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PNG Lewas Lose to Bangladesh in World Cup Qualifier

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The Papua New Guinea Lewas’ campaign in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier hit a hurdle yesterday as they fell to a 30-run defeat against Bangladesh at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Nepal.

Despite the loss, the Lewas displayed significant grit, fighting through to the final ball against a clinical opponent.

Bangladesh, batting first, posted a competitive total of 168/5 from their allotted 20 overs. The Lewas responded determinedly, successfully batting out their full innings to finish on 138/9.

While the PNG side was unable to close the gap, the performance showed a resilience that the team hopes to carry into their upcoming fixtures.

The Lewas will now regroup and turn their focus to their next fixture as the campaign continues. Their next challenge comes against Namibia on 24 January 2026, a match seen as a vital opportunity to regain momentum.

The national body stands firmly behind the squad as they prepare for the must-win clash.

“Cricket Papua New Guinea remains confident in the Lewas’ ability to build from each match and continue to represent the nation with pride on the global stage.”

A victory on Saturday will be essential as the team looks “to bounce back and strengthen their position in the tournament.”

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Tedesco: DCE can be Roosters new Cronk

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The Sydney Roosters have descended on Bondi Beach for a community touch footy session, but the real talk was the massive “bombshell” move of Daly Cherry-Evans. For the rugby league-mad fans in PNG, the sight of the Manly legend in Tricolours is still sinking in, but Captain James Tedesco says the veteran halfback is already channeling a club legend.

Tedesco admitted that “it feels normal now but at the start it was a bit weird, a bit different” after DCE’s club-record 352 games for Manly. However, the skipper is already seeing shades of Cooper Cronk in the 36-year-old playmaker. Tedesco noted “similarities in terms of their leadership, their experience, their communication and their clarity in the way they talk to the team.”

New Sydney Roosters recruit Daly Cherry-Evans poses for photos
New Sydney Roosters recruit Daly Cherry-Evans poses for photos at Alliance Stadium in Sydney, Thursday, November 20, 2025. (AAP Image/Jessica Hromas)

Having a veteran like DCE steering the ship is a frightening prospect for rivals, especially after Tedesco’s Dally M-winning 2025 season.

“Having (Cherry-Evans) come into the team takes a lot of pressure off me as well, I’m not the main voice,” Tedesco said.

He acknowledged that while “everyone’s still going to compare” DCE to Cronk, the halfback “brings a lot of different aspects and different skills” to this new era.

The Roosters are primed for a premiership run with DCE and hooker Reece Robson joining the ranks. Tedesco also cleared the air on local product Hugo Savala, insisting there is “no tension at all” as Savala moves into a utility role.

Meanwhile, the club is preparing for one last big year with Mark Nawaqanitawase before his move to rugby union, with the skipper saying “he’d always be welcome back here, he loves the area and he loves the club.”

Source: Australian Associated Press

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Randall Embraces Middle Move in Titans Overhaul

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The Gold Coast Titans are undergoing a tactical identity shift under new head coach Josh Hannay, with Chris Randall becoming the latest veteran to trade his utility status for a permanent home in the forward pack.

After spliting his 97-game career between dummy-half and the back row, Randall has officially transitioned into a middle forward for the 2026 season. He follows teammate Klese Haas, who recently confirmed his own departure from the edge.

“I’m not a back-rower any more. I am a middle now,” Haas said.

Hannay’s arrival has brought sweeping changes to Parkwood, including a significant roster overhaul involving 12 departures. Beyond the personnel changes, the coach is prioritizing positional “certainty”—a welcome change for a player like Randall who has often been the team’s “Mr. Fix-it.”

“When Josh first came he chatted to me about trying to lock down one position and giving me that chance to actually get the reps in at the one position,” Randall explained. “I have been training in the middle and not getting moved around. I haven’t had that for a while these past couple of pre-seasons.”

While Randall’s versatility remains an insurance policy for the Titans, he admitted that being a utility player can hinder individual growth.

“I am always happy to jump in where I have to and help the team but it can be a bit of a blessing and a curse. You miss the reps at the one position and you can’t kick on and get better at the one spot because you keep changing,” Randall said. “At the moment I have just been training in the middle and I am really enjoying it. Hopefully I can build off that this year.”

Randall and Haas join a formidable engine room led by Maroons stars Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika, alongside Jaiman Jolliffe. This shift is made possible by the Titans’ newfound depth at hooker; with Sam Verrills starting and the arrival of Oliver Pascoe and Luke Sommerton, Randall’s days behind the ruck appear over.

“I haven’t been a hooker at all this pre-season. We have got a few numbers at hooker this year which helps,” Randall noted. “I don’t think I will be a hooker this year.”

With “Tino” capable of playing both prop and lock, Randall is eyeing a potential starting role at No. 13. While the competition is fierce, the former Knight is focused on the upcoming trials to prove he belongs in the run-on side.

“Everyone would love to be starting,” Randall said. “We are all competing for spots. Nothing is ever set in stone and we have got trials coming up and I think Josh will have a few decisions to make. All I can do is keep training my best and hopefully I can get a starting spot, if not on the bench.”

Source: Australian Associated Press | Image – AAP © 2026

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Ireland Beats PNG Lewas

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Two women in motion playing cricket. One in a green shirt holding a bat and another wearing a red, black and gold shirt standing behind the wicket.

The Papua New Guinea Lewas quest for a spot in the T20 World Cup hit a hurdle on Sunday as they fell to a 41-run defeat against a clinical Ireland side.

Competing in Match 4 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026, the Lewas struggled to keep pace with the Irish scoring rate at the Mulpani Cricket Ground. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Ireland posted a competitive 146 for 6, driven by a balanced performance across their batting order.

Chasing a target of 147, the Lewas’ batting lineup found it difficult to find the boundary against a disciplined Irish attack. Despite batting out their full 20 overs, PNG finished on 105 for 6.

While the defeat is a setback for their immediate standings, the Lewas camp viewed the clash as a vital benchmark for the team’s development.

“The match provided valuable experience for the Lewas against quality opposition as they continue their campaign in the Global Qualifiers,” the team noted in a post-match statement.

The Lewas remain in the hunt for qualification but will need to sharpen their execution in the middle overs to stay competitive against the tournament’s top-seeded teams. The leadership group emphasized that the focus remains on building consistency and executing key moments as the pressure of the group stages intensifies.

The PNG Lewas will now refocus on their upcoming fixtures, where wins are becoming increasingly essential to keep their dreams of a global stage appearance alive.

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PNG Lewas Eye World Cup Berth After Aussie Tour

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Group short, PNG Lewas and Officials

The Papua New Guinea Lewas have officially transitioned to the final stage of their World Cup journey, arriving in Nepal following a high-intensity preparation stint in Australia.

The national women’s cricket team is eyeing a historic milestone as they prepare to compete in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, running from 18th January to 1st February 2026.

The Lewas recently wrapped up a successful campaign at the Australian Country Cricket Championships in Adelaide. Finishing fifth overall, the team used the tournament as a high-performance laboratory to test tactics and build squad cohesion against elite opposition.

The tour was made possible through the PacificAus Sports partnership between the Australian Government and Cricket Australia, a program designed to bridge the gap between Pacific athletes and international competition.

Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Ewen McDonald, emphasized that the partnership transcends the scoreboard.

“Papua New Guinea and Australia share a strong connection through cricket, and the PNG Lewas continue to inspire both at home and across the Pacific region,” High Commissioner McDonald said.

“The Australian Government is proud to support women’s cricket in PNG through PacificAus Sports, helping provide opportunities for elite competition, professional development and international exposure as the talented team strives for T20 World Cup qualification.”

The Road to England 2026

The stakes in Nepal could not be higher. The Lewas are one of ten nations vying for just four available slots for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in England this June.

Cricket PNG Board Chairman, Michael Harrison, noted that the Australian leg of the journey was a vital stepping stone for the challenges ahead in Nepal.

“The Australian Country Championships provided exactly the level of competition we needed at this stage of preparation,” Harrison said.

“The learnings from Adelaide, combined with our transition into Nepal, place the Lewas in a strong position as they pursue a historic top-four finish and qualification for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.”

Discipline and Depth

National selectors are confident that the rigorous schedule has hardened the squad for the pressures of a Global Qualifier. Hudson Leka, Chairman of the National Selection Panel, praised the team’s growth during their recent matches.

“Selection and preparation have focused on consistency, adaptability and the ability to perform under pressure,” Leka stated.

“The Australian tournament tested those qualities, and the team is now fully focused on delivering in Nepal.”

With enhanced high-performance planning and specialist coaching support backed by the Australian Government, the Lewas now stand on the precipice of securing their place on the world’s biggest stage.

PNG Lewas: Road to the World Cup Fact Sheet

The PNG Lewas enter this final qualifying phase in Nepal with significant momentum, currently ranked 13th in the world in T20 Internationals. Under the leadership of Captain Brenda Tau, the squad features a balanced mix of experience and rising talent, including key players like Pauke Siaka, Sibona Jimmy, and Henao Thomas.

The team earned their place in this Global Qualifier by dominating the East Asia-Pacific region, and they are now looking to secure one of the four available tickets to the main event in England and Wales this June.

The tournament in Nepal is hosted across two venues in Kathmandu: the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground and the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground. The Lewas have been placed in a challenging Group A alongside Ireland, Bangladesh, Namibia, and the USA.

Their campaign officially begins this Sunday, January 18, with a high-stakes opening match against Ireland, followed by a clash with Bangladesh on January 20. The group stage concludes with matches against Namibia on January 24 and the USA on January 26, after which the top teams will progress to the Super Six stage to determine the final World Cup qualifiers.

This campaign represents a critical milestone for Papua New Guinean cricket, supported by the ongoing PacificAus Sports partnership which provided the elite training environment in Adelaide. With only a top-four finish required to secure their first-ever T20 World Cup appearance, the Lewas are fully acclimated to the conditions in Kathmandu and prepared to make history for the Pacific region.

Poster of PNG Lewas Match Fixtures

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‘Annoys us’: England gun warns Broncos for Hull clash

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Adam Reynolds of the Broncos leads his team out during the teams return to Suncorp stadium in Brisbane

Critics who laugh at Hull KR’s chances of beating Brisbane in the World Club Challenge are in for a rude shock insists England international and new Dolphins forward Morgan Knowles.

Knowles was a member of the St Helens side that stunned Penrith 13-12 in the 2023 World Club Challenge at the Panthers’ home ground.

The Robins, reigning Super League champions, will host defending NRL premiers the Broncos at MKM Stadium on February 20 at 6.30am (AEDT).

They have the chance to follow in the footsteps of the Saints and Wigan and keep the trophy in England for the third consecutive occasion.

Knowles, a St Helens legend who has joined the Dolphins in 2026, gets his back up when English Super League teams are written off.

“I think Hull KR, if they play at their best they are a red-hot chance,” Knowles said.

“Super League gets put down a fair bit and that definitely annoys us English blokes over there. So we have definitely got a point to prove.

“Obviously we beat Penrith and then Wigan beat Penrith (16-12) back in the UK as well (in 2024).

“Hull KR will be wanting to do the same. They are a good team and coached well. It will be a good game and I look forward to watching it.”

English teams have a rich history of beating Australian outfits to claim the prestigious trophy.

Wigan are equal with Sydney Roosters with five trophies in the cabinet while St Helens, Bradford Bulls, Leeds Rhinos and Melbourne are next best with three each.

The English have won the trophy 15 of the 29 times the clash has been contested, with the Storm also having the 2010 title stripped for salary cap breaches.

For Knowles, the history of the event makes a mockery of those who dismiss the Super League clubs as inferior to their NRL counterparts.

“It was the same back in 2023 when I came over with St Helens,” Knowles fired.

“Everyone was asking, ‘why are you in Australia?’ They were laughing at us saying,’ ‘it is going to be a cricket score’.

“We were quietly confident in ourselves and obviously got the win and Wigan backed it up the year after.

“The English boys will be confident and I hope Broncos take them lightly and we get another English win.”

The Broncos, captained by veteran Adam Reynolds and boasting superstars such as Reece Walsh, Payne Haas and Kotoni Staggs, will be aiming for their third title after previously winning the trophy in 1992 and 1997.

Hull have never won the title and will playing in their first World Club Challenge, but their impressive 24-6 win over powerhouses Wigan in last year’s Super League decider showcased their class and grit after they earlier won the Challenge Cup final 8-6 against Warrington.

The Robins, coached by highly regarded Australian coach Willie Peters, had four players – Peta Hiku, Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten and Dean Hadley – named in the Super League Dream Team of 2025.

Copyright @ AAP 2026

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Lock him in: New Dolphin follows path of England greats

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Morgan Knowles in action during a NRL Dolphins' training

The stars have aligned for England international Morgan Knowles to start the NRL season at lock forward where he has such a rich pedigree.

The 28-year-old has reunited at the Dolphins with his former St Helens coach Kristian Woolf, with whom he won three consecutive Super League grand finals and a Challenge Cup final.

Hooker Jeremy Marshall-King set to miss up to four months with a knee injury so versatile Kurt Donoghoe, who mostly played No.13 in 2025, is set to start the season at hooker.

Max Plath, another lock option, is not expected to return from an ACL rupture until round three, while captain Tom Gilbert is likely to initially slot into the back-row after his pectoral/shoulder comeback.

Knowles played in the the recent Ashes series at lock and was named in the Super League Dream Team in the position.

“That’s my position …loose forward,” Knowles said.

“Ideally that’s where I want to play but the competition is fierce and there are loads of great players.

“First and foremost for myself I want to earn the respect of my teammates. Selection will come off the back of it.”

Leaving Saints was not easy for a man who played 246 games for the club and describes himself as “proudly Cumbrian and proudly English”.

Knowles watched the likes of the Burgess brothers and James Graham make the jump from Super League to NRL with distinction and is determined to do the same.

“I’ve only known one club. I came through the academy at Saints and had my full career there,” Knowles said.

“It’s refreshing being at a new club and a new competition in the NRL. Obviously I had a relationship with Woolfy from working with him over in England. I trust him so when the opportunity came up I jumped at it.

“It was a tough decision. I love the club at St Helens. I was just ready for a new challenge, to take myself out of my comfort zone and come over here and prove myself again. 

“If I could do a quarter of what some of those English boys have come over and done I’d be very happy.”

Knowles has forged a reputation for being mobile, tough and hard-working.

The NRL should suit him.

“The ruck is a little bit different (in the NRL) and the boys are used to training at that speed so that is something I will have to try and catch up with,” Knowles said.

“I am a lighter middle forward so it suits my game a little bit more.”

The no-nonsense approach of Knowles gells with coach Woolf and it is a partnership the Saints legend knows will work a treat. 

“It was pretty daunting coming over to a different competition, different country and not knowing anyone,” he said.

“Having the comfort of him knowing the player I am and person, and me likewise having that trust, was a big reason behind my decision.

“Woolfy thinks a lot of St Helens too so (contract negotiations) were always respectful but we kept in contact since he left. 

“He said, ‘if you ever want to come out I want to be in the conversation’.  I was coming to the end of my contract at St Helens and I trust him, so when the opportunity came up I jumped at it.”

Copyright @ AAP 2026

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Rabbitohs offer lifeline to ex-Knight Adam Elliott

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Adam Elliott of the Knights during the warm up

South Sydney have offered an NRL lifeline to free agent Adam Elliott, the veteran forward signing in 2026 for the Rabbitohs on a one-year deal.

The 31-year-old suffered an arm injury with Newcastle in round 12, ending his campaign last year. His contract was not renewed by the Knights at the end of the season.

Elliott has played 173 NRL games since making his debut for Canterbury Bulldogs against Manly in 2016 and also had a season with Canberra before landing in Newcastle.

Souths’ head of recruitment Mark Ellison said Elliott would add experience and depth to their forwards ranks.

“Adam has been a consistent performer at the NRL level for a decade now and we feel he will add experience and create more depth within our forwards stocks this season,” Ellison said.

“He is renowned as a hardworking and aggressive forward, a punishing defender, and he has a reputation as a leader of men and a player that teammates want to play with.”

Souths recently suffered a blow when Kangaroos star Keaon Koloamatangi signed a five-year deal with St George Illawarra Dragons from next year.  

Wayne Bennett’s men were ravaged by injury last season with captain Cameron Murray, Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker and Campbell Graham all enduring lengthy spells on the sidelines, leading to the Rabbits’ 14th-placed finish. 

But all are expected to return and join Elliott, who represented the Indigenous All Stars in 2019 and 2024, as well as Country Origin in 2017.

Copyright @ AAP 2026

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Tongan Star Isaiya Katoa Breaks Scoring Record

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Isaiya Katoa in action during the Tonga national team rugby league training session at Nudgee College in Brisbane.

Tonga’s 21-year-old halfback, Isaiya Katoa, has already broken the national all-time point-scoring record, with potentially a decade or more left in his career.

​The young playmaker, widely regarded as a top talent, heads into Tonga’s Pacific Cup match against Samoa at Suncorp Stadium with an impressive record. According to NRL statistician David Middleton, whose records date back to 1995, Katoa leads the way with 67 points across nine Test matches (two tries, 29 goals, and one field goal).

​”I have Isaiya out in front of Siosiua Taukeiaho on 60 points, from two tries and 26 goals.”

Middleton also noted Katoa’s longevity.

​”He will be around for a while too. He is coming up to 10 Tests and he is only 21.”

Tonga co-captain Jason Taumalolo praised Katoa’s maturity, recalling his performance during the 2022 World Cup.

​”We knew how mature he was when he was doing school exams at the 2022 World Cup.”

“To go from that to where he is now speaks volumes for what kind of player Izzy is.”

​Taumalolo expressed confidence in Katoa’s dominant playing style and leadership for such a young player.

​”The feature of Izzy this year, and looking ahead, is for a young half to be so dominant. You don’t see many halves come through and play the way he does.”

“I am sure the boys are confident going into this game having Izzy alongside them steering the ship. Whatever Izzy says, goes.”

​Coach Kristian Woolf believes Katoa will be even better in this year’s Pacific Cup after his best NRL season with the Dolphins. Woolf was impressed with Katoa’s dedication and preparation for the Tests.

​”I know he’s really hungry to get into this camp.”

“We watched a little bit of video and had a bit of a chat about how we want to play.”

“You could just tell in the way he spoke and how engaged he was that he’d been thinking about it well before I had, so he’s ready to go.”

​Woolf credits last season’s high-level experience for his expected improvement.

​”I think last year’s (Pacific Cup) series gave him a lot of confidence in what he can do at such a high level against Australia in two games and against the Kiwis as well.”

“I just know that he’s coming in so much more confident, so better prepared.”

“He’s going to be a better player again, and I’m sure he’ll get more confidence out of this series as well.”

Source: Australian Associated Press

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Ben Hunt Finally Lifts the Trophy for Brisbane Broncos

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Adam Reynolds (left) Ben Hunt of the Broncos celebrate winnin the NRL Grand Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Melbourne Storm at Accor Stadium in Sydney.

Brisbane Broncos, veteran Ben Hunt can finally sleep soundly. After years of carrying the weight of a past mistake, the ultimate redemption story culminated in a premiership ring on Sunday.

Following the thrilling 26-22 Grand Final victory over the Melbourne Storm, the 35-year-old looked like a man who had shed a giant burden forever.

Many PNG fans remember the heartbreak of the 2015 Grand Final.

In that devastating 17-16 loss to the North Queensland Cowboys, it was Hunt who dropped the crucial kick-off in golden-point extra-time. For a decade, he wondered if he would ever make it back to the big stage to make amends.

He did get back, and he got the job done.

So, how many sleepless nights did he endure in the interim?

“I can’t count them. There were plenty,” Hunt said in the jubilant Broncos dressing room.

“I’ve dreamt of this moment for the last 10 years. I really have. It’s taken 350-plus games but it is all worth it. It really is. All the hard yards … the family, friends and coaches that have put time into me over the years, it’s a little bit of repayment for them.”

Hunt admitted he tried to keep his focus only on the game, but the emotional floodgates opened at the siren.

“I hadn’t thought too much about the redemption side of it. I just tried to focus on this game really but now that’s it is done and has sunk in, it is a weight off the shoulders,” he said.

“It’s okay for me to talk about the 2015 grand final now because we have moved on and got another one.”

“When the siren went, it instantly hit me like a ton of bricks.”

Broncos coach Michael Maguire summed up the sentiments of the entire rugby league world about five-eighth Hunt’s title dream finally being realised.

“Benny Hunt in 2015 … he had a tough moment in the grand final. To be able to give him a hug after that was a special moment because I know what players go through,” Maguire said.

“They get beaten up at times and the critics don’t miss them.”

“To see a smile on his face and just sitting in the changing room with the players with just a grin from ear to ear, it’s bloody unreal.”

Hunt said his move to rejoin the Broncos where he made his debut, after linking with St George Illawarra for seven turbulent seasons, was “probably the best decision I ever made.”

The veteran had to watch the final tense moments from the sidelines after being concussed with eight minutes to go. His halves partner, fellow 35-year-old Adam Reynolds, was right there with him after he was replaced with a calf injury in the 49th minute.

“It was one of those head knocks where it hits you flush. I knew I was stumbling,” Hunt said.

“I couldn’t get my legs under me but I had my wits about me. I definitely didn’t have on my bingo card that me and Reyno would be on the sideline with a couple of minutes to go, that’s for sure.”

“I went back out with about three minutes to go and it was a long bloody three minutes.”

Reynolds and Hunt embraced immediately after full-time. The two old mates came together in what Reynolds jokingly called “a nursing home” moment full of emotion.

“Ben deserves it probably more than anyone. He has been through his ups and downs,” Reynolds said.

“To see him get this moment at full-time and embrace him was certainly a career highlight.”

“We have both been through a lot over the last couple of years and when he came back to the club it was all about trying to achieve this dream.”

Source: Australian Associated Press

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