PNG’s biggest domestic sporting competition just got bigger, thanks to Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited (KMHL). The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) announced a 5-year sponsorship agreement worth K15 million with Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited (KMHL) to be Platinum Partner of the National Rugby League Competition (NRLC) for men and women. The NRLC is the competition that runs the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and this year for the first time, will run a National Women’s Competition through six of the current franchises including the Rabaul Gurias, Lae Tigers, Mt. Hagen Eagles, Goroka Lahanis, Port Moresby Vipers and the Central Dabaris. These franchises were selected following a Club audit of the 12 existing NRLC franchises in line with the Club Professionalism pillar of the PNGRFL’s NRLC 5-year strategic plan (2023-2027). The expansion of the Competition will be subject to further compliance requirements. KMHL’s sponsorship of K3,000,000 per year for the next 5 years (2024-2028) will support both the NRLC male and female competitions operational and management costs, and also go towards the inaugural National Women’s Competition slated to begin in July. Chairman for KMHL, Dr. Illa Temu, said Kumul Minerals is happy to partner with PNG’s national sport through a competition that supports and empowers both men and women. “We are excited to partner with the PNGRFL for the first time as it continues to build the domestic competition, and now with the introduction of a National Women’s Competition, this provides a great opportunity for our women and girls, and augurs well for an international pathway.” CEO for PNGRFL, Stanley Hondina, said this partnership with KMHL was timely and would not only support our marquee domestic male competition, but also would provide seed funding to begin our National Women’s Competition. “We actually set 2025 to start the National Women’s Competition but we’ve managed to bring it in a year earlier due to great cooperation with the franchises, among other factors, and this support from KMHL will really assist us.” “On behalf of Chairman Sandis Tsaka and the Board, we sincerely thank Dr. Temu and the team at KMHL for believing in what we’re doing at PNGRFL and are thankful for the long-term partnership.” Kumul Minerals’ vision is to be a world-class mineral resource company that delivers value to its shareholders, stakeholders, and the nation. KMHL’s mission is to develop and operate its mineral assets in a sustainable, responsible, and profitable manner.

The Bay Breeze Bungalo, a local and newly built eco-lodge was officially opened by the member for Samarai-Murua District and Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture Isi Henry Leonard on his recent visit to Guasopa Station, Woodlark Island in Milne Bay Province. Minister Leonard pointed out the importance of safe guarding the environment so that ecotourism can be developed in the rural areas. He encouraged the people of Woodlark to learn from the concept of the eco-lodge and tourism, adding that his ministry will continue to support those locals who were serious about engaging in tourism activities as he wants to make Samarai-Murua the hub of tourism. Minister Leonard encouraged his people to take courage on work on tourism initiatives and develop the concepts in their respective areas. “Source a place that you know our tourists will want to come and see, whether it be a small place where you can swim, a small river or a hill where you can go and visit.” “I went to Vanuatu, and they are promoting tourism, it’s not using something else, they are using the natural environment, a small bay, a small beach, an area, where they build into, develop, and promote and tourists just enjoy.” “Do a concept, product and package, we are here to help develop it.” A six-bedroom eco-lodge owned by local islander Raka Aledi and family was recently completed which housed its first guests, the government officials from Investment promotion Authority, Office of Climate Change Development Authority and the Tourism Promotion Authority who had travelled to Woodlark Island with the Member. Mr Aledi thanked Minister Leonard for officially opening the bungalow and for the continuous support to help develop and improve the facility. Minister Leonard when opening the facility, thanked Prime Minister James Marape and Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso and government for having the confidence in the people of Samarai-Murua through his appointment as the Minister for Tourism, Art and Culture. Mr Leonard is determined to work smarter and harder in helping develop and improve the tourism industry in his district and the country as a whole.

The Penrith Panthers are chasing their third-straight victory as they return to NSW for a clash with the South Sydney Rabbitohs Ivan Cleary's side held on for a gritty 26-20 win over the Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday night, the Panthers defending their way to victory. Now they will take on a desperate Rabbitohs squad at Accor Stadium. South Sydney suffered a demoralising 54-20 loss to the Melbourne Storm on ANZAC Day and now have a new interim head coach in Ben Hornby, following the club parting ways with Jason Demetriou. The Rabbitohs have so far won just one game this season, a 20-16 victory over the Bulldogs on Good Friday. Fullback Jye Gray has emerged as an X-factor and is likely to provide Souths with an attacking spark. The Rabbitohs will be without Taane Milne who took the early guilty plea for a Grade Three Dangerous Contact charge and will miss the next two weeks. Source: NRL.Com

The National Department of Health Secretary Dr. Osborn Liko has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to health and the well-being of our citizens through immunization as the country observed World Immunization Week from the 24th – 30th April 2024. Dr. Liko said Immunization is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent diseases and save lives. Vaccines not only protect individuals but also contribute to the collective immunity of our communities, safeguarding the most vulnerable among us. This year's theme, “Humanly Possible: Saving lives through immunization” underscores the importance of equitable access to immunization. “PNG recognizes the critical role that immunization plays in achieving universal health coverage and addressing health inequalities.” “We remain steadfast in our efforts to ensure that every child and adult in our nation has access to life-saving vaccines, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographical location.” “Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, PNG continues to prioritize routine immunization services.” “We have implemented innovative strategies to maintain immunization programs while adhering to public health measures to prevent the spread of the virus.” Through collaboration with their partners and stakeholders, they have adapted vaccination delivery to ensure continuity and safety. “As we mark World Immunization Week, I urge all Papua New Guineans to take advantage of the immunization services available to them.” “Vaccines not only protect individuals from diseases but also contribute to the health and prosperity of our nation as a whole.” “I extend my appreciation to healthcare workers, immunization teams, partners both international and local, and volunteers who work tirelessly to deliver vaccines and ensure the success of our immunization programs.” “Your dedication and commitment are invaluable in safeguarding the health of our people.” He further stated, “Let us recommit ourselves to the goal of a healthier, more resilient Papua New Guinea through immunization. Together, we can ensure that vaccines work for all.”

Young Denkie Luluata from Milne Bay province achieved his dream of becoming an accountant after he recently graduated with a Bachelor in Business Majoring in Accounting from the Southern Cross University, an affiliate of the Institute of Business Studies (IBS). A sponsored student from the Samarai Murua District of the Milne Bay province, Luluata graduated with a grade point average of 3 point 8, which is a high distinction. Luluata was committed to achieve his dream that he never missed any semester since being selected to attend studies at IBS where he has successfully completed his studies. He thanked Samarai Murua District for sponsoring his school fees of K24, 000 per year for the last 3 years that he has attended studies. Luluata said, “I am truly thankful to Member Isi Henry Leonard and Samarai Murua District for assisting me to pay for school fees. Without them I would have not completed my school. ” Mr. Henry Leonard, who is also the Minister for Tourism, Art and Culture was delighted that one of his students sponsored by the district graduated with flying colors from IBS. Young Luluata’s success stems from the continuously promotion of education through the district school fee scheme which the local Member has set up and maintained, where the district prioritizes and pays for student’s school fees each year. “There have been several other students who have benefited from this school fee scheme from various education institutions across the country and it gives me great joy knowing that we are educating the next generation of young people from Samarai Murua district. “The Samarai-Murua district school fee scheme will remain as long as I am in office, because it is important to better educate and equip our human resource in the district,” he said. Minister Leonard congratulated young Luluata and encouraged him to now join the workforce and help give back to the district in the next phase of his journey.

Manly pair Haumole Olakau'atu and Daly Cherry-Evans are both facing two-game bans after they were charged with a Dangerous Throw on Eels forward Shaun Lane. The duo have each been charged with a Grade 2 Dangerous Throw offence which attracts a two-game ban with an early plea or a three-game ban if they unsuccessfully contest the charge at the judiciary. Parramatta pair Ryan Matterson and Maika Sivo were also charged from the game, with Matterson facing a $1,000 fine for his high tackle on Luke Brooks while Sivo is facing a $3,000 fine for his Dangerous Contact charge on Reuben Garrick. Rabbitohs winger Taane Milne is facing a stint on the sidelines after being charged by the Match Review Committee in his side's ANZAC Day defeat to the Storm. Milne was sent to the sin bin for his tackle on Cameron Munster in the final play of the game, which saw the 28-year-old charged with a Grade 3 Dangerous Contact offence. Milne will miss two matches with an early guilty plea or three if he unsuccessfully contests the charge at the judiciary. Dragons fullback Tyrell Sloan was charged for two seperate Dangerous Contact incidents in his side's defeat to the Roosters, with the 35th minute offence on Sam Walker and the 56th minute offence on Luke Keary both attracting fines of $1,000 with an early guilty plea. Titans forward David Fifita and Warriors forward Jacob Laban are also both facing fines after being cited for Grade 1 Dangerous Contact incidents. Fifita's charge increases from the $1,000 fine Laban faces to an $1,800 fine with an early plea as it is his second offence of the year. Source: NRL.Com

Teachers in the National Education System are being urged by the Minister for Education to refrain from going on strike over their outstanding 3% CPI payment. Minister Lukas Dekena said, “In our quest to make teaching a prestigious profession, our teachers must understand our position and must remain professional and not to follow the recent blackmail tactic by others.” The Minister also supported the call by the PNG Teachers Association President to give the government until end of this month (April) and if nothing happens, they (PNGTA) will go back to the Industrial Registrar and at the same time engage their lawyer to file enforcement Court Order to get the 3% and other claims paid by the government. “The Treasury Department has already made available funds to pay our teachers as per the MOA that was signed between the PNGTA, TSC and the Department of Personnel Management in December 2023,” Mr. Dekena said. He said that the government is committed to the MOA and the Department of Education and the Teaching Service Commission are continuously liaising with Finance, Treasury and DPM to implement the agreement. “I would like to confirm that the 3% CPI for teachers has not been implemented yet. The Department and the provinces are currently administering the resumption exercise; processing of Resumption of Duty Summary Sheets (RODSS). That is why some teachers are paid their higher duty allowances, mining allowances and or responsibility allowances, especially for head teachers, managers, and principals.” The Minister said that the pay date targeted by the Department of Finance in consultation with DOE and TSC to implement the 2023 and 2024 3% CPI is from pay#10, pay date May 17, 2024. Every teacher will be informed of the progress and full implementation of the MOA in due course.

After coming up just short against the Raiders and Sea Eagles, Des Hasler's Titans dug deep in Auckland to come up with first win of 2024, downing the Warriors 27-24 at Go Media Stadium. Trailing 12-0 after just seven minutes the Titans looked to be in for another long day but with AJ Brimson and David Fifita standing tall, they broke a six-game losing streak in style. An early penalty against Titans centre Brian Kelly for a dangerous tackle gave the Warriors field position and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad capitalised when he sliced through from 10 metres out. Shaun Johnson knocked over the conversion for a 6-0 lead. Just four minutes later the home side had a second when Addin Fonua-Blake powered through Kieran Foran from close range for his third try of the season and the Warriors had raced to a 12-0 advantage. The Titans hit back with a long range try in the 14th minute with Kelly putting Alofiana Khan-Pereira into space, the winger making plenty of ground before turning a pass inside for Brimson to race away and score. The Warriors looked to mount more pressure in the 25th minute but a forward pass by Fonua-Blake let the Titans off the hook and they worked their way upfield to post a second try through Tanah Boyd, who showed good speed and footwork to score. The five-eighth converted his own try to make it 12-12. With Brimson asking plenty of questions in attack the Titans struck a massive blow in the 38th minute when Fifita took an inside pass from Chris Randall and carried two defenders over the line to make it 18-12 to Hasler's men. A spilled bomb by Marcelo Montoya deep in his own territory handed Boyd a chance to slot a field goal to stretch the lead to seven points at the break. Just three minutes after half-time the Titans went further ahead when Kelly put a move on Rocco Berry and then sent a superb flick pass for Khan-Pereira to cross in the left hand corner. Trailing 23-12 the Warriors looked to have hit back Roger Tuivasa-Sheck pulled down a Johnson bomb to score but replays showed Wayde Egan had knocked on at dummy half and the bunker cancelled the try out. The Titans marched down field and Fifita produced a quality offload to send Brimson over for his second try of the day in the 55th minute and Gold Coast were closing in on a drought-breaking victory at 27-12. With his team desperate for a response Fonua-Blake took a pass from Dylan Walker and powered over under the sticks and the Warriors were back within nine points. Six minutes later the Warriors crossed again when Berry followed through a Johnson bomb and came up with a great catch to score. Johnson's conversion made it 27-24. Johnson continued to pepper the Titans' back three with high kicks but the visitors dug deep for three consecutive sets to keep their tryline intact. With four minutes to play, Johnson turned to the grubber kick and forced a line dropout, before Kelly came up with a huge play to defuse a bomb in the 78th minute and the Titans clung on for a morale-boosting victory. Source: NRL. Com

It’s the moment like few others in Australian sport as darkness descends on AAMI Park for a spine-tingling memorial service for war veterans before the Melbourne Storm's annual ANZAC Day clash. Cameron Munster has played in grand finals, State of Origin and Test matches but nothing compares to the emotions he experiences before the traditional game. "For me it's one of those moments you can't forget," Munster told NRL.com. "The stadium's blacked out and the lights are sitting on you. Everyone's watching you, we can't see them but they can see us. "Once they light the stadium up, you see the crowd roaring and it brings chills down your back." ANZAC Day services have become a common occurrence in Australian sport, with multiple football codes commemorating our veterans prior to games on April 25 and the days surrounding. Melbourne’s ceremony, however, is different. The night-time kick-off allows the Storm to add another layer of emotion to the experience, with the lights switched off at AAMI Park before a spotlight is placed on those involved. Images are also projected on to the field and the stands, with the eery silence of a full stadium adding to the atmosphere. The Storm have been hosting an ANZAC Day game since 2009 but it wasn’t until 2016 when they introduced the ceremony in its current form. Ryan Hoffman was captaining the Warriors at the time and said it was an experience like no other. "We had no idea it was happening," he told NRL.com. "I remember walking out and seeing how dark it was. After the ceremony in the Warriors huddle we looked at each other and just said it was amazing. "It's a special day for Australia and New Zealand. The way Melbourne does it with the black out and the silence, the silence is the most deafening thing. It's always a packed house, to have that many people in silence and the respect showed with the spotlight on the soldiers, it's absolutely brilliant." The Melbourne ANZAC Day clash will look a little different this year, with their traditional foe, the Warriors, granted their long-held wish of hosting a game on the special day. Instead, it will be the South Sydney Rabbitohs who travel south to take on the Storm in a match that will carry plenty of added meaning on and off the field. The teams may be different, but the emotions will remain for a service like no other in Australian sport. "We're fortunate to be able to play on such a great day," Munster said. "We have our freedom because of the people before us. It's a hard day, they went to war, we can never replicate what they went through. "The least we can do is do the things they did when they went to war. That's spirit, courage, hard work and working for each other. That's all we can do as teammates, work hard for each other. "If we can do that, we can do the ANZACs proud and we've been doing that every year. It's no different on Thursday." Source: NRL. Com

Vodafone PNG, a leading telecommunications provider, officially announced its sponsorship support of Team PNG for the upcoming Olympic Games in July. This partnership highlights Vodafone’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and the support of athletic prowess on the global stage. Through this sponsorship, Vodafone will provide the PNG Olympic Team with cutting-edge telecommunication services, ensuring that athletes and officials stay connected with their families, fans, and support systems as they prepare for and compete in the world’s foremost sports competition. Vodafone PNG CEO Pradeep Lal said, “Vodafone is thrilled to support our national athletes as they aim for gold at the upcoming Olympic Games”. “This partnership reflects our dedication not just to excellence in telecommunications but also to fostering a spirit of national pride and achievement.” “We are committed to providing the team with the best possible platform to succeed.” The sponsorship includes financial support, the provision of top-of-the-line mobile devices and connectivity solutions for the PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC) and Team PNG over a three-year period. Moreover, Vodafone will launch a series of promotional campaigns, giving fans unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the athlete’s preparation journeys, including exclusive content, interviews, and interactive sessions via Vodafone’s digital platforms. “This partnership with Vodafone is a game-changer for us,” said Desmond Kaviagu, Secretary General to the PNGOC. “Knowing we have the support of one of the nation’s leading companies, both in spirit and through cutting-edge technology, gives us incredible confidence as we prepare to compete on the world stage.” Vodafone invites all PNG citizens to join us in supporting the national team as they prepare for an historic performance at the 2024 Olympic Games.

The Roosters have confirmed that Kiwi international Joseph Manu will depart the club at the end of the 2024 season. The 27-year-old, who has played 164 first-grade games to date with the Tricolours, will take up an offer with Japanese rugby club Toyota Verblitz at season's end. The 2022 Golden Boot winner said he had cherished his time with the Roosters, having come through the club's pathways program, and that it was an incredibly difficult decision to leave the club. "I will always be grateful to wear the Roosters jersey and to everyone who has supported me and provided me with some incredible opportunities. While I’m excited to embrace the challenge of playing rugby in Japan, right now I am focused on finishing this year strongly and performing at my very best," he said.

Air Niugini will effectively suspend all the airline’s weekly services from Brisbane to Palau via Port Moresby as of the 1st of May 2024. This service commenced in February 2023 supported by the Australian government under their Pacific Flights Programme. The decision to suspend this service is regrettable, but appropriate. The passenger and freight growth unfortunately did not meet original expectations. Air Niugini is grateful for the chance to participate in this Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) initiative. Air Niugini also thanks the tourism operators for their support over the last 13 months of operating this service and looks forward to opportunities to participate in future programs.