Separatists in Indonesia's Papua region who took a New Zealand pilot hostage in February have told authorities to stop searching for him, and to start negotiating. Philip Mehrtens was kidnapped after landing his plane in Papua's remote mountainous province of Nduga. He is being held by West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) fighters. "The pilot is still with us," TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom told BBC Indonesian in a message. "The Indonesian government has to be bold and sit with us on a negotiation table and not [deploy] military and police to search the pilot," he added. He denied reports that the group was prepared to drop a demand for the Indonesian government to recognise Papuan independence before they could consider freeing him. The Reuters news agency reported on Thursday that Mr Sambom indicated this could be the case. "The demand for Papua's independence has already conveyed from a long time ago. That demand will not be perished, that's the main demand of Papua nation," Mr Sambom said. Previously a Dutch colony, Papua declared independence in 1961, but Indonesia took control two years later. The resource-rich region has been caught in a battle for independence ever since it was brought under Jakarta's formal control in a UN-supervised vote in 1969. Mr Mehrtens was kidnapped after his small passenger plane, which belongs to Indonesia's Susi Air, landed in Nduga in early February. His plane had departed from the Mozes Kilangin airport in Central Papua, and was meant to return a few hours later after dropping off five passengers. But shortly after landing, rebels stormed the single-engine plane and seized the Christchurch native. The TPNPB later told BBC Indonesian that Mr Mehrtens had been moved to a stronghold district for the group in a remote area, and he would be used as "leverage" in political negotiations. The group said the pilot was being held because New Zealand co-operates militarily with Indonesia. The other passengers, who were indigenous Papuans, were released. Around a week later the separatists released video footage of Mr Mehrtens reading a prepared statement in which he repeated the rebels' demands. Papuan rebels seeking independence from Indonesia have previously issued threats and even attacked aircraft they believe to be carrying personnel and supplies for Jakarta. Conflicts between indigenous Papuans and the Indonesian authorities are common, with pro-independence fighters mounting more frequent attacks since 2018. The region is divided into two provinces, Papua and West Papua. It is separate from Papua New Guinea, which was given independence by Australia in 1975.   Source: BBC

East Sepik Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Christopher Tamari, said that this long Easter weekend has been quiet so far. “The people took part in the Way of the Cross yesterday (Good Friday).” “We only had one minor incident at Yangoru where a family of a deceased retaliated and attacked the family of the accused. The boys (police officers) went up and helped a peace mediation between the families and sorted out the issue.” Tamari said that the highway communities were also quiet with no major incidents reported. The week before they did have some disturbances from school children after the closing of Term 1 where they were involved in drinking homebrew and smoking marijuana. Tamari added that they had issued a liquor ban for the long weekend where liquor shops closed on midday Thursday 06th April and will reopen on Tuesday 11th April. Meanwhile, Tamari mentioned that as part the new PPC for the province, he plans on improving road safety in the province. He said that he has seen a lot of un- roadworthy vehicles on the road and therefore, he will be calling on District Administrators along with the provincial Road Traffic Authority, to meet and discuss what to do next regarding this issue.

The latest Queensland derby produced an exciting encounter, with the Dolphins putting in an impressive first half to outpoint the Cowboys 32-22 in North Queensland. While both sides were missing some of their major stars due to injuries and suspension, it did not stop fans flocking to sell out the stadium with 22,811 on hand to see the Cowboys go down to the NRL's newest club. After a steady start to the game, the Dolphins got the ball rolling on the scoreboard in the eighth minute when Jamayne Isaako finished off a well-worked scrum play. He was in again soon after with an impressive effort - outleaping Cowboys makeshift winger Brendan Elliot to reel in an Isaiya Katoa kick and push his side to an early 8-0 lead. However, the Cowboys were not out of the game, with Kyle Feldt crossing for the home side's first try, in a scrum set-up that was remarkably similar to the Dolphins opener. Throughout the game and in the first half especially, former Cowboys fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow proved a threat, helping set up a try, scoring two of his own and making 11 tackle breaks by the end of the match. The former Queensland Maroons representative was the next to score and showed what he could do with a try that showcased his tackle-busting ability. Isaako then completed his first-half hat-trick, with the try followed in quick succession by a four-pointer to another former Cowboy in Tom Gilbert. This saw the Dolphins rush out to a 26-12 lead at halftime, with Feldt sneaking in one more for the home side just before the break to give the Cowboys fans some hope. While the locals lifted a notch to start the second half, and kept the Dolphins scoreless until a late penalty goal to Isaako in the 75th minute, the damage had been done. Centre Valentine Holmes tried to will his team to turn around the result with a strong second half, which despite making a crucial error where he passed the ball off the ground, saw him also score a try which brought his side within touching distance of the visitors. However, they were not able to capitalise on their opportunities with the ball and gave up too much to the Dolphins in defence, especially in the first half and to rub salt into the wounds, the homecoming Hammer sealed the win with a late try to consign the Cowboys to their fourth loss. Source: NRL.com

Latrell Mitchell celebrated his 150th game in style scoring his first hat-trick for the Rabbitohs as the Bunnies started the Easter long weekend with a 50-16 win against the Bulldogs. The win meant the Rabbitohs kept their stellar Good Friday form intact, with the Bulldogs unable to beat them on the public holiday since 2017. However, the match started well for the Dogs who scored the first try with a lovely play from the scrum, sending the ball out wide to the right where Jake Averillo ran almost the length of the field, bringing the ball down under the posts to open the scoring. However, things turned sour for the Dogs soon after, when Josh Addo-Carr left the field in just the 10th minute, clutching at his leg after getting caught awkwardly on the turf. While fans held grave fears initially of a possible ACL injury, it was later reported he had suffered a syndesmosis injury. His departure opened up the attacking options for the Rabbitohs who then made a concerted attack on the Bulldogs’ left edge where Addo-Carr would normally defend and ran in four first half tries, including two back-to-back to Mitchell. The Dogs struggled to regain their early composure and went into the break trailing 26-6. In the second half, the Dogs composed themselves early to stem the bleeding and were even the first to score after the break. They thought they had a try when Matt Burton ran through a gap to set up his outside men, but the Bunker found that Josh Reynolds had stopped in the line and prevented Davy Moale from making a tackle. There was no question about their next attempt however and were on the scoreboard after Reed Mahoney put a kick through the line for a chasing Burton who found Mitchell out of position to score the try. However, they were their own worst enemies again, giving up the ball to release pressure with another error. The Rabbitohs made them pay, scoring five second half tries to bring up their half century, with both Mitchell and Campbell Graham posting hat-tricks. Source: NRL.com

A major concern that Taekwondo Clubs raised during the recent National Taekwondo Championships was funding support and facilities for them to use for training and host tournaments. Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation (PNGSF) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Albert Veratau said that in the past they didn’t have much money to support the Taekwondo Federation. “The way the organisation was operating, we didn’t have much support for the foundation but I am here now to listen to what the sport needs,” said the PNGSF CEO “I know that they need facilities and I know they need funding.” “We will find the facilities for them and we will find the funding for them.” The headquarters for the Taekwondo Federation already has a place of residence at the Rita Flynn Netball Complex, which was made available for them by the PNG Sports Foundation.   Veratau added that the sports foundation now needs to find a facility for them to use for their trainings, their programs and for competitions. He further stated that it’s a matter of timing and as soon as they have the resources they will make it happen for the Taekwondo Federation in PNG. Meanwhile, Extreme Taekwondo Team Manager, Grace Ila said that apart from funding and facilities that they lack, there should be a program in place for athletes to fall back on when they leave the sport. Most athletes don’t complete school or work to concentrate on training for the sport and taking part in competitions whether in and around the country or even for overseas competitions. Once they leave the sport, they struggle to find jobs to support themselves and their families so this is something that needs to be addressed as well, not just for Taekwondo but other sporting codes as well.

Reece Walsh left the Brisbane Broncos in 2021 in search of a first grade opportunity, and his return to Red Hill has triggered the sort of play that has long been expected from the 20-year-old. Through five games, Walsh sits atop the Dally M leader board with his Broncos holding the same place on the NRL ladder. His speed on the edge has helped transform a middling attack averaging 20.6 points per game last season to be the best in the NRL at 29 points per game through five rounds of this one. Walsh's individual numbers also continue to impress. He’s already handed out six try assists in four games after finishing last year with 12 in 22 games. His 33.5 touches per game is a 4.5-touch increase on last season while he’s also added another 40 running metres, now up to 169 metres per game. His three tries in 2023 are enough to clear his 2022 number already. This Walsh is different to the 38-game version prior, but the success he has been able to generate on the edges is by design and has started in the middle. Adam Reynolds is a wizard through the centre third of the field despite not always receiving the credit he deserves. The South Sydney Rabbitohs played with a top three attack throughout 2020 and 2021, and while Reynolds only combined for 15 try assists across the two seasons, his work around engaging defenders through tempo changes in his runs and deception with the ball can’t be understated. Now into his second season at the Broncos, the veteran playmaker is once again performing his role in the attack with his shape to kick to put the winger and centre on their heels before firing the ball wide one of the most dangerous weapons in the competition right now. Despite Reynolds' noticeable impact, it’s the improved work of Patrick Carrigan and Payne Haas that has also added another element to the Broncos attack and helped create opportunities for Walsh to work his magic. The big men creating small gains Carrigan is averaging a career-high 10.8 passes and 164 running metres per game. He’s a pass and run threat every time he touches the ball, and having Haas in his pocket adds another element for the defence to consider. Jake Trbojevic is the only prop with more supports than Haas’ 29 through the first five rounds which, given his size, speed and footwork, makes him the perfect player to run beside Carrigan and engage the defence as the Broncos move the ball wide. [caption id="attachment_38486" align="alignnone" width="840"] Reece Walsh celebrates Jesse Arthars' try against the Dolphins. [/caption] Brisbane’s first try against the Dolphins in Round 4 is a prime example of how Carrigan and Haas are first to stress the defensive line in the middle ahead of Walsh and the outside backs exploiting the space on the edge. As Carrigan approaches the line with Haas tight on his hip, the Dolphins’ four-in defender tightens up. Haas is a two or three-man tackle more often than not, and the back-rower can’t release from him and slide out until the ball is gone. However, Ezra Mam has already bounced to the outside by that point as Kurt Capewell runs a hard line at the inside shoulder of the three-in defender. It’s only one step, but Anthony Milford’s slight movement towards Capewell is enough for Walsh to skip outside and attack the space between the two and three-in defenders – now a staple of his attacking threat. They’re only two very minor movements from the defending players, but they’re enough to put Walsh on the outside in space and, importantly, at speed. Rinse and repeat While Carrigan is often providing the middle service and his is certainly the cleanest, this is a repeatable action that the Broncos have found success with using different players. It doesn’t require an elite playmaker that gets deep into the line. Thomas Flegler isn’t known for his ball-playing ability but against the Cowboys in Round 2, he’s providing the Carrigan pass as Haas and Capewell run the same lines for the same results. The four-in defender holds on Haas, three-in bites ever so slightly on Capewell, and Walsh is back on the outside linking up with his centre and winger for points. It’s not a new shape sweeping the NRL, but with Carrigan, Haas and Walsh pulling the strings, it’s one defensive teams are going to have trouble containing all year. [caption id="attachment_38487" align="alignnone" width="788"] Walsh the wonderful[/caption] Where Walsh has improved Walsh is certainly a beneficiary of an excellent Broncos middle. However, he has also put in the hard work over the summer and greatly improved on the player that featured last season. What is clear is that we’re seeing a more patient Walsh in 2023. He’s not throwing the pass that isn’t there so often. Instead, he’s picking a player out in the line and using his speed to make the easier pass a possibility. This was something that we saw clearly in Round 5 against Wests Tigers. Walsh did a superb job getting to the outside of Brandon Wakeham, and with the ball in two hands, holding the pass until the hole opened up for Herbie Farnworth to fly through. It looks so simple but is something Walsh has clearly put a lot of time into throughout the preseason. The shifts through Carrigan and Walsh will be at the top of the list for opposing coaches as they scheme for ways to contain the best attack in the NRL. Brisbane’s 10 offloads per game will become a growing concern if Walsh finds himself with the ball on the back of one too often, too. Walsh has talked about studying Clint Gutherson’s work rate and wanting to emulate the effort of the Parramatta fullback on both sides of the ball. So far this season, it has felt as though he has been everywhere – a characteristic that we've become accustomed to with the Eels fullback. He’s always active and ready to pounce. Add his speed, and you’ve got a lethal second-phase option on the edge. As Carrigan let go of an offload around halfway in Round 5, Reynolds is quick to find Walsh on the edge who flies onto the ball and sends Kotoni Staggs over to score. Finding Walsh when the defence is disjointed and on the back foot is a recipe for regular success for the Broncos, who are dangerous across the field. Walters' side has scored more tries down the right edge (12) than they have done on the left edge (9), yet it feels as though Staggs and Selwyn Cobbo are only just touching the surface of what they’re capable of as a pairing with Walsh feeding them the ball. There is still a lot of growth in this team with the ball in hand. Despite both Carrigan and Haas missing time in 2022, the cohesion that the book ends have developed with Reynolds put the trio, and those around them, in a position to dominate and compete for a premiership when the next piece of the puzzle arrived. And while we’re only five games into the season and the best defensive teams will quickly adjust, it appears Walsh might just be Brisbane's premiership-contending piece. Source: NRL.Com

A Syrian who arrived in Germany as a refugee in 2015 has won a mayoral election in the southwestern German state of Baden-Württemberg. Ryyan Alshebl, who left his hometown of As Suwayda in Syria eight years ago, ran as an independent in the municipality of Ostelsheim. He won 55.41% of the votes on Sunday, beating two German candidates, Marco Strauss and Mathias Fey. Locals cheered the 29-year-old when he welcomed his win, a victory he described as “sensational,” German local broadcaster SWR reported Monday. “Today, Ostelsheim sent an example for broad-mindedness and cosmopolitanism for the whole of Germany,” he said, according to to German public broadcaster ZDF. “That’s not something that can be taken for granted in a conservative, rural area.” Alshebl’s first call after his victory was to his mother in Syria, who was thrilled with the news, SWR reported. The Association of Municipalities of Baden-Württemberg said Alshebl is the first man with Syrian roots to run for and win a mayor’s office. He will start his role in June. Ostelsheim residents have welcomed their incoming mayor. “The fairy tale has come true, and the right man has become our mayor,” Annette Keck, who lives in the village, told SWR. Strauss, one of his opponents, congratulated Alshebl. “I wish you good luck and at the same time ask for support for Mr. Alshebl, for our shared Ostelsheim,” he said on Facebook. The state’s Integration Minister Manne Lucha said that Alshebl’s victory showed that diversity is a natural part of Baden-Württemberg. “I would be very pleased if Ryyan Alshebl’s election encourages more people with a migration history to run for political office,” he said. Not everyone has been so warm to the 29-year-old. ZDF reported the Syrian received hateful comments on the campaign trail. The young politician went from house to house, promoting his election program, and “the experiences were predominantly positive,” but there was also a minority of far-right fringe voters in Ostelsheim that did not want to accept him due to his Syrian roots, Alshebl told ZDF. ‘Investing in your future’ Born to a schoolteacher and agricultural engineer in Syria, Alshebl described his life as carefree until the age of 20, according to his campaign website. At the time, protests against the Syrian government that began in 2011 soon devolved into chaotic war. The fighting and later rise of ISIS forced 10.6 million people from home by late 2015 – about half of Syria’s pre-war population. Alshebl faced the dilemma of being drafted for military service with the Syrian army or leaving the country, according to his website. While many Syrians were displaced internally or fled to countries in the region, others like Alshebl made the dangerous journey to Europe. He was 21 years old at the time, and said he crossed from Turkey to the Greek island of Lesbos in a rubber dinghy. Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel had implemented a brief open-door policy in 2015 that saw the country take in about 1.2 million asylum seekers in the following years, including Alshebl. The move sparked a backlash in Germany and the sudden growth of the far-right, anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the wake of summer 2015. Once in Germany, Alshebl lived close to Ostelsheim and said at the time he felt “there is only one thing you can do: get back on your feet quickly and start investing in your own future quickly.” For the last seven years he worked in the administration of Althengstett town hall, in a neighboring town. He drew from his experience, he said in his campaign, and made digital access to to public administration services one of priorities. Flexible childcare and climate protections are also on his agenda. Alshebl, who is a member of the Green Party and now has German citizenship, pledged during his campaign that once elected as mayor he would move to Ostelsheim. Source: CNN. News

Emerging centre Deine Mariner will be a Bronco until at least the end of the 2027 season. Mariner, 19, was already signed with the Broncos to the end 2024 - and he has now committed to a three-year extension on top of that. The former Australian Schoolboys representative made his NRL debut for the Broncos at centre in Round 20 last season against the Tigers at Suncorp Stadium, and also played in Round 21. The Dolphins have re-signed back-rower Connelly Lemuelu for an additional season, locking him at the club until at least the end of 2025. Lemuelu's re-signing is the second in Dolphins history after the club tied down Jeremy Marshall-King last month. He will take on his former side North Queensland on Friday night. Across town and versatile back Jesse Arthars will remain a Broncos player until at least the end of the 2026 after inking a three-year extension with the club. Brisbane announced the re-signing of the 24-year-old following an impressive start to the season, after he returned from a year-long loan spell at the Warriors in 2022. The Panthers meanwhile have re-signed another key player, with star prop Moses Leota committing until the end of the 2027 season. Leota's extension at the club follows long-term deals for Brian To’o (2027), Nathan Cleary (2027) and Isaah Yeo (2027), James Fisher-Harris (2026). “Moses embodies the qualities that we hold at our club and has consistently demonstrated his strong work ethic," Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron said. The Titans have signed former Leeds captain Kruise Leeming on a one-year deal, with the England international providing important depth following the injury to Sam Verrills. Leeming, who led the Rhinos to last year's Super League grand final, has not played since last month asking the club for a release to pursue opportunities in the NRL. The Titans have also signed former Wests Tigers prop Thomas Mikaele for the remainder of the 2023 season, following his short stint in the Super League. The Sharks have re-signed try-scoring winger Sione Katoa on a three-year contract extension in a major boost for the club. South Sydney have locked in Jacob Host to a two-year contract extension, taking him through until at least the end of the 2025 season. The Sea Eagles have extended the contract of promising back-rower Ben Trbojevic through to the end of 2024 and added veteran prop Aaron Woods to their roster for the remainder of the 2023 season. Source: NRL.Com

Two powerhouses of the modern era will look to make one almighty statement when they kick off Round 6 on tonight in Melbourne. The Storm and Roosters have both won three games in 2023 to sit inside a top eight that bears little resemblance to the way things finished last year with the Sharks, Rabbitohs, Cowboys and Eels all on the outer after moderate starts to the season. Craig Bellamy's men have home ground advantage and momentum up after an impressive win over the Rabbitohs in Round 5 while the Roosters are also coming off a victory, having taken care of the Eels in emphatic fashion on the back of a dominant performance by Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (21 runs for 180m). The Storm have won five of the past six clashes between the two sides but it was the Roosters who prevailed 18-14 in the most recent meeting in Round 24 last year courtesy of tries to Daniel Tupou, Joseph Manu and Joseph Suaalii. Another tense and tight encounter can be expected as the 2018 grand finalists write another chapter in a great rivalry that has filled endless highlight reels during the past decade. Source: NRL.Com

Theme - Forgiveness and Kindness Blessed Easter to you, my people. Easter is a time for all of us, Papua New Guineans, to come in fellowship to remember our Lord and saviour, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross of Calvary to forgive us from our sins over 2000 years ago. Jesus Christ became the redeemer to forgive us of our sins. This season is a time we remember this great sacrifice our Lord made and translate the acts of forgiveness and healing into our own lives in the way we treat each other. As the nation of Christians, we must practice the act of forgiveness and become agents of healing in our beloved nation. As the Chief Servant of your country, I want each of you all to truly embrace each other as Christians should. I know our nation is facing many challenges in public services and Law & Order. For this, we can all assist ourselves and our country heal by practising Love, which begets forgiveness and care for each other. God, through Jesus Christ, paid the ultimate price, acting on our behalf. Surely, we can practice some of those values for each other to make our lives better for ourselves and our country, which I know each of you love dearly. As I close, let me assure you all that your Government is here and working for you. May God bless you all.  

Port Moresby’s Hekari United are giants of Papua New Guinea football. Founded in 2003 originally under the name of PRK Souths United, the club holds the record for the most titles in the PNG National Soccer League. They won a staggering eight titles in a row between 2006 and 2014 and are one of just two clubs from outside New Zealand and Australia to have won the OFC Champions League, the other being New Caledonia’s Hienghene Sport. (2019) Hekari United’s greatest success came in 2010 when they represented OFC at the FIFA Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi. They had beaten New Zealand side Waitakere United 4-2 on aggregate in the OFC Champions League final after a 3-0 first leg win in Port Moresby and a 2-1 defeat in the second leg in Auckland. Hekari performed valiantly in a 3-0 defeat by hosts Al Wahda at the FIFA Club World Cup. The Hekari United team has been in transition for the past few years. They had recruited players from the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa and Brazil during their dominant years but now have a team made up entirely of local players. How Hekari United qualified for the 2023 OFC Champions League Hekari United upset the PNG National Champions Lae City 4-1 over two legs in the National Playoff in February. Lae City had represented PNG in last season’s OFC Champions League after a 2-1 win in a one off match. But Hekari had their sights set on revenge and came from a goal down to win the first leg in Lae City 2-1 before completing the job with two late goals in a 2-0 win in the second leg in Port Moresby.

After a draining first five weeks which has included 30 hours of flying, almost all of the Warriors frontline players were rested from training on Wednesday in order to refresh ahead of the Round 6 clash against the Knights. The club's mid-week field session included just five players who are named to play this week, with captain Tohu Harris and five-eighth Te Maire Martin both taking part after missing last week through injury, and forwards Josh Curran, Bunty Afoa and Tom Ale also present. While a potential rest was already penciled into the schedule, coach Andrew Webster said watching the toll last week's comeback win over the Sharks took on his squad confirmed it was the right time. "We looked at the boys, felt the situation and then decided to make the call," Webster said. "[The Sharks] had [54] percent possession, so if that's the case we were tackling a lot on the weekend, so we have got to take that into consideration. There is going to be a time for that, where we have got to aim up at training and do it regardless, but that wasn't this week. Andrew Webster "The travel does have an impact at times. I think you have got to be smart at different times on when to manage that. "I couldn't see us doing this [resting the majority of the group] for another 5-6 weeks again. "There's a big part of us that knows how much work we have got to do, to get a lot of things right about our game, but we want to make sure we fix those things with energy, rather than fix them tired and battered." While Martin is symptom-free following his Round 4 concussion and will be good to go against the Knights, Harris remains only a 50-50 chance right now, which Webster said could be the case for several weeks to come as he battles a knee injury. As he prepares to face Newcastle for the second time in five weeks, Webster said he sees plenty of similarities between the two clubs so far in 2023, particularly after the Knights overcame scoreboard deficits twice to secure a draw with the Sea Eagles last week. "They went to the Tigers [in Round 2], had all their injuries, had one sent off, and still managed to find away," Webster said of his opponents. "They had another guy in the bin on the weekend, they found a way. "We know how well they are going and how they are playing with lots of resilience also... Round 1 [against Newcastle] was one of the hardest games we've played. Source: NRL.Com