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May 2025

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The talk in Australia is all about what Queensland will do after their 18-6 loss to New South Wales in the first State of Origin game.

One of the biggest talking points is the future of Queensland captain and halfback, Daly Cherry-Evans.

A legend of the game who has played many times for the QLD Maroons, Cherry-Evans wasn’t at his best in this first match.

Now, a former great player for NSW, Andrew Johns, has said it’s time for Queensland to make a big change.

He believes they should drop Cherry-Evans and bring in Tom Dearden at halfback.

Dearden, who played off the bench in the first game, is a young gun who can really spark things up.

Tom Dearden (left) of the Maroons is tackled by Nathan Cleary of the Blues during the State of Origin game one match between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
Tom Dearden (left) of the Maroons is tackled by Nathan Cleary of the Blues during the State of Origin game one match between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AAP Image/Darren England)

Johns didn’t hold back, saying Queensland looked like they couldn’t fix their problems. He also thought NSW could have won by a lot more if they played even better.

“Look, no one beats Father Time and DCE is what, (36)? I think they have to pull the trigger and bring Dearden in,” Johns said on Channel Nine TV.

” I don’t know where the improvement comes with this group.

“NSW, if they were on tonight, they win by 40 or 50. They left so many tries out there and they’ll be better for that. 

He also suggested other changes for Queensland, mentioning players like Corey Horsburgh and Jai Arrow. But the big question is whether they will replace their captain, Cherry-Evans, with Dearden.

“I don’t know if they can go up another level, Queensland. I think there has to be changes with Corey Horsburgh, he’s one I think can add something. 

“Jai Arrow is an Origin player, but the big one is Dearden and whether they pull the trigger on Dearden with DCE.”

Dearden has shown his class before, playing well for Queensland last year and being outstanding for Australia in the Pacific Cup.

When asked if he wanted another chance to prove himself in the next game, Cherry-Evans said, “Yeah, definitely. When you lose, these questions come up. I’d love the opportunity to come back and make things right.”

Another former Queensland captain, Cameron Smith, also spoke about the situation. When asked if it was time for Queensland to move on from Cherry-Evans, he said the coach, Billy Slater, would have the final say.

“There’s no doubt that the key position players of Queensland lacked a bit of cohesion tonight. In the crucial moments of the game they just couldn’t get the job done.”

Queensland had a rough night. They gave away too many penalties, their attack wasn’t smooth, and they didn’t control the middle of the field. They also made poor choices on the last tackle and missed a lot of tackles – 48 in total!

Coach Billy Slater said they need to review what went wrong.

“That’s probably something for the review, and looking through the the tape and, obviously sitting down with the group. At the end of the day it’s got to come from the players,” he said.

Slater doesn’t think it’s just about the players they picked.

“I definitely don’t think it’s a personnel thing. I know what this team’s capable of and and that’s why you can probably see I’m disappointed because they haven’t played their best footy. 

“I feel responsible to try and help them get there. So it’s definitely not a personnel thing. They’ve had a great attitude as well. But to the discipline side of the game, the attitude wasn’t  good enough.”

So, the big question for all you rugby league fans here in PNG is: will Queensland stick with their experienced captain, Cherry-Evans, or will they bring in the young talent of Tom Dearden to try and turn things around in the next game? It’s going to be interesting to see what happens!


Source: Australian Associated Press

The first-ever captain of Moana Pasifika, Sekope Kepu, says it’s been fantastic to see the Super Rugby Pacific team really start to shine under their new leader, Ardie Savea.

Even if they don’t make it to the Super Rugby Pacific finals, Kepu, who used to captain Moana Pasifika, believes this season has already been a big success for the side led by Savea.

Moana Pasifika have a very important game coming up against the Hurricanes, Savea’s old team, this Saturday. They need to win to keep their spot in the top six play-off teams.

This year, with All Blacks star Savea, who is proud of his Samoan heritage, as their captain, Moana Pasifika have already won six games; more than ever before.

In their first two seasons, they only won a total of three matches.

Coached by the well-known New Zealander Tana Umaga, they have achieved some big wins, including beating the champion team the Blues for the first time, as well as victories over the Hurricanes, Waratahs, Crusaders, Highlanders, and the Fijian Drua.

Kepu, a former star player for Australia, who led the team in their first year in 2022, thinks these wins already make the season a success.

“From year one, where we won one game … this year, beating a lot more New Zealand teams, there’s been improvements every year, and it’s already a win in my books,” the 39-year-old said.

“It’s just nice to see them start to bear some of that fruit and put pressure on teams and get wins over the teams that they weren’t expected to beat and it will continue to grow..”

The contribution of their forward leader, Savea, has been so significant that he was named the Super Rugby Pacific player of the season even before the regular games finished.

Kepu, who played many international matches, said that Savea, who was the best player in the world last year, leads by example and helps the players around him improve.

“Talking to them, he’s inspired a lot of those guys and having him in there has just been special for the group,” said Kepu, who was last week announced as an assistant coach for the historic First Nations & Pasifika Invitational XV, who will face the touring Lions in July.

“The way he’s led the team has been unbelievable and it’s been unreal to watch their progress.

“The boys, they see a leader, and they follow him and some of those guys I’ve watched develop – Miracle Fai’ilagi and Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa – they’ve just been phenomenal as a backrow and they just follow the leader.”


Source: Australian Associated Press

Papua New Guinean design talent are jetting off to Fiji, ready to make a vibrant statement at Fiji Fashion Week 2025.

A distinguished delegation representing PNG’s burgeoning fashion scene departed yesterday (27 May), carrying with them a rich tapestry of culture and innovation crafted by the nation’s designers.

Leading this creative charge is the iconic Florence Jaukae Kamel, globally recognized as the “Bilum Meri.”

Her participation is a powerful showcase of indigenous artistry, as her handmade bilum couture transforms traditional weaving into breathtaking high fashion. Each meticulously crafted piece celebrates the skill and knowledge of PNG women, weaving stories of heritage into contemporary designs.

Joining Florence is Incennea Minz, PNG Fashion Week’s dynamic brand ambassador.

Stepping onto the Fiji runway as a model, Incennea will embody the fusion of traditional Melanesian aesthetics with modern style, a living canvas showcasing the design vision of the nation. Her presence perfectly aligns with this year’s theme, GENESIS, representing a fresh and authentic expression of cultural identity through fashion.

Adding to the spirit of collaboration, celebrated PNG designer William Maba Bray was present at Jacksons International Airport to see the delegation off.

His support underscores the interconnectedness of the PNG fashion community, and his upcoming participation in Florence Jaukae Kamel’s Bilum Festival in Goroka later this year further highlights the ongoing exchange of creative ideas and cultural inspiration within the region.

“This is what GENESIS is all about—new beginnings, deeper connections, and stronger representation of our culture,” stated Bridgette Kassman, spokesperson for PNG Fashion Week, who is also traveling as Executive Assistant to the Managing Director, ensuring the delegation’s smooth and impactful representation.

“We are not just sending designers—we are sending ambassadors of heritage, identity, and innovation.”

The journey to Fiji was made possible thanks to the continued support of Air Niugini, the official carrier and a key partner of PNG Fashion Week, highlighting the crucial role of national collaboration in fostering international opportunities for PNG’s creative sector.

As Florence Jaukae Kamel and Incennea Minz prepare to showcase their unique visions on the Fiji runway, they carry with them the collective creativity and cultural pride of Papua New Guinea, ready to captivate and inspire the Pacific fashion world.


In a region known for its vast landscapes and tight-knit communities, a wave of educational achievement is being celebrated. Over 840 individuals in the Fly River area of Western Province have successfully advanced or graduated through the Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) program, marking a significant milestone for the province.

This achievement, made possible through a collaborative effort funded by the Sustainable Development Program (SDP) and implemented by the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF), in partnership with the Western Province Division of Education, is opening doors for people seeking a second chance at education in some of Papua New Guinea’s most remote locales.

Western Province Graduation Class

Among the many success stories, the journey of Marilyn Duwaba shines brightly.

A dedicated primary school teacher and a busy single mother of three in Kiunga, Marilyn recently celebrated a personal triumph: upgrading her Grade 12 results through FODE.

Over two decades after her initial schooling, Marilyn felt compelled to improve her GPA to meet new government standards for educators. The flexible nature of the FODE program allowed her to pursue this goal while continuing her vital work in the classroom.

Marilyn’s dedication culminated in a remarkable achievement in 2024; not only did she improve her GPA, but she was also recognized as the Dux of her class.

Reflecting on her success, Marilyn had this to say, “I was so excited that my effort had paid off. I feel that with this kind of opportunity in the community, we don’t have to stay at the same level; we can continue to advance ourselves and provide good opportunities for our families and contribute to our communities as well.”

Marilyn Duwaba at her Graduation in Western Province
Marilyn Duwaba, Grade 12 Dux Student at Western Outreach FODE (left)

Driven by her own experience, Marilyn is now encouraging others who may be hesitant to return to education.

“You don’t stop because it does not turn out right the first time,” she urged.

“If you want to achieve something then you keep going. Education does not end with a certain grade, we can keep upgrading ourselves so we can provide a better community for ourselves and our families.”

The graduation celebrations across Western Province underscored the strength of the partnerships driving this progress.

Representatives from local government, SDP, and KTF joined the festivities, including Western Provincial Education Advisor Mr. Charlie Buia, SDP Director of Education Dr. Brad Shaw, KTF CEO Dr. Genevieve Nelson, and KTF Head of Education Ms. Martha Bentley.

This initiative, fueled by the vision of SDP’s Gutpela Community Strategy 2025-2030, is forging a path towards a brighter future for Western Province.

Through the combined efforts of SDP, KTF, FODE, and the Western Provincial Division of Education, a growing number of empowered individuals are gaining the skills and qualifications needed to pursue employment and further education, building a stronger and more prosperous community for all.


Papua New Guinea’s national Rugby League teams, the Kumuls and the Orchids have received a significant boost with the renewal of sponsorship, notably featuring equal financial support for both squads.

This development promises to elevate the profile and resources available to the Orchids, bringing them on par with the traditionally more prominent Kumuls.

The move signifies a growing emphasis on gender equality within Papua New Guinean sports.

While the Kumuls have long been a source of national pride, the Orchids have consistently demonstrated passion and determination.

The equal sponsorship aims to provide the women’s team with access to improved training facilities and greater visibility, fostering the growth of women’s rugby league in the PNG.

“We are proud to stand behind our national teams, the PNG Kumuls and PNG Orchids,” said Tarik Boudiaf, the CEO of Digicel PNG.

“This support is an investment in empowerment, growth, and opportunity for all our athletes.”

Digcel PNG Senior VP and Chief Sales officer  Lorna McPherson shows PNG Media the Digicel branding on the back of PNG LNG Kumul Jersey. Beside her is Digicel CEO Tarik Boduiaf.
Digcel PNG Senior VP and Chief Sales officer Lorna McPherson shows PNG Media the Digicel branding on the back of PNG LNG Kumul Jersey that is one part of the sponsorship. Beside her is Digicel CEO Tarik Boduiaf.

Rugby League holds a special place in Papua New Guinea, and this renewed commitment to both national teams underscores the importance of the sport across the country.

The equal backing is expected to inspire future generations of both male and female athletes.

For over a decade, there has been support for Rugby League at various levels, including grassroots and the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup.

This latest development further strengthens the foundation for the sport’s continued growth and success on the international stage for both the men’s and women’s national teams.

“By sharing our support equally, we’re helping to level the playing field and provide the necessary support for our female athletes alongside their male counterparts,” said Lorna McPherson, Senior Vice President of Digicel PNG.

“We wish both the PNG Kumuls and PNG Orchids every success as they represent our nation.”


Developing nations, including those in the Pacific, will pay China $A34 billion this year as Beijing comes calling for repayments on project funding.

China is now “the world’s largest single destination for developing country debt payments” and outstripping the whole of the West, says a new report shows from Australian think tank The Lowy Institute.

Under its Belt and Road Initiative, China has rapidly increased investments in infrastructure since 2013, partnering with dozens of nations primarily in the developed world.

In more recent years Beijing has changed tack, providing a heavier portion of grants – which do not need to be repaid – into its mix of development assistance.

However, with standard lending terms including the delay of payments for several years before a maturation of loans at 15-20 years, it appears crunch time has arrived for repayments.

“China’s earlier lending boom, combined with the structure of its loans, made a surge in debt servicing costs inevitable,” report author Riley Duke said.

“Because China’s Belt and Road lending spree peaked in the mid-2010s, those grace periods began expiring in the early 2020s. It was always likely to be a crunch period for developing country repayments to China.”

Mr Duke says some of the world’s poorest people are likely to bear the brunt.

“The high debt burden facing developing countries will hamper poverty reduction and slow development progress while stoking economic and political instability risks,” he said.

The analysis is incomplete, given data is only available for 54 of 120 developing countries and China does not routinely disclose funding.

Mr Duke says this means his figure of $US22 billion ($A34 billion) to be repaid in 2025 to China and its many state-controlled lending arms is likely an understatement.

It is also unclear whether China would defer debt repayments as it did during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it joined with G20 nations to provide relief.

That move was helpful at the time, according to Mr Duke, but the effect was to mount costs into a heightening of the current repayment spike.

Several countries across the Pacific, which have benefited from Chinese investment in infrastructure, are likely to be among the countries affected.

The report comes ahead of a significant summit between China and the Pacific in Xiamen, beginning on Wednesday when Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosts representatives of 11 nations.

Kiribati Prime Minister Taneti Maamau and Niue Premier Dalton Tagelagi will join with the foreign ministers of Tonga, Nauru, Micronesia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Cook Islands, and representatives from Fiji and Samoa for the two-day meeting.

“There will be an in-depth exchange of views on interactions and cooperation between China and Pacific island countries (PICs) in all aspects and international and regional issues of mutual interest,” China foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.

“China highly values its ties with PICs and hopes that this meeting will help drive the implementation of the important common understandings reached between leaders of the two sides, enhance solidarity and coordination, unite efforts for development and prosperity, and galvanize an even closer community with a shared future.”

The 11 nations attending the summit make up the entire Pacific Islands Forum membership, excepting the three countries with diplomatic ties to Taiwan, the two France-aligned nations, Australia and New Zealand.


Written by: Ben McKay © Australian Associated Press

THE people of Samoa will go to the polls to elect a new parliament after former members of Fiame Naomi Mata’afa’s FAST party joined with opposition MPs to defeat her government’s budget.

Fiame won a groundbreaking election in 2021, ending four decades of rule by the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) and becoming the first woman head of government in Samoa.

The long-serving politician and high chief struck trouble in January when she demoted minister La’auli Leuatea Schmidt, the FAST party chairman, from cabinet after he was charged with criminal offences.

While ministers and MPs followed La’auli to the crossbench, Fiame’s government’s survived two no-confidence motions earlier this year.

Her government did not manage a third escape act, with La’auli-aligned MPs joining with the Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi-led opposition HRPP to defeat her budget.

The Samoa Observer reports the vote was 16-34, and marks the first time a government budget has failed in 40 years.

The vote is set to trigger an election inside 90 days, which would mean a polling day before late August.


Written by: Ben McKay © Australian Associated Press 2025

Accessibility to market is still a major demoralizing factor for farmers in the rural areas to go commercial.

But villagers from Rebafu, one of the remotest parts of Sialum LLG, of Tewai Siasi District, Morobe Province is willing to work with the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) to find a way forward to supply local Taro to the export market.

Susan Emunare Geoba, from Rebafu paid a visit to the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) on Wednesday (22/05/25) after hearing about NARI’s interests in Taro.

She managed to bring with her, three samples, including a Yam.

From her village in Rebafu, it took her a day of walking, to reach the coast before boarding a ship to Lae.

“For the villagers, it takes about 5 to 6 hours to walk to the coast. I reside in Lae so I don’t have the same stamina to walk that fast,” giggled Susan, but added she enjoys going to the village for, free and an abundance of fresh produce.

Susan proudly boasts of the size of Taro in her village, making reference to the height of a 50cm cooking pot and about 20cm wide.

“The Taro is so heavy I managed to bring only three samples,” proudly exclaimed Susan, despite the burden of weight.

After hearing about NARI’s partnership with local Taro exporters, Susan initiated discussions with her family.

“Taro is significant in our culture. It signifies wealth and earns respect among villagers. Taro has great value in customary obligations such as Pride Price.

“Every household has a taro garden, so we have a surplus. We are willing to work with NARI to see how we can expand on the production and find a cost-effective means to transport the taro out.

“The major issues we have are road infrastructure, transport, and freight costs,” Susan optimistically revealed.

She was however glad to have an audience with the Director General of NARI Dr Nelson Simbiken and invited NARI to visit Benafu village during the peak of harvest between August and September.

Dr Simbiken acknowledged that Morobe grows some of the best taro species in the country including NARI’s Taro, NT1 through NT7.

He echoed similar concerns of road infrastructure, transport, and freight as major hindrance for commercialisation in rural areas.

“People are excited now and they want to supply taro but an issue for us is freight excess.

We want to come up with a freight subsidy scheme for Morobe Province so that we can bring taro from the outskirts of Morobe.

“We are expecting some funding assistance from the government, for freight. Once that

happens, we can be able to assist farmers like Susan who will help to meet the supply

demand,” said Simbiken.

The Port Moresby business community has stepped up in a big way to support Papua New Guinea’s athletes, raising a significant K258,000 at the Trukai Fun Run Auction held on Friday.

The event saw 17,200 Trukai Fun Run shirts sold, with all proceeds going towards funding Team PNG’s participation in the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau.

The auction serves as a key fundraiser ahead of the annual Trukai Fun Run, this year themed “Running Through History,” celebrating PNG’s 50 years of independence through the unifying power of sport.

Team PNG Chef de Mission to Palau 2025, Kinivanagi Karo, expressed his sincere gratitude, particularly to the major sponsor, Trukai Industries Limited, and the top five bidding organizations.

“I would like to extend my warmest gratitude towards the major sponsor, Trukai Industries Limited for their unwavering support,” said Mr. Karo.

“Your contributions will play a crucial role in this year’s Pacific Mini Games, we are grateful for your commitment towards Team PNG. Your generosity is truly inspiring and gives us the motivation to continue our efforts to provide the best possible launchpad for our Team PNG athletes.”

Echoing this appreciation, Head of Trukai Industries, Mr. Andrew Grace, acknowledged the strong commitment from the business sector.

“We are eagerly looking forward to working closely with the PNG Olympic Committee to make this year’s Trukai Fun Run another truly memorable event,” Mr. Grace stated.

He also highlighted the enduring partnership between Trukai and the PNGOC, saying, “For 25 years, the partnership between Trukai Industries and the PNG Olympic Committee has stood strong, as a powerful symbol of our shared commitment to Team PNG and the incredible unifying power of sports within our nation.”

He reminded everyone to mark their calendars for June 22nd, as the event is anticipated to be bigger, better, and even safer for everyone to participate in this year.

The funds raised will be crucial in supporting Team PNG’s journey to Palau.

Many of the purchased t-shirts will also be donated to local schools.

The success of the Port Moresby auction builds anticipation for the next auction in Lae on June 13th and the main Trukai Fun Run event scheduled for June 22nd.


Recovery crews face a mammoth task to assess damage to tens of thousands of homes as waters recede from deadly and record-breaking floods.

An estimated 50,000 people in more than a dozen towns across the NSW Hunter and mid-north coast regions remain cut off and many emergency warnings are still in place despite most river levels falling.

Five flood-related deaths have been confirmed since the latest bout of flooding hit the state.

Efforts are under way to clean up and help the hardest-hit communities, including in Taree, Kempsey, Dungog, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, with essential supply drops delivered by boat and helicopter.

Early estimates indicated at least 10,000 properties had been damaged in the floods, the NSW State Emergency Service said on Saturday.

Crews were prioritising starting washouts and performing damage assessments in areas where floodwaters were beginning to subside, SES chief superintendent Paul McQueen said.

“We will have an increased number of volunteers out in force today to start the damage assessment process,” he said.

Before any evacuation orders were revoked, assessors needed to evaluate access and safety issues.

“This is still a dangerous situation where significant impacts to infrastructure and properties are likely to have occurred,” Mr McQueen said.

The state will face more settled conditions over the weekend after severe weather warnings were cancelled late on Friday evening.

“This is welcome news for those in clean-up and recovery operations,” Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Helen Reid said.

But as floodwaters start subsiding in some locations, other areas downstream face renewed threats.

A moderate flood warning for Tuggerah Lake, on the Central Coast, has forced a community evacuation, while there were numerous minor flood warnings in place on Saturday morning.

The Pacific Highway was closed between Coopernook and Purfleet, near Taree, due to flooding, while a section of the highway was closed at Charmhaven on the Central Coast.

Motorists are advised to avoid non-essential travel in flood-affected areas.

Farmers are also beginning to take stock of their losses after cattle were washed down rivers and many properties suffered significant damage.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns will tour flood-impacted areas on Saturday.

More than 1600 insurance claims had already been made, according to the Insurance Council of Australia.

Assistance grants of $180 per person or $900 for families are expected to roll out in the coming days and those unable to work will have access to a disaster recovery allowance from Monday.

The flood-related death toll stands at five, while the SES conducted 85 flood rescues in the 24 hours to 5am.

A man believed to be in his 80s was found inside a burnt-out vehicle in the shed of a Cooplacurripa property, about 50km northwest of Taree.

Severe weather conditions stopped emergency crews from accessing the man’s home when a concern for his welfare was raised two days earlier.

The body of a man in his late 70s was also found on Friday after his vehicle appeared to be swept off a causeway at Nana Glen, near Coffs Harbour.

Another man died at a flooded home near Taree, as did a driver west of Port Macquarie and a 60-year-old woman near Coffs Harbour.

Volunteers are focusing on getting supplies to the 50,000 people still isolated by floodwaters.

“We ask you to be patient, remain in a safe location and please don’t be tempted to drive through flood waters or go sightseeing,” Mr McQueen said.


Written by: William Ton and Samantha Lock © Australian Associated Press 2025

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