Queensland Maroons captain Cameron Munster delivered one of the most emotionally charged performances in State of Origin history last night, leading his side to a series victory just days after the passing of his father. After going down one game to nil to the New South Wales Blues in Game One in Brisbane, the odds were firmly stacked against the Maroons. The Blues featured a powerful halves pairing in four-time NRL premiership-winning halfback Nathan Cleary and 2024 Origin-winning halfback Mitchell Moses, widely regarded as two of the best in the game today. In a bold move, Queensland coach Billy Slater made a significant leadership change following the Game One defeat, replacing veteran captain Daly Cherry-Evans with Munster. The decision was based on Munster’s proven Origin pedigree, including being named Player of the Series in 2020 and Man of the Match in Game One of 2022, along with his strong working relationship with Slater through 16 Origin appearances. Heading into Game Two in Perth, Queensland unveiled a new halves combination, with Munster partnering rising star Tom Dearden. Although Mitchell Moses was sidelined with a knee injury, New South Wales still fielded a strong spine including Jarome Luai and the returning Cleary. Queensland responded with grit. While they scored one try fewer than New South Wales, Valentine Holmes' accurate goal-kicking proved decisive, securing a narrow two-point victory to keep the series alive. Before the decider, Queensland suffered another setback. Fullback Kalyn Ponga was ruled out with injury, prompting Slater to shift Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, also known as The Hammer, to fullback and hand a debut to Brisbane Broncos centre Gehamat Shibasaki. Veteran forward Josh Papali’i also returned to the side, riding strong form as the Canberra Raiders sat at the top of the NRL ladder. Tragically, just days before Game Three, Munster’s father passed away. The news shocked the NRL community. Slater initially released Munster from the squad, but on Sunday morning, Munster sat with his coach and told him quietly, “I’m playing.” At the post-match press conference, an emotional Slater, who also lost his father in January, reflected on that moment. “I knew his father would have wanted him to play, so I had to let him,” Slater said. “Over my four years as coach, this is my proudest moment. The bloke on my left is the most courageous and bravest man to captain this special squad. I do not know how he did it.” The Maroons turned the game into a tribute. Their first half was clinical. Queensland completed sets with precision, made fewer errors, and built a twenty-point lead by halftime. It was a stunning and dominant performance. In the second half, the Maroons sustained pressure, particularly on the left edge that had been exposed in Game Two. Valentine Holmes and Murray Taulagi kept Latrell Mitchell and Brian To’o in check. Tom Dearden even saved a certain try from To’o, adding to his standout night. The Blues crossed for a late try, but it was not enough. Dearden went over for his second try, sealing the Maroons' emotional series win. As the full-time siren sounded, Munster and Slater embraced in a tearful captain and coach moment, embodying the spirit and resilience of their side. At the press conference, Munster held back tears as he thanked the wider rugby league community. “I am thankful to the NRL community for your support, to Billy and the Queensland coaching staff, and to my brothers who stood with me.” He concluded by dedicating the victory to teammate Josh Papali’i. “This one is also for Papa. It is his last year in the comp. We got this one for him too.”

National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has strongly condemned the violent unrest that erupted in Port Moresby on Tuesday, calling it a serious threat to law and order and demanding urgent reform of the city’s public transport system. The violence, reportedly led by Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) drivers and their relatives following the fatal stabbing of a crew member, saw parts of the capital descend into chaos, causing widespread fear and disruption for city residents. Governor Parkop expressed sympathy for the victim’s family but firmly denounced the retaliatory attacks, stating: “While I share the public’s grief and outrage... it does not in any way justify the reckless and tribal violence that followed.” He stressed that such disorder is unacceptable in modern society and has tarnished the image of Port Moresby as a peaceful and investment-ready city. In a call to action, Parkop urged police to identify and arrest those responsible for the riots and called on the Road Traffic Authority (RTA) to suspend licenses of the PMVs involved. He also proposed that the RTA’s regulatory role be reviewed and possibly transferred to the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) for stronger oversight. “This incident must be a turning point,” he said. “We must now urgently de-tribalize the public transport system... The culture of tribal identity and revenge has no place in our public services.” Governor Parkop further appealed to the Minister for Transport to enact sweeping reforms to restore order and professionalism in the sector. The Governor concluded by reaffirming the city’s commitment to public safety and rule of law: “We must act – swiftly and decisively – to restore confidence.”

The Governor for National Capital District (NCD) Powes Parkop highlighted the significance of 'One City, One Country, One Future' at the official launching of the PNG Story Month celebration at the Sir Hubert Murray stadium in Port Moresby city in the lead up to the 50th independence anniversary, beginning with the Southern Region. The month-long celebration is part of a broader national storytelling initiative that began in May and continues through to September, exploring PNG’s cultural and historical journey through the voices of its diverse regions and communities. Addressing crowd in attendance, Governor Parkop reflected on the Southern Region’s deep-rooted significance. “Southern Region is where the PNG story began. In Hanuabada, the Union Jack was first raised in 1884, and from here, the journey to nationhood took root.” He shared personal memories from his youth, starting school in 1968, witnessing his parents vote during the early days of self-governance, and singing the national anthem in 1973. “We imagined a united country, despite our thousand tribes and languages.” Calling on young Papua New Guineans to take ownership of the nation’s future, Governor Parkop posed a challenge to them. “Our time is almost up, but your time is now. Where do you see your city and country in 2075?” He reminded the nation of key Southern Region milestones, from Yule Island, where the national flag was first designed, to the Haus of Assembly, where leaders voted for independence. “We achieved independence peacefully. Let’s keep that spirit of unity alive.” Traditional songs, dances, and cultural displays from Central, Gulf, Oro, Milne Bay, and Western provinces became the heartbeat of the day, each performance offering a powerful narrative of identity, resilience, and unity. Governor Parkop extended heartfelt thanks to the performers, the audience, and the organizing teams from the National Capital District Commission and Amazing Port Moresby for staging the successful launch event. The spotlight now shifts northward, with New Guinea Islands Day set for Saturday, July 12, featuring cultural showcases from East and West New Britain, New Ireland, Manus, and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. The PNG Story Month continues, honoring the past, celebrating the present, and shaping a future grounded in unity.

Nathan Cleary is once again at the center of controversy ahead of tomorrow's State of Origin decider. At just 27, he has already accomplished more than many of the game's greatest names, including several NRL Immortals. Yet, despite his accolades, critics continue to argue that Cleary will never match the legacy of Andrew Johns, widely regarded as New South Wales’ greatest ever halfback. But unlike Johns, who debuted in Origin in his late 20s and only reached his peak in his 30s, Cleary is still years away from what many believe could be his prime. The Penrith playmaker already has four NRL Premierships under his belt and led the Blues to back-to-back Origin series wins in 2021 and 2022. The debate surrounding Cleary’s legacy intensified during Monday night’s episode of 100% Footy on Nine’s Wide World of Sports, where Phil Gould, Paul Gallen, and Cameron Smith weighed in. Gould passionately defended Cleary, dismissing claims that he isn’t an Origin great. “This kid has already achieved so much, and he’s only 27,” Gould said. “His focus, determination, and dedication to the game already make him an Immortal in my eyes." "Unfortunately for the Maroons, he hasn’t even reached his peak yet — most Origin greats don’t until their late 20s or early 30s.” Both former Origin captains, Cameron Smith and Paul Gallen, strongly backed Gould’s comments, agreeing that Cleary’s best is still yet to come. As the decider looms, all eyes will be on Cleary. And if history is any guide, the best may truly be yet to come.

South Pacific Brewery (SP Brewery) has confirmed a K5000 contribution to support preparations for this year’s National Mask and Warwagira Festival, an event that celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of East New Britain. Scheduled to take place from July 9th to 12th in Kokopo, East New Britain Province, the festival is one of Papua New Guinea’s iconic cultural events, showcasing traditional dances, masks, and customs from across the region. SP Brewery’s Regional Sales Manager for the New Guinea Islands, Leon Schulz, said the company was pleased to assist. “This festival aligns with our goal of fostering unity and celebrating cultural diversity,” he said. “We are proud to play a small role in helping communities come together through such an important event.” Festival organizers acknowledged the support and highlighted the challenges of hosting cultural events without adequate funding. “Contributions like this go a long way in helping us preserve our cultural identity and pass it on to future generations,” a committee spokesperson said. As part of its involvement, SP Brewery will set up a booth at the event to promote awareness around responsible alcohol consumption. Only individuals over the legal drinking age will be permitted to engage with the booth for materials and activities. The organizers say this year’s festival will feature a variety of performances and exhibitions from local and international groups, drawing visitors from around the country and abroad.

For the first time in Pacific Games history, every national team participating in the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau is supported by a dedicated safeguarding officer. This proactive move, led by the Pacific Games Council, signals a regional shift toward prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of athletes and officials. Complementing this initiative is the Safe Games Team, a group of four regional safeguarding champions representing Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and Palau. Leading the team is Roshika Deo, Team Up’s GEDSI and Safeguarding Officer, who is also the Games’ official Safeguarding Team Leader. In a key step toward stronger collaboration, the Safe Games Team hosted a networking session today with safeguarding officers from across the participating nations. The session created space for sharing on-the-ground experiences, reviewing current protocols, and identifying opportunities to further strengthen safeguarding support during the Games. Among the standout advocates in this space are Milton Kisapai, a former elite athlete and anti-doping facilitator, and Delisha, a sports administrator and safeguarding facilitator. Both serve as safeguarding focal points for Team PNG, bringing with them years of expertise in athlete protection and clean sport advocacy. Together with local service providers, the Safe Games Team and safeguarding officers are working to raise public awareness and ensure clear, accessible pathways for reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns. These coordinated efforts reflect a growing regional commitment to making sport safe, inclusive, and empowering for all.

A kaleidoscope of colours, rhythm, and reflection unfolded at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium yesterday 05th of July 2025 as Southern Region Day officially opened the month-long PNG Story celebrations in honour of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary. Under the uniting theme “One Drum, Many Echoes,” the Southern Region showcased the full strength of its cultural pride and creative expression, drawing crowds from across the city. Twelve singsing groups and six cultural string bands from the provinces of Central, Gulf, Western, Oro, and Milne Bay lit up the stadium grounds with traditional dances, chants, and musical storytelling as part of the day's program. The performances were more than entertainment as they were powerful expressions of identity and unity. However, it was a raw and moving stage performance that blended cultural and modern elements, titled 'Where Do We Go from Here?' by the Kove Arts Theatre Youths, that stood out—bringing the crowd to silence with its deep and timely message. Written and directed by Kove Arts Theatre Director and Founder Rodney Kove, the drama challenged Papua New Guineans to reflect on their collective journey after 49 years of independence and consider where the nation is heading in its next chapter. “These young people you saw performing, some of them live on the streets. I gathered them from all over the provinces. In two weeks, we wrote and rehearsed this play,” Kove shared. “They spoke from their hearts. It’s their story. It’s our country.” In a symbolic crossroads formation, the youths posed critical questions to public servants, politicians, and everyday citizens by urging unity, accountability, and compassion. “One of the lines says it all: ‘Our Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare placed us all in one basket called Papua New Guinea.’ That’s a reminder. We may have 865 languages, but we are still one nation. We must act like it,” said Kove. A banner displayed and carried on stage captured the central message: “UNITY IN DIVERSITY, WITH 865 LANGUAGES: YOUR COUNTRY, MY COUNTRY, OUR COUNTRY. GOD BLESS PNG.” The message was translated into four local languages representing each region—Bunja from Oro (Southern), Manus (Islands), a language from Momase, and one from Gulf Province, each highlighting inclusivity and shared identity. Kove continues to work with vulnerable youth through theatre, paying them for their involvement and nurturing their talents. “This wasn’t just a performance—it was healing, expression, and purpose. We have to look after our children now, before they end up on the streets. That’s what this play is about,” he added. While the drama left many in deep thought, the day overall was a joyful celebration of Southern identity. From the lively kundu beats of Gulf Province to the graceful canoe dances of Milne Bay, and the rhythmic storytelling of Central’s string bands, the Southern Region proudly echoed the PNG Story’s call for unity and cultural pride. As the PNG Story continues throughout July—with region days for Niugini Islands, Highlands, and Momase all stands, the message from the South is clear: Culture connects, and youth voices matter.

Sri Lankan pop sensation Yohani made her highly anticipated debut in Papua New Guinea this week, delivering not only an electrifying performance at the Musical Extravaganza at The Stanley Hotel & Suites last night, but also a heartfelt visit to Brown River that touched the lives of a community often overlooked. Best known for her viral hit “Manike Mage Hithe”, Yohani who is signed under India’s most subscribed YouTube label, T-Series was the headline act for the high-profile, charity-based concert organized by the Sri Lanka–Papua New Guinea Friendship Foundation (SLPNGFF). The event was the culmination of a week-long campaign aimed at raising funds for vital health services and outreach programs in rural PNG. But her impact wasn’t only felt under the stage lights. Just days before the main event, Yohani visited the Brown River community on Thursday, 3 July, offering something deeper than entertainment. Joined by the Sri Lankan pop-rock band The Infinity, their visit featured an intimate acoustic set, including a stripped-back cover of “Price Tag” by Jessie J sending a powerful message about compassion and connection through music. Children and families in the village were left inspired and uplifted by her presence, especially given that for many, this was the first time meeting an international artist face-to-face. The visit was part of SLPNGFF’s humanitarian outreach, a core pillar of the foundation’s ongoing work in PNG. On concert night, Yohani’s entrance onto the Kokoda Ballroom stage was met with deafening applause. She opened with her signature mix of Sinhala ballads, pop anthems, and newly released tracks from her latest album, blending South Asian sounds with international pop beats. The show’s emotional peak came when she teamed up with PNG’s star Rhée Gial for a rousing duet of Livin' La Vida Loca" by Ricky Martin. The performance was more than nostalgic because it was symbolic, capturing the harmony between visiting and local artists. Another standout moment came with her energetic cover of “ATP”, the 2024 global smash by Rosie and Bruno Mars. Backed by Infinity, Yohani’s vocals soared over a rich wave of pop-rock instrumentation, creating a soundscape that had the crowd on their feet. The SLPNGFF Musical Extravaganza wasn’t just a night of lights and music, but it was a corporate humanitarian initiative with clear objectives: Delivering healthcare support to underserved rural communities Promoting child nutrition and maternal wellness Encouraging cultural exchange between Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea The night ended with Yohani voice echoing far beyond the ballroom—carried into homes, into communities like Brown River, and into the hearts of a nation that embraced her not just as a performer, but as an artist in solidarity.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated 1,000 megaphones to the National Department of Health (NDoH) and Provincial Health Authorities to strengthen health education efforts in Papua New Guinea's rural communities. At the official handover ceremony yesterday in Port Moresby, UNICEF Representative Dr Veera Mendonça highlighted the importance of the equipment in improving community outreach, particularly for maternal and child health. “The megaphones are intended to support efforts in strengthening community mobilization, increasing immunization coverage, and enhancing health promotion activities,” said Dr Mendonça. She emphasized that the devices would help deliver timely, accurate, and culturally appropriate health education to remote areas. “While we have made commendable progress in reducing maternal mortality — from a high of 733 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2006 to 171 today — we must remember that this still means at least one woman dies every day due to complications from childbirth,” Dr Mendonça stated. She added that more than 60,000 mothers develop complications or disabilities annually. “These statistics are a stark reminder of the challenges we continue to face. Currently, 45 out of every 1,000 children do not survive their first year, only 56% of pregnant women access antenatal care, and just 32% of women deliver in health facilities,” she said. Dr Mendonça stressed the critical need for ongoing efforts to improve maternal and child health services. The megaphone donation is part of UNICEF’s broader support to the Government of Papua New Guinea. In collaboration with the NDoH and key partners, UNICEF is also supporting initiatives to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus, roll out a nationwide polio vaccination campaign in response to a recent outbreak, and boost routine immunization coverage. “We urge all Provincial Health Authorities to ensure these megaphones are distributed quickly to health facilities, where they can be used for health education sessions, outreach campaigns, and community engagement,” Dr Mendonça added. Receiving the megaphones on behalf of the NDoH, Mr. Ken Wai, Executive Manager for Public Health, expressed gratitude and recognized the impact the equipment will have at the grassroots level. “Every health clinic must get one of these,” Mr. Wai said. “We need to get out and tell people to be healthy. On behalf of every mother and child in Papua New Guinea, I say thank you!”

Veteran weightlifter Dika Toua headlined an unforgettable day for Team Papua New Guinea at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games on Friday, 4 July, as PNG’s athletes delivered a string of impressive performances across several sports with most notably in weightlifting, table tennis, va’a, and softball. WEIGHTLIFTING — 5 GOLD MEDALS Dika Toea, a legend in the sport, secured gold in her category, continuing her dominance on the regional stage and setting the tone for PNG’s medal haul. This led to 5 gold medals across both men’s and women’s weight classes. These performances solidified PNG’s reputation as a powerhouse in Pacific weightlifting. TABLE TENNIS — BRONZE & GOLD MATCH QUALIFICATION Brothers Geoffrey and David Loi secured bronze in the Men’s Open Doubles, with a dominating defeat over Tahiti in the playoff round. Meanwhile Para table tennis athlete Haoda Agari earned a straight-sets win over Tonga (3–0), qualifying him for the gold medal match in his division. VA’A CANOEING — BUILDING ON STRONG MOMENTUM While no races were scheduled for PNG’s va’a team yesterday, their silver medal from the Men’s V6 1500 m race from Wednesday 3rd of July continues to boost the national tally. This remains in strong contention with upcoming events like the V1 16 km endurance race, where paddlers aim for more podium finishes WOMEN’S SOFTBALL — FALLS SHORT IN BRONZE FINAL Team PNG’s women’s softball team gave a valiant effort in the bronze medal match against Micronesia but finished just short of a podium finish. Despite the loss, the team showed grit throughout the tournament and gained valuable international experience. CURRENT MEDAL TALLY (as of 4 July 2025) Gold Silver Bronze Total 7 10 12 29 This tally includes updated results from canoeing, weightlifting, table tennis, and other disciplines. Looking ahead today 5th July: More weightlifting finals to come Va’a long-distance V1 races resume 3×3 basketball and indoor volleyball continue Haoda Agari’s gold medal match in para table tennis Team PNG’s 4 July performance, anchored by Dika Toea’s golden lift, reflects the nation’s competitive fire and unity on the Pacific stage. With several days of competition remaining, the squad continues to chase excellence, pride, and medals for the red, black, and gold.

A group of university students from the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUOT), known as the UNITECH Lasallians and Friends Association, have launched a school awareness program aimed at inspiring and guiding current secondary students in Port Moresby. The program began on Thursday, July 3rd, at La Salle Technical Secondary School, where Principal Br. Anthony welcomed the initiative with heartfelt words: “It is good seeing students leading students in the right path. Thank you for taking your time to come out—this is the Lasallian way.” The team continued their awareness drive today, at Jubilee Catholic Secondary School, bringing with them personal stories, academic advice, and encouragement to students preparing for life after high school.  The UNITECH Lasallians and Friends Association is a student-led group at the University of Technology made up of former students from Lasallian schools, primarily De La Salle, Jubilee Catholic Secondary School, and La Salle Technical Secondary. The group was founded in 2021 by Jubilee graduates and has since grown to include a broader Lasallian network. In an interview with Solange Dawana, an alumni of the association and recent Mechanical Engineering graduate, she said, “The association was formed to unite former Lasallian students now studying at UNITECH, and to live out the Lasallian values of faith, service, and community. One way we do this is by giving back to our former schools through programs like these." The awareness program, which was first held in 2023, gives secondary students insights into university life, academic expectations, and available courses at UNITECH. The visit also includes mentorship opportunities and encourages students to pursue higher education with confidence. “We know how hard the transition to university can be, especially in your first semester,” Dawana shared. “So, we introduce ourselves to the new first years and support them as big brothers and sisters—just like we were taught in our Lasallian education.”  Some members of the association currently on semester break returned home to take part in the awareness tour. They include: Jeremiah Lavai – Agriculture Graduate, Ex De La Salle Delaiah Hafmans – 2nd Year Forestry, Ex Jubilee Israel Daviaga – Final Year Agriculture, Ex De La Salle Walayson Iga – 3rd Year Mining Engineering, Ex Jubilee Natasha Anuma – Final Year Business in Accounting, Ex Jubilee Sean Lemeki - Civil Engineering Graduate, Ex Jubilee Leka Vagi - Electrical Engineering Graduate, Ex Jubilee Solange Dawana – Mechanical Engineering Graduate, Ex Jubilee The school visits have been warmly received by staff and students, with many expressing appreciations for the group’s commitment to community service and youth mentorship.

For Carolyn Solomon, who is among one of twenty fourth-year science students from the Pacific Adventist University (PAU), the Trukai Industries’ SMART FARMER Program is more than just a training course because it is a lifeline for the future of her family and her village. Carolyn is among 93 participants in the country for this program’s fourth batch at PAU. The 20-week irrigated rice farming program combines two weeks of classroom theory with 18 weeks of practical training in participants’ own communities. “After graduating from the SMART FARMER Program, I will go back to my community and teach my family and fellow villagers what I have learned.” “This training will help us not just grow rice for our own consumption but also generate income.” As a biological science major, Carolyn said the program compliments her academic studies while providing practical agricultural skills that are often not covered in a classroom setting. “These days, even with a degree, most people struggle to find jobs.” “So, for me, this training is very important. If I do not find employment straight away, I will still be able to grow rice, not just to feed my family, but to earn a living.” Additionally, Carolyn’s perspective reflects a growing mindset among Papua New Guinea’s youth and that practical, skills-based training is just as important as formal education in building sustainable livelihoods. The SMART FARMER Program is designed to provide participants with a foundation in rice cultivation, irrigation systems, crop management, and farm business planning. For final-year students like Carolyn, the program also serves as a practicum requirement. But for Carolyn, the goal isn’t just personal success. “I want to be a changemaker in my community.” “With what I have learnt, I can help others see farming as a real opportunity and would not be just something we do to survive, but something we can grow from.” With more graduates like Carolyn ready to return home and share their skills, Trukai’s SMART FARMER Program is doing more than training individuals, it is planting seeds for long-term transformation in rural communities across PNG.