Shaun Johnson's calf muscle is commanding far less attention at Warriors HQ this week, while at the Panthers and Storm hopes are high that they'll welcome back key playmakers for their preliminary final showdown. Penrith five-eighth Jarome Luai and Storm No.7 Jahrome Hughes have been named to face each other on Friday night in Sydney after both taking part in team training on Sunday, but will need to pass through more demanding tests later in the week before they are declared certain starters. In Luai's case that is likely to include having to prove his injured shoulder can handle tackling some of his side's hulking middle forwards in an opposed session on Wednesday. His inclusion would be a huge boost alongside the likely return of centre Izack Tago from a pectoral complaint. Continuing to progress through running work will be the key to Hughes returning from the calf injury which ruled him out of week two, after saying on Monday that he "ran really well" at training on Sunday and was hopeful of taking part in Tuesday's session. But the Kiwi Test half admits the final call on his availability will likely have to be made by club medical staff, as was the case last week after he tried in vain to convince them he was OK to face the Roosters. "I was probably giving the physio a bit of a headache last week because I told him I was sweet, but he obviously didn’t think so," Hughes said. The thing that I don’t want to do is go out there underdone and [then] if I don’t get through the game it puts my team under pressure. Jahrome Hughes "I feel pretty good, but I will leave it up to our physios to decide what percentage I am at." If he isn't declared fit Tyran Wishart is almost certain to be the man handed the job at halfback again, after he impressed last week in a performance that included a brilliant solo effort for the opening try. One rep star who won't be present for Melbourne is Maroons wing Xavier Coates, who has failed to overcome a high ankle injury picked up in week one and is replaced by Reimis Smith. Forward Tui Kamikamica is named to play after undergoing a head injury assessment in the final 15 minutes of last week's match, but there's no Young Tonumaipea (facial cut) or Alec MacDonald (hamstring). The news is much better in Auckland, with coach Webster not anticipating any late changes despite Marata Niukore picking up a knee injury last week and the lingering concern over Johnson's calf. While he joined Niukore and Mitchell Barnett in missing parts of Tuesday's training, Johnson pulled up well the day after the game and is set to have a more settled week after only being declared fit to play the day before the game in week two. Josh Curran will be fine to play as well after dislocating his finger against the Knights. The Broncos have easily the healthiest roster among the remaining four sides, with forward Xavier Willison their only notable absentee, allowing Kevin Walters to field the same side who overpowered the Storm in week one of the finals. Source: NRL.com

Entertainer Visa class now has six visa types available online on the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority (PNGICSA) website (www.ica.gov.pg) for the convenience of international artists, film makers, comedians, musicians and cultural groups. This was announced by the Minister for Immigration and Border Security, John Rosso recently. The visa classes available and accessible online include Film Maker (commercial & non-commercial), Comedian (commercial), Musician (commercial), Gospel Group (charity) and Cultural Group (charity). Minister Rosso said, the inclusion of six different visas available on the PNGICSA website allows international artists who want to come to PNG for entertainment-related purposes to apply online instead of the traditional paper lodgment. “The previous process required the entertainers to physically lodge their visa applications at the PNG diplomatic mission.” “This was unsuitable considering that the country does not have diplomatic representation in all countries.” “Entertainers are often on tour and in countries which might have missions for only a night or two. Finding time to submit applications in that manner was impractical.” He added that each of the visa types includes a migration service fee attached and holders are eligible for extensions. Rosso believes this new arrangement would allow PNG to bring in world class artists as well as develop local talent and promote the entertainment industry. Minister Rosso who is also Deputy Prime Minister stated that the government is advocating for digital transformation, and he supports PNGICSA’s efforts to digitize its services to ensure visitors have access to apply for visas in the comfort of their homes and travel to PNG without any needless delays.

With a healthy body and a consistent voice coming from the coaching box in 2023, Rocco Berry is beginning to show his true ability in the NRL arena. Since making his first-grade debut two years ago, Berry has worked under three different head coaches at the Warriors and had to overcome a range of injuries which have held him back. As a convert from rugby union who only switched codes at the end of 2018, he was also among those most impacted by the club's inability to field their own reserve-grade side during the pandemic. It's meant this season has been his first opportunity to play more than four NRL games in succession and since Round 11 he's been coach Andrew Webster's first-choice right centre. After getting the better of Origin star Bradman Best in their Finals Week Two clash – which included scoring a try and nailing the majority of his defensive assignments against the lethal left-side of the Knights – the 22-year-old said he’s gaining confidence every week from playing alongside veteran edge partners Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Shaun Johnson and Marata Niukore. [caption id="attachment_45365" align="aligncenter" width="1224"] Warriors v Knights – Finals Week 2, 2023[/caption] “It’s just been good to play consistent footy, this is the most games I have played in a row by far and that plays a big part in form,” Berry told NRL.com. You build combos each week when you can play with the same players and that’s been huge. Each week I’m getting more reps and it builds confidence. Rocco Berry “Playing outside of Shaun and Marata has really allowed me to just do my job, which is to focus on kick chase and trying to give Dal the ball early and in good positions.” While his impressive effort to score in the 40-10 win over the Knights last Saturday was just his third try in 15 games this year, Berry has been in the thick of the attack as one of the main providers for prolific wing Watene-Zelezniak, who got over for his 22nd four-pointer of the season last week. But it’s on the defensive side that he’s been most impressive to date in 2023 and he will need to be at his very best again if he is to contain powerhouse Bronco Herbie Farnworth at Suncorp Stadium. Farnworth averages five tackle busts per game this year and has scored 13 tries in 24 appearances. “He’s a great player, a dangerous player who has really good carries,” Berry said of his opposite number this week. “When we played them earlier in the year he was a handful, so I am going to have to prepare well and make sure I am on my game. “But we think if we stay in our system our defence works against all attack. “I just can’t take a backwards step or be having any lapses in concentration.” The Warriors have a good recent record against the Broncos, with wins in two of their last four meetings, but have tasted victory at Suncorp Stadium just once in their past four visits. Source: NRL.com

A 79th minute Will Warbrick try has kept Melbourne's 2023 premiership dreams alive after overcoming a gallant Roosters side 18-13 at AAMI Park on Friday. The Roosters led 13-12 with less than two minutes to play but the Storm stole the final moments when a Cameron Munster crossfield kick ended in the hands of a leaping Warbrick, bringing 19,000 fans to their feet in Melbourne. The semi-final victory booked the Storm a spot in their eighth preliminary final in their past nine seasons as the Melbourne powerhouse prepare for a 2020 grand final rematch against the reigning premier Panthers at Accor Stadium on Friday night. Replacing Jahrome Hughes (calf), utility Tyran Wishart demanded a spot in Craig Bellamy's squad to face the Panthers after scoring an early try and having a hand in several more in just his second game starting in the halves this season. Wearing No. 21 on his back, Melbourne's fill-in halfback Wishart proved his playmaking capabilities early with a show-and-go from close range opening the scoring for the home side. Wishart was involved again after being on the receiving end of a Victor Radley high tackle in the 17th minute, handing Nick Meaney a chance to redeem an earlier wide conversion and extend Melbourne's lead 6-0. On the back of a Brandon Smith error, Melbourne marched downfield again and an Eliesa Katoa offload created an overlap for Melbourne's right edge, putting the ball on a platter for centre Marion Seve. The home side turned away multiple Roosters attacking raids before former fan-favourite Smith burrowed his way over from dummy half, reducing the deficit 10-6 before the break. The Storm faithful were on their feet early in the second half with big men Christian Welch and Tom Eisenhuth breaking tackles and charging downfield but Melbourne failed to capitalise on the early field possession. After spearheading his side's attack all game, Radley was haunted by a Wishart high ball and gifted Melbourne the first points of the second half with Meaney slotting a penalty shot to make it 12-6 with 21 minutes to play. Roosters rookie Sandon Smith made his presence felt instantly, coming off the bench in the 62nd minute, breaking through Melbourne's defence and marching the ball downfield before sending a long ball for Lindsay Collins to level the score. With the scoreboard locked and less than eight minutes to play, Roosters returning halfback Sam Walker stepped up to nail his second field goal in as many weeks. But it was Melbourne with the last say when Munster produced a perfectly weighted kick crossfield, finding a leaping Warbrick who outmuscled Corey Allan to score in the right corner and keep the Storm's season alive. Source: NRL.com

Taylor Swift made the whole place shimmer at the MTV Video Music Awards on Tuesday night, when she won the award for video of the year for the second time in a row. Swift was on hand to accept her moon-man trophy for her “Anti-Hero” music video at the event in New Jersey, appearing at the show during a break in her “Eras” tour schedule. Last year, Swift won the same award for her “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version)” music video. The “Bejeweled” singer won at least three more awards Tuesday night, including song of the year, best pop and best direction for “Anti-Hero.” She was also nominated for artist of the year, best cinematography, best visual effects and best editing, which were not presented during the live broadcast. “I am so, so happy because this is validating my favorite part of what I get to do,” Swift said while accepting her trophy for song of the year. Tuesday’s wins come as Swift continues what’s arguably her most successful era yet, which started in 2022 when she released her 10th studio album “Midnights.” In October, shortly after the release of “Midnights,” the entertainer claimed all top ten spots of the Billboard Hot 100 chart at the same time, according to the music charting site. Swift is the first artist to ever accomplish the feat in Billboard’s 64-year history, and she’s continued to break various streaming records since then. The star has had a storied history with the MTV VMAs. Most notably, Kanye West interrupted her in 2009 when she was onstage to accept the best female video award for her song “You Belong with Me.” In 2015, during her “1989” era, Swift brought her “Bad Blood” music video squad – Karlie Kloss, Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid, Hailee Steinfeld and Cara Delevingne, among others – along with her to the show. She also made an ultimately short-lived amends with West when she presented him with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award that year. And in 2022, she announced that she’d be releasing “Midnights” while accepting the award for best longform video. Source: CNN News

The Australian Rugby League Commission and the Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese MP have announced the Australian Men’s and Women’s Prime Minister’s XIII squads to take on PNG PM’s XIII teams at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, on Saturday, September 23. The Men’s Prime Minister’s XIII will include eight representatives from the 2022 World Cup winning Kangaroos squad, for the first Prime Minister’s XIII encounter in PNG since 2018. The Women’s Prime Minister’s XIII has been selected with a view to giving some of the best up and coming players in the NRLW an opportunity alongside a number of established representative players including Kennedy Cherrington, Botille Vette-Welsh and Tallisha Harden. “Being Prime Minister is a great honour. I enjoy every part of the job, but a fun part is getting to pick the PM’s XIII sides,” Prime Minister Albanese said. “These contests represent far more than just a couple of games of footy. Papua New Guinea and Australia are the closest of neighbours and we are the best of friends. We are working together to build a more prosperous, stable and peaceful region. Rugby League is an opportunity to celebrate our friendship and strengthen our partnership. [caption id="attachment_45226" align="aligncenter" width="1224"] Match Highlights: Australian PM's XIII v PNG PM's XIII[/caption] “I am really looking forward to Cam and Tallisha leading out their teams in Port Moresby, and know the contest will be great for the game, a thrill for all the players selected and another important step forward for our region.” ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM congratulated all players on their selection in a special team. “These players have performed exceptionally well throughout the season and have earned the chance to wear the green and gold for Australia,” Mr V’landys said. “I congratulate the players selected for both teams as to represent your country is the ultimate achievement. It’s also an inspiration for fans in Australia and of course the fans in PNG, where rugby league means so much." Australian Men’s PM’s XIII Coach Mal Meninga said the match would provide a selection guide ahead of the first ever Pacific Championships, across October and November. “This squad is a blend of experience from the World Cup last year, additional State of Origin players from this year, as well as younger players who we would like to see at this level,” Meninga said. “There was fairly unanimous agreement across the selections and I can’t wait to see this group test themselves in the green and gold.” [caption id="attachment_45227" align="aligncenter" width="1224"] Match Highlights: Australian PM's XIII v PNG PM's XIII[/caption] Australian Women’s PM’s XIII Coach Brad Donald said the PM’s XIII would provide opportunities for the players to both further their representative aspirations as well as experience something quite unique. “It’s a really well-balanced team featuring some of our First Nations Gems players, emerging talent in the NRLW competition and a handful of Jillaroos representatives who will be the key leaders,” Donald said. The PM’s XIII concept is aimed at using rugby league to drive social awareness messages. This year’s event will also see the introduction of the Australian school boys and girls taking on our Junior Kumuls and Orchids respectively, with support from the Australian Government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the NRL. Australian men's Prime Minister's XIII squad Josh Addo-Carr (Bulldogs) Daly Cherry-Evans, vice capt. (Sea Eagles) Reuben Cotter (Cowboys) Tom Dearden (Cowboys) Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Titans) Emre Guler (Raiders) Ben Hunt (Dragons) Nicho Hynes (Sharks) Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Titans) Zac Lomax (Dragons) Cameron McInnes (Sharks) Cameron Murray, capt. (Rabbitohs) Reece Robson (Cowboys) Tyrell Sloan (Dragons) Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins) Murray Taulagi (Cowboys) Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles) Cody Walker (Rabbitohs) Hudson Young (Raiders) Australian women's Prime Minister's XIII squad Teagan Berry (Dragons) Kennedy Cherrington, vice capt. (Eels) Rueben Cherrington (Eels) Abbi Church (Eels) Keisha-Leigh Coolwell (Broncos) Quincy Dodd (Sharks) Kayla Fleming (First Nations Gems) Tallisha Harden, capt. (Cowboys) Kimberley Hunt (Eels) Emma Manzelmann (Cowboys) Jasmin Morrissey (First Nations Gems) Rachael Pearson (Eels) Christian Pio (Wests Tigers) China Polata (Cowboys) Tiana Raftstrand-Smith (Cowboys) Taneka Todhunter (Eels) Cassey Tohi-Hiku (Eels) Botille Vette-Welsh (Wests Tigers) Jakiya Whitfeld (Wests Tigers) Janelle Williams (Raiders) Source: NRL.com  

APEC Haus came alive on Sunday as the Mountain Dew x Wan Squad PNG National Dance Championships 2023 took place. An event that was only made possible after months of intensive workshops conducted by PNG’s dance sensation Wan Squad. At the end of the competition, Easthood Dance Crew won the Open Division, taking home the coveted K10, 000 first place prize as well as the prestigious title of Mountain Dew x Wan Squad PNG National Dance Champions 2023. In the previous year they lost to YBC by just one point, however YBC still secured second place as they walked away with K3000. Meanwhile Wantry DC took home the third prize of K2000. The Junior Division was equally impressive with Youngsters taking first place, showing off their incredible talent and dedication. Competition was fierce as the Irapian team and JNR Vikings took second and third place respectively. Mini Tribe, Underdogs, G Unit and Check Mate also showed off their outstanding skills and teamwork. The competition was judged by experienced and dedicated members of Wan Squad, who were faced with the difficult task of choosing the winner. Their expertise and fairness made this a true showcase of talent and skill. Many in the audience were left wondering what amazing choreography and sets the groups will have in store in 2024 after the performances left them in awe.

Athletics PNG has selected a final team of 24 male and 11 female athletes for the Pacific Games in Honiara including some new athletes who performed well at the recent PNG Air National Championships in Port Moresby. Since Sprint Queen Toea Wisil has taken this year off for personal reasons. This year PNG’s hope for the women’s sprints rests on the shoulders of Leonie Beu, while PNG also expects gold medals from other track and field event athletes: Adrine Monagi (hurdles and relays), Rellie Kaputin (jumps), Sharon Toako (throws), Scholastica Herman and Mary Tenge (middle distance). As for the mens, PNG has a strong track team this year with new competitors who will be joining Leroy Kamau, Daniel Baul, Benjamin Aliel and Emmanuel Wanga. Adolf kauba will focus on challenging Alex Beddoes of Cook Islands, in the 800m and will be joined by Lot Samare and Robert Stringer. PNG will have a strong team in the mens distance events with reigning Pacific Games champion in the 3000m steeplechase Simbai Kaspar being joined by Mini Games medallists Siune Kagl, Aquila Turalom , Dilu Goiye and Israel Takap. Meanwhile the mens 100 and 200m will be wide open this year following the retirement of Fiji’s Banuve Tabacaucoro. Lot Samare joined Pais Wisil and Adolf Kauba on the squad, which included five participants in the NSI development program. Both Sialis Passinghan (400-meter hurdles) and Kenny Peter (javelin), who placed second on the PNG All-Time Best List behind Lakona Gerega (National record holder), hurled personal bests in the Nationals. Karo Iga, a multi-event athlete, and Eldan Toti will represent PNG in the men's jumps. Australia, New Zealand, Samoa—which has recently developed many excellent sprinters and defeated PNG in the 4*100m relay both in Saipan 2022 and at the most recent Pacific Games in Apia—and Solomon Islands—which has a strong history in the long-distance competitions—are PNG's main rivals. President Tony Green said that the team was smaller than the expected 40+ mainly due to the difficulty finding and retaining female athletes all round, but especially for longer distance events. “This is a Pacific wide problem, but we have to maintain standards,” “The athletes on our quality squad have been chosen based on their capacity to contribute to the medal count, which is of course the main selection criterion.” On the team's chances of winning medals, Green responded that they are in good shape and have done a good job of preparing, but a final camp with good coaching assistance and some lead-up competition is necessary to get the athletes ready to perform at their best. Athletics PNG anticipates maintaining its top-ranked status as a Pacific Island nation during the competition.

The Pacific’s biggest music competition, Pacific Break (2023) is set to launch in Port Moresby on September 21st. This is a competition which offers unsigned artists living in the Pacific and Timor-Leste a career-changing opportunity with the winner flown to Australia’s largest international music festival WOMADelaide in March 2024. The event lasts six-weeks and featured artists will have their music and videos featured on ABC Radio Australia, ABC Australia programs, and on ABC Pacific digital and social media accounts throughout the six-week campaign. This year’s winner will be decided by a panel of judges made up of PNG-born Australian artist Ngaiire, Dj Hau Latukefu, Sose Fuamoli, and Rick Howe. Entries will open on September 21st and close on November 2 with the winner announced on ABC Radio Australia morning show Nesia Daily on Thursday November 9th.

The Central Music Association (CMA) has got a new executive team following the results of its recent elections held on Thursday, September 7th, at the Scouts Headquarters in Konedobu. The elections were opened by CMA members, who had nominated their executive candidates during the Central Music Association 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) one week prior. The newly elected executive team included: •     Allen Kedea – President of CMA •     Dokona Manoka – Vice President •     Danny George – Treasurer •     Ferlyn Oembari – Vice Treasurer •     John Naime – Secretary •     Tau Tola – Vice Secretary Newly elected President, Mr. Allen Kedea (AKay47), expressed his optimism towards the future of CMA. "We are delighted that Central Province is taking the lead in the music scene in Papua New Guinea by becoming the first province to register with the National Cultural Commission (NCC), a government department under the Ministry of Tourism Arts & Culture responsible for our artists' welfare." “We eagerly anticipate collaborating with artists from the Motu-Koita and Central Province regions as we plan our inaugural Central Music Festival." The election event was supported by prominent senior artists from Central Province including Hitsy Golou, Dokona Manoka, Betty Toea, Dika Dai, and John Toea. CMA is committed to advancing the interests of its members and the broader music community in Central Province, and the newly elected executive team is determined to build upon the organization's achievements to date.

 Snapchat says it’s working to make its app even safer for teen users. Parent company Snap said Thursday that it is rolling out a suite of new features and policies aimed at better protecting 13- to 17-year-old users, including restrictions on friend suggestions and a new system for removing age-inappropriate content. The company also launched a series of YouTube videos for parents about the features and an updated website laying out its teen safety and parental control policies. The new features come amid increasing pressure on social media platforms by lawmakers, educators and parents to protect young users from inappropriate content, unwanted adult attention, illicit drug sales and other issues. A Snap executive testified alongside leaders from TikTok and YouTube in a fall 2021 Senate committee hearing about youth safety on social media, promising new tools to help parents keep their teens safe. And since then, Snapchat — like other platforms — has rolled out a variety of new teen safety and parental supervision tools. Thursday’s announcement follows the launch last year of Snapchat’s Family Center, which offers parents more insight into who their teenagers are communicating with on the messaging app. The app’s other existing teen safety measures include prohibiting young users from having public profiles and having teens’ Snap Map location-sharing tool turned off by default. As part of Thursday’s feature rollout, Snapchat will now require 13-to-17-year-old users to have a greater number of mutual friends in common with another account before that account will show up in Search results or as a friend suggestion, in an effort to avoid teens adding users on the app who they don’t know in real life. The app will also send a pop-up warming to teens if they are about to add an account that doesn’t share any mutual Snapchat friends or phone book contacts. “When a teen becomes friends with someone on Snapchat, we want to be confident it is someone they know in real life — such as a friend, family member, or other trusted person,” the company said in a blog post. Snapchat will also impose a new strike system for accounts promoting content inappropriate for teens in its Stories and Spotlight sections, where users can share content publicly on the app. If inappropriate content is reported or detected by the company, it will immediately remove the content and issue a strike against the poster’s account. If a user accrues “too many strikes over a defined period of time, their account will be disabled,” the platform says, although it does not lay out how many strikes would lead to a suspension. Teen users will also start to see in-app content aimed at educating them on online risks such as catfishing and financial sextortion — when someone persuades a victim to share nude photos and then blackmails them for money — and letting them know what to do if they see it, including providing hotlines to contact for help. The PSA-style content will be featured on Snapchat’s Stories platform and in response to certain search terms or keywords. Source: CNN News

As the country prepares to celebrate its 48th year of independence, the Department of Personal Management (DPM) has advised all Departmental Heads, Provincial Administrators, Head of funded Public Authorities and all Public Servants that Friday 15th of September 2023 has been declared a Public Holiday as confirmed in the National Gazette No. 775 of 2022 and Circular Instruction No. 18 of 2022 on Public Holidays for 2023. Secretary Ms. Taies Sansan has urged all government institutions to decorate their office buildings in national colors (red, black, and gold) from September 1st, 2023, leading up to Independence Day. The Amazing Port Moresby 48th Independence celebration, sponsored by the Government through the Department of Personal Management, will host various celebrations and performances in the city leading up to bigger celebrations of the country’s 50th Golden Jubilee, 2025. “This year’s celebrations are already part of how we will prepare for the 50th Independence anniversary celebrations hence the upbeat preparations to get public servants as government workers to take the lead in participating in the celebrations”. The Flag Raising Ceremony will take place at the Independence Hill, starting at 5am, with the 48th Independence Anniversary keynote address given by Prime Minister James Marape.