made a number of crucial tackles. We’re starting to see the kind of player he really is which is great for him and for us as a team.” “Sanny (Wabo) through the middle is doing a good job too. His leg speed and footwork once fatigue sets in is a real point of difference for us. Against those tired forwards he’s working really well.” “The boys will take a lot of confidence out of that one and we’ll carry that into training this week. It should be another good game next Saturday (10/6) against the Clydesdales.”

Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary is set to miss the remainder of the 2023 Ampol State of Origin series after picking up a hamstring injury in his side's win over the Dragons on Sunday night. Penrith confirmed on Monday that the Blues star would be sidelined for six weeks, ruling him out for selection for the remaining two Origin fixtures. Cleary was running back towards the defensive line in the 15th minute before clutching at his hamstring and reluctantly leaving the field. In the same game, Dragons forward Jack de Belin was placed on a stretcher and taken from the field after suffering a head injury while tackling Lindsay Smith following a kick restart. Play was stopped midway through the second half as medical staff from both clubs attended to de Belin, who was able to get back on his feet inside the sheds but is set to be stood down for at least 11 days under concussion protocols. Meanwhile, Rabbitohs forwards Jai Arrow and Cameron Murray are also in doubt for Origin II after failing to finish their side's match against the Titans. Arrow suffered an ankle injury in the 20th minute and hobbled from the field before undergoing a fitness test that ruled him out of the match. He watched from the sideline in a moonboot, while holding a set of crutches. “It feels really jammed up at the back and I did get told it is a syndesmosis [injury], but hopefully it is a minor grading. It is a bit disappointing," Arrow told Fox League. Murray came from the field after aggravating a groin injury from Wednesday night's series opener and he did not return. "I thought it was just a bit of tightness and I thought after five or 10 minutes it just would have warmed up, but it got a bit sore during the game and there was a tackle there where I over-stretched it a bit," Murray said. Melbourne centre Justin Olam and Bulldogs hooker Reed Mahoney both failed head injury assessments on Sunday and will be monitored in the lead-up to Round 15. Dolphins pair Tom Gilbert (shoulder) and Jeremy Marshall-King (shoulder) missed Round 14 due to injuries while centre Brenko Lee (calf) failed to finish against the Warriors. Warriors centre Rocco Berry is set to be stood down for Round 15 clash with the Raiders after he failed a HIA in the first half against the Dolphins, along with Manly star Tom Trbojevic, who suffered a concussion in Origin I. Source: NRL.Com

Five tries between wingers Semi Valemei and Murray Taulagi led the Cowboys to a stunning 45-20 victory over the Storm in Townsville on Sunday. The scores were locked at 14-14 at the break but it was North Queensland with their season on the line who laid on five tries in the second half to stun the Storm juggernaut with an attacking masterclass. Mid-season recruit Valemei shone in his first game as a Cowboy, replacing veteran winger Kyle Feldt's regular spot on the right-edge, showing his pace and skill to finish off a dominant attacking display from playmakers Chad Townsend and Tom Dearden. Languishing in 16th place, the Cowboys needed to break their losing streak if they hope to turn the corner on their season and with the help of returning Maroons - Tom Dearden, Valentine Holmes, Jeremiah Nanai, Reuben Cotter and Taulagi - Todd Payten's side stood up in front of the Cowboys faithful on Sunday afternoon. The Cowboys got off to a flying start with some slick attacking sets setting up Raiders recruit Valemei with back-to-back tries in his first eight minutes a Cowboy. But come the 22nd minute and the Storm were quick to expose the poor defence seen from the Cowboys right-edge this season, with Nick Meaney looping a pass to winger Xavier Coates who crossed the line almost untouched. Yet the home side were quick to make Melbourne pay for a costly handling error with Tom Dearden and Scott Drinkwater combining to put Origin star Valentine Holmes through for North Queensland's third try. Holmes couldn't convert his own try, leaving the score 14-6. But coach Todd Payten wasn't smiling for long when Melbourne's left edge once again left Cowboys defenders in their wake, with powerhouse Justin Olam crossing the line before leaving the field for a HIA. A Meaney penalty goal three minutes later brought the scores level 14-14 at the break. Making it a club debut to remember, Valemei crossed for a hattrick in the opening minutes of the second half. With Coates knocking a looping pass into the hands of Hiku who put the young winger through in the corner to make it three. But Cowboys flyer Taulagi couldn't let the right edge have all the fun and powered on to the end of a Holmes pass to cross in the left corner. Holmes conversion made it 26-14. While Meaney crossed again for Melbourne, a double from Taulagi followed by Nanai crossing for one of his own was enough to put the home side in a comfortable 18-point lead with fifteen minutes to play. But it was Townsend who iced the Round 14 win after Hiku broke the line down the right-edge before finding the skipper who crashed over the line for North Queensland’s eighth. Source: NRL.Com

Blockbusting winger Corey Oates has been elevated to the starting team to make his comeback from injury in tonight’s Round 14 clash with the Sharks in Sydney. Oates, who has been sidelined since hurting his knee in the Round 8 win over the Eels in Darwin, will replace Selwyn Cobbo after the finisher copped a knock to his hip scoring his second try in Queensland’s State Of Origin victory on Wednesday night. The Broncos’ four other Origin players – Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas, Thomas Flegler and Reece Walsh – are all expected to take their spots against the Sharks, although fullback Tristan Sailor will travel to Sydney in case Walsh doesn’t pull up. Coach Kevin Walters said: “Selwyn hasn’t come up too well so we’ll spell him this weekend, while Reece is recovering from his first Origin so we’ll just make sure that he’s right to go over the next 24 hours, and we’ll take Tristan down as cover for him in case. “We’re very confident that Tristan can do a job if he’s required but Reece is tough and he did great the other night – but that is in the past now and if he is playing with us tomorrow night, which I believe he will be, then he’ll need to get his focus back to clubland with us at the Broncos.” Walters has also settled on an interchange bench of Cory Paix, Kobe Hetherington, Martin Taupau and Brendan Piakura – with Corey Jensen unlucky to miss out on a spot in the 17 in a reflection of the squad’s strong depth in 2023. Updated Team List v Sharks 1 Reece Walsh 2 Jesse Arthars 3 Kotoni Staggs 4 Herbie Farnworth 22 Corey Oates 6 Ezra Mam 7 Adam Reynolds © 8 Thomas Flegler 9 Billy Walters 10 Payne Haas 11 Kurt Capewell 12 Jordan Riki 13 Pat Carrigan Interchange 14 Cory Paix 16 Kobe Hetherington 17 Martin Taupau 19 Brendan Piakura   21 Xavier Willison 23 Tristan Sailor Source: NRL.Com

The Raiders withstood a withering comeback by Wests Tigers to come away with a 20-19 win at Campbelltown Stadium on Friday night. After leading 18-0 with 12 minutes to play the Raiders conceded three tries in four minutes and a field goal to fall behind 19-18 before a Jamal Fogarty penalty goal put them back in front. The sin binning of Raiders hooker Tom Starling in the 68th minute proved pivotal, the Tigers going into overdrive with tries to Jahream Bula, John Bateman and Brandon Wakeham in the space of four minutes levelling the scores at 18-18. Luke Brooks then calmly potted a field goal from 30 metres out to put the Tigers ahead 19-18 before Fogarty was collected late by Isaiah Papali'i as the Raiders No.7 launched a field goal attempt to try and level the scores. Papali'i made contact with Fogarty's legs as he tried to put pressure on the kick and the ensuing penalty goal put Canberra back in front 20-19 and that's how it finished. Fogarty was the star for Canberra with two tries from pinpoint kicks aimed at the goalposts and a try assist as the Green Machine made it 10 wins in their past 11 clashes with the Tigers. The Raiders got the scoring going in the seventh minute when Fogarty produced a pinpoint grubber into the goalpost pad and collected the rebound to score for an early 6-0 lead. The home side threatened to hit back in the 16th minute when Bula exploded into the back field and found Fonua Pole in support but Raiders centre Matt Timoko ran him down and the ball split free in the tackle. The Tigers created another opportunity in the 29th minute on the back of a sharp run by Api Koroisau and a string of offloads but back-rower Papali'i was bundled into touch just short of the line as the Raiders scrambled well. A towering bomb by Fogarty seven minutes before half-time led to the Raiders' second try when Bula put the ball down and Jordan Rapana pounced for his 100th career try. Fogarty's conversion made it 12-0. Back-to-back six again calls in the opening minutes of the second term gave the Tigers a chance to hit back but a poor pass by Koroisau saw them come up empty. The Raiders then stretched their lead to 18-0 after Fogarty again grubbered the ball into the goalpost and regained to complete just the second try double of his career. The Tigers continued to mount pressure but some poor last-tackle options from Brooks and Wakeham meant they were unable to crack the resolute Raiders defence. On the back of the Raiders giving away their eighth set restart of the night, Starling was sent to the bin with 12 minutes to play and the Tigers pounced, Tommy Talau creating space for Bula to score. The Tigers then made it two tries in two minutes when Bateman surged over from dummy half after a Brooks line break put them on the front foot. Wakeham converted the try to close the gap to six points. Wakeham then grabbed a four-pointer of his own from a grubber kick in the 73rd minute and the Tigers had remarkably drawn level at 18-18. A frantic final four minutes then unfolded as Brooks put the Tigers in front and Fogarty guided the winning penalty goal through the sticks to wrap up Canberra's eighth win of the season. The Tigers have now lost their past six games at Campbelltown Stadium but they can be proud of their effort to come back from 18 points down when it seemed the Raiders were cruising to an easy win. Source: NRL.Com

The red army nation Hekari United FC has gone down 2-1 to AS Academy of New Caledonia during the Women’s Oceania Football Champions (WOFC) League second match of day one on Thursday 01st May. Even though Hekari FC did not expect the loss, they still tried their best and pushed through till full time. Hekari was caught off guard in the first 2 minutes of the game when AS Academy’s Ronaldine Hnaune scored her side’s first goal of the match. Coming back at second half, Hekari pulled through with a penalty goal after AS Academy struck down Gloria Laeli right in their opponent’s 18-yard box. The penalty put both teams in a tie. But AS Academy did not settle for a tie as they came to be champs of their first inaugural WOFC match with another impressive quick play by Ashley Xadrudrue Gowet after coming off the bench to top the score board, 2-1. Hekari United FC Coach Erickson Komeng was pleased with the performance of his team but not the result he wanted in front of the home crowd going down to AS Academy FC of New Caledonia. “The girls played well today. That’s football. One team has to win and the other has to loose and we didn’t get the result today, I am proud of the girls. We just have to go back and comeback stronger in the next game. ” He added that the girls just need to trust themselves and believe in themselves to get better results in the next game. Meanwhile, AS Academy Feminine coach Coralie Bretegnier said it was a physically challenging game, but she is proud of her team’s effort for giving their all to claim their first WOFC win.

The SP PNG Hunters will resume the hunt this Saturday, 3rd June when they host the Tweed Seagulls at the Santos National Football Stadium in Round 12 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. The Hunters are in the midst of a four-game stretch on home soil having fallen just short to the visiting Northern Pride last weekend. Running out to an early lead in that game thanks largely to the involvements of halfback Jamie Mavoko, the Hunters were dealt a harsh blow with skipper Ila Alu leaving the field due to injury and two more Hunters players sent to the sinbin. Despite going into the sheds up 16-6, the Hunters couldn’t overcome the added pressure and fatigue caused by their disrupted bench rotation. In contrast, the Pride made the most of their opportunities in the second half and played to the wet conditions smartly. The Tweed Seagulls also come into QRL Round 12 following a loss, having capitulated against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls after taking an early lead. Currently sitting in 7th position on the QRL Hostplus Cup ladder, Tweed will be desperate to return to their winning ways against the Hunters on Saturday afternoon and maintain their position inside the Top Eight. The match will Kickoff is at 3pm. Team List 1. Morea Morea 2. Brandon Nima (Captain) 3. Julius Igila 4. Rodrick Tai 5. Solo Wane 6. Joshua Mire 7. Jamie Mavoko 8. Junior Rop 9. Judah Rimbu 10. Epel Kapinias 11. Benji Kot 12. Julius Yakopa 13. Tommy Moide 14. Trevor Solu 15. Sanny Wabo 16. Seal Kalo 17. Casey Dickson 18. Siki Konden 19. Matthew Jesse

A total of 78,966 Grade 10 students in Papua New Guinea have sat the National Written Expression Examination yesterday (June 1st 2023). The exam topic across all 452 high and secondary schools nationwide was "MY BEST FRIEND". In Western Province, the written expression exam was conducted in six secondary schools and five high schools within the province. In North Fly District, a total of 302 grade 10 students from Kiunga Secondary School sat the exams while in Middle Fly District, a total of 42 grade 10 students attending the Aiambak High School also sat the exam on Thursday 01st May. Within the province, a total of 1,657 students sat the written expression exams. Western Provincial Education Adviser Mr. Charlie Buia said all exam papers were distributed in days earlier prior to the exam date, adding that all schools within the province conducted the Written Expression Exam well. Following the Grade 10 exams, the written expression for all grade 12's across the country will be conducted on August 7th this academic year.

An outstanding performance by the Labasa FC of Fiji saw them secured their first historic win against Kiwi FC of Samoa 6-0 in the inaugural Women’ Oceania Football Championships (WOFC) League played at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, Port Moresby. Labasa FC and Kiwi FC had the honors to play the first match to open the Inaugural OFC Women's Club Championships on Thursday 01st June. Eight minutes into the game, Labasa FC proved too good for the Samoan side, scoring their first goal by number 16 Sofi Diyalowa and with the wind on their side, Labasa took no chances and scored another set of goals by their striker Stella Naivalulevu taking them to 3-0 to lead in the first half of the match. Coming back at second half, Kiwi FC improved on their defence play as they tried their best to hold off Labasa from adding to their tally. But it was not over yet for team Fiji as Unaisi Tuberi scored another goal and Adi Vulitikoro claiming another point to take Labasa further up. Even though the stadium was not packed, Labasa got all the support from the small number of supporters from the Fijian communities living in Port Moresby to boost their side’s team to win their first ever Womens OFC Champions match. Labasa FC head coach Arthur Simmons was very happy with his teams result and said that it is very important to be on the front foot, but they need to improve on somethings before their next match on Saturday. “We’ve missed a lot of sitters and it could have been a bigger score margin. So that’s something that we have to work on tomorrow (Friday 02nd May).” He also added that the Fijian fans have gone around to the hotel where they are residing at and encouraged the team and telling them that they will be there to cheer their girls on, which was a boost to the team. Meanwhile, Kiwi FC Coach Leti Tamasese said even though her team lost this afternoon they still performed in their best ability. “Our goalkeeper was our saver today. Without the saves she made, the score would have gone up to 10 points against us. But they work hard together and keep going and they never gave up and I’m proud of that.” Overall, both teams stated that they are enjoying their time here, especially the hospitality.

Out of the 78, 966 grade 10 students nationwide who will sit for their National Written Expression Exam today, a total of 1, 657 Grade 10 students from six secondary schools and five high schools in Western Province will be sitting for their Written Expression Exam. Western Provincial Education Advisor Mr. Charlie Buia said that all exam papers have already been distributed to respective schools within the province to conduct the exams as scheduled on this year's academic calendar. He urged students and teachers to observe the exam rules and malpractices should not be entertained adding such practices would result in non-certification for students. He challenged the students to prioritize education for a better living and parents in Western Province are advised to must also play their roles in educating their children. Mr. Buia stressed that the students would be sitting for their final exams in October this year, for Grade 10's, 12's and 8's, hence students should focus on studies and strive for excellence.

After launching the Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIA) last Friday in Kiunga, more than 500 babies have been immunized. Health workers in Kiunga confirmed that vaccines for measles, rubella and polio as well as Vitamin A nutritional supplement have been delivered to children aged five years and below. Parents in North Fly District have been advised that immunizing children is important for their wellbeing. According to Kiunga District Hospital Management Team, six teams comprising of health workers have been dispatched to town including nearby settlements to conduct the Immunization program. This Immunization program is expected to continue for the next three weeks, not only in Kiunga, but rural villages along the Kiunga-Tabubil highway and the villages along the Fly River. In Western Province, common sickness like tuberculosis (TB), malaria and asthma have been affecting the lives of people; therefore, immunizing children at an early age will boost their immune system to fight against such sicknesses.