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Bellamy expecting Penrith to return to peak form

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Coach Craig Bellamy is expecting Penrith to be back to their bench-mark best in Thursday’s grand-final rematch, saying they will bring a winning attitude to Melbourne.

Melbourne have been triumphant in eight of the last nine against the Panthers at AAMI Park but would happily trade that record for a victory in last year’s title decider, which they lost 14-6.

While Penrith coach Ivan Cleary said the Storm would be motivated by the grand-final result, Bellamy said on Wednesday it was “just another game”.

Melbourne have had a protracted preparation for the highly anticipated clash due to their second-round bye as the Panthers had a shock loss to the undermanned Sydney Roosters.

Bellamy isn’t expecting Penrith to again be below par.

“Obviously it wasn’t ideal for Penrith but you know they’ve been in the last five grand finals and they know how to win,” he said.

“We know they’ll turn up here tomorrow night with that sort of attitude.

“Whether they play bad – you’ve got to give the Roosters a bit of credit … but Panthers know how to win, and they’re probably stiffen up after last week.

“They know what they’re good at and they stick to that, so we know they’ll come with that sort of mentality tomorrow night, especially after last week.”

Winger Will Warbrick will miss the match due to lingering concussion symptoms with his place taken by Grant Anderson, while Bellamy was coy about the role Nelson Asofa-Solomona would play.

“He’s available, he hasn’t played much footy this year because of the suspension, but, yeah, we’ll just see what happens today and then and then go from there,” the coach said.

He later included him on the bench, where he’s certain to be greeted by a large roar from the home crowd when he gets his chance.

The giant prop’s presence was badly missed in the grand final due to a five-game suspension and he almost sat out this clash before escaping with a warning after a Queensland Cup charge.

Apart from Warbrick the Storm are set to be at full strength while the Panthers have lost five players from their starting grand final line-up including star playmaker Jarome Luai, who is now in Wests Tigers colours.

With 13 games under his belt, 21-year-old Jack Cole is now partnering Nathan Cleary in the halves.

“I think young Cole’s probably still fitting in there but he’s obviously a very talented player too and he’s just going to get better each and every week,” said Bellamy.

“It takes a while for a half to to fit into a new team, but he’s obviously got a whole heap of ability or they wouldn’t put him in there.”

Penrith’s Test fullback Dylan Edwards will also miss with a groin strain with the visitors suffering a late blow with his replacement Daine Laurie also ruled out with an undisclosed injury on Wednesday.

Thomas Jenkins has now been named to play at the back.


By: Melissa Woods © AAP 2025

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PNG not complying with Anti-Doping Convention

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The Inaugural Sport Anti-Doping National Compliance Stakeholders Meeting will take place in Port Moresby in a days’ time.

High on the agenda will be PNG’s efforts in complying with international standards.

According to the PNG Sports Anti-Doping Organization (PNGSADO), the stakeholders meeting is one of its solutions to address the issue of non-compliance with the Anti-Doping Convention Against Doping in Sport of UNESC.

Papua New Guinea Sports Anti-Doping Organization in collaboration with the PNG National Commission for UNESCO, will host the inaugural Sport Anti-Doping National Compliance Stakeholders Meeting on March 19, 2025, in Port Moresby.

The meeting follows the alarming findings of the state of Papua New Guinea’s non-compliance to the convention in the 2023 Monitoring Report released during the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Paris on November 7, 2023.

The report revealed that Papua New Guinea (PNG) remains non-compliant with the Anti-Doping Convention, placing the country’s sporting integrity at risk.

As part of the corrective action plan to meet the compliance trash-hold, this meeting seeks to address this critical gap in compliance and set a clear path toward rectifying the situation in line with the upcoming implementation deadline.

 Dr. Sereugava Ugava, Chairman of PNGSADO, emphasized the importance of collaboration and transparency in addressing the issues surrounding anti-doping in PNG.

 “This meeting will bring together all relevant stakeholders – from government bodies, sports organisations, to athletes and anti-doping experts – to share vital information, strengthen partnerships, and chart a course for compliance with global anti-doping standards,” Dr. Ugava said.

The meeting is set to play a pivotal role in forging a united front to enhance anti-doping efforts in PNG.

Stakeholders will discuss strategies for improving anti-doping education, enforcement, and monitoring to protect the health of athletes and uphold the spirit of fair competition in sports.

PNGSADO is dedicated to ensuring that PNG aligns with international standards, safeguarding the integrity of sports, and promoting a clean and fair environment for athletes.

This event is a critical milestone for PNG in its efforts to enhance anti-doping measures and comply with global expectations and will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to collaborate and move forward collectively.

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Blue Heelers Rugby Union Team gets Support

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Poroman Consulting PNG is proud to announce its sponsorship of training gear for the Blue Heelers Rugby Union Club, reinforcing its commitment to empowering young athletes and fostering community development through sports.

Poroman believes in the power of sports to instill discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills, helping shape the next generation of responsible and productive citizens.

“We see sports as a platform for positive change,” said Murray Maccoll, Founder & Director of Poroman Consulting PNG.

“By supporting community rugby, we are investing in young people, giving them opportunities to grow, excel, and contribute meaningfully to their society.”

The Blue Heelers Rugby Union Club, known for its strong focus on youth development, is grateful for the support from companies like Poroman Consulting PNG.

“This sponsorship means a lot to our club and our players,” said Ase Boas, President of the Blue Heelers Rugby Union Club.

“The training gear that will be procured will help us prepare better, compete stronger, and continue our mission of developing young talent. We truly appreciate Poroman’s contribution and the work they do in PNG.”

Through partnerships like this, Poroman is committed to building stronger communities and a brighter future for Papua New Guinea.

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Broncos must regain winning template lost to Panthers

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Adam Reynolds of the Broncos and Dylan Edwards of the Panthers during the NRL Grand Final between the Brisbane Broncos and Penrith Panthers at Accor Stadium in Sydney.

Brisbane Broncos embark on three trials in search of diamonds in the rough who will provide the sparkle and shine in the dire times when premiership titles are won or lost. 

The Broncos must rediscover the template of success they once owned, which is now the domain of mighty Penrith.

The time for empty optimism associated with NRL pre-seasons, particularly at the Broncos after coaches are sacked and new mentors installed, is over.

New coach Michael Maguire will be under the microscope as never before. 

The Broncos play “feeder team” Burleigh on the Gold Coast on Saturday night and will field a suite of players in the top 30 squad who must be ready to be key contributors to wins during the NRL season when the chips are down.

Three back-up halves – including Jock Madden, Josh Rogers and 18-year-old Coby Black – will play. 

In the upcoming season there may be an unexpected time when one, or more, of  playmakers Ben Hunt, captain Adam Reynolds or the suspended Ezra Mam are unavailable. 

The halves in waiting must step up, as former Penrith playmaker Jack Cogger did with style in the 2023 grand final when Jarome Luai was replaced in the second half against the Broncos due to injury.

The tallest rugby league player in the NRL, 20-year-old 205cm giant Ben Te Kura, has been named to start at prop against Burleigh. 

This is an early chance to show he can be part of the next generation of leading Broncos front-rowers as four-time title winner  Shane Webcke was when he arrived at Red Hill in the 1990s as a raw talent but no pedigree.

The famous “Baby Broncos”, inaugurated when Shane Walker led a bunch of novices to a 28-14 away  win over Wests Tigers in 2002 without  a plethora of Queensland stars, set a benchmark that Brisbane would win games no matter who took the field. 

That standard was maintained under ex-coach Wayne Bennett’s stewardship in the run to the 2006 title win, the last of six Broncos premierships.

The Broncos also received elite displays at various stages in their golden run in five title wins from 1992 to 2000 from so-called unfashionable players like John Plath and Michael De Vere who were integral to their success. 

What was once the Broncos forte is now owned by Penrith. In each of their consecutive four premiership wins they’ve unearthed unfashionable winners who’ve risen for the big occasion. Hooker Mitch Kenny and tough as teak forward Lindsay Smith are two of the most recent.

The bottom line is that muscle memory forged while experiencing repetitive success, combined with elite coaching and pure desire, have moulded the Panthers into the greatest modern day team under the genius of Ivan Cleary. Brisbane have done it before and must do it again under Maguire.

Broncos centre Delouise Hoeter, who will play against Burleigh, was asked about the importance of having a winning squad mentality like Penrith.

“We speak about that all the time, that it is going to take 30-plus players to get us where we want to be,” he said.

“We all have the ability to do our job whether we have played nearly 300 games like Adam Reynolds or zero like Coby Black. 

“Whoever fills in …  the attention to detail at training is going to come forward in the big moments in games. 

“We have built that capacity with our training and intensity and we know that whoever steps in is more than capable of doing their job.” 

The Broncos will also play trials in February against Gold Coast and Canterbury.

Written By: Joel Gould © AAP 2025

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Ashes hopefuls humbled in England Lions’ heavy defeat

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Tim Ward of Tasmania bats during the Marsh Sheffield Shield 2023-24 cricket match between Victoria and Tasmania at CitiPower Centre in Melbourne, Wednesday, November 8, 2023. (AAP Image/Morgan Hancock)

An England A side full of Ashes aspirants has suffered a seven-wicket loss in Brisbane, where opener Tim Ward humbled the touring attack.

Ward, whose status as a player of interest among national selectors was rubber stamped with Wednesday’s Australia A call-up, finished 115 not out as the hosts hauled in a target of 261 at Ian Healy Oval.

Former Test batter Handscomb, who was overlooked for Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka, scored 57 on day three of the four-day contest to help lift the Cricket Australia XI to victory.

Ward has been signed by Hobart Hurricanes as an injury replacement player, having struck a century for Tasmania in the state’s final game before the mid-season Sheffield Shield break.

Ward completed his century with three sixes and six fours, retiring on 115 when rain interrupted play with the home side requiring a further seven runs.

Offspinner Shoaib Bashir, who has played 15 Tests for England, logged match figures of 1-91 from 21 overs.

John Turner, a 23-year-old paceman who has represented England in one-day and T20 cricket, also failed to shift momentum during Ward’s knock.

England are using the tour as a chance to give young and inexperienced players some exposure in Australian conditions ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes.

Rocky Flintoff, the 16-year-old son of iconic allrounder Andrew, scored 19 and four in his first match of the tour.

The England Lions have another match against a CA XI in Brisbane before facing an Australia A squad, featuring the likes of Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe and Brendan Doggett, in Sydney.

AAP © 2025

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Benji rebuke helps Tiger Fainu go from fat to fit

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Latu Fainu of the Tigers before the NRL Round 9 match between the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the Wests Tigers at Accor Stadium in Sydney

A no-holds-barred spray from the usually laidback Benji Marshall has been the wake-up call Latu Fainu needed to perhaps fulfil the potential that once led to him being labelled the NRL’s hottest property. 

In a bid to raise standards after a third-straight wooden spoon, Marshall made a pact with his players that they would return to pre-season training in good nick.

But Fainu, who was once touted as Daly Cherry-Evans long-term successor at Manly, was one of several players who rocked up to Concord in November either out of shape or unfit. 

It meant Fainu had to front the Tigers’ board as well as getting a rev-up from Marshall. 

“That was a wake-up call, that I needed to wake up to myself (to prove) I want to play footy,” Fainu told AAP.

“It was a big wake-up call to show that I need to get my body right. 

“Benji gave it to me straight. 

“In our end of the year meetings, Benji had told me where he wanted to be and I didn’t show up to it.

“I didn’t like seeing Benji get mad. He told me I could do better and I 100 per cent know I can. 

“With Benji, it’s like being with your older brother – you can talk to him and he will give it to you straight.” 

Fainu is all too aware that his indulgent off-season – he is quick to point out he is back to his playing weight of 88kg – could limit his involvement to start the season.

The 19-year-old spent most of his debut season in the halves but will now be expected to take a backseat to fellow teenager Lachlan Galvin as he looks set to partner Jarome Luai. 

“I really want to play with ‘Romey’ (Luai) and that takes time for me to work hard and whenever Benji thinks I’m ready, I’ll be ready,” Fainu said. 

“He (Luai) will bring a winning culture to this team and a competitive side to this team where he wants to win in every training session – and that makes us better.

“Me and Lachie have been working really hard and it’ll be fair from Benji if he does pick me or Lachie. 

“I’ll play whatever position he wants me to play.” 

Written By: George Clarke @ AAP 2025

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Broncos brace for ‘tough stuff’ at Maguire boot camp

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New Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire looks on during a Brisbane Broncos NRL training session at Gilbert Park in Brisbane

Michael Maguire will learn plenty about his Brisbane Broncos crop on a three-day, police-style boot camp that has players bracing for “tough stuff”.

The Broncos were leaving for a preseason camp west of Brisbane on Monday that shapes as a defining exercise under the club’s new NRL coach.

The South Sydney premiership-winning mentor left his post as NSW Blues coach to take up the role from Kevin Walters.

Brisbane were beaten in the 2023 grand final but otherwise missed finals in three of the last four seasons under Walters.

Ezra Mam’s nine-game suspension after he was charged over an off-season head-on traffic collision has ensured the heat is on the under-fire club.

“No idea what’s going to come for us,” veteran prop Corey Jensen said of the camp on Monday.

“It’ll be a good chance to bond together as a group and no doubt there’ll be a bit of tough stuff going on.”

It’s understood the camp is designed for police to test their leadership qualities, mental strength and ability to operate under duress.

“I think there’s a few boys that are a bit nervous; a few of the young guys that haven’t probably experienced this kind of thing,” Jensen said.

“A few of the boys have been trying to get around and find out what’s going to come, but no one really gives you too much. 

“So you’ve just got to expect the unexpected and go out there and give it your best, do it together.

“It’s another chance for us to be leaders among the group too and help those younger blokes out.”

Maguire’s arrival has naturally created competition for spots, with Pat Carrigan’s potential move from lock to accommodate Kobe Hetherington threatening Jensen’s starting berth.

“It’s awesome; competition within the group just brings out the best in everyone,” front-rower Jensen said.

“I want that the starting spot just as much as anyone else out there.

“Competition just makes you want to train harder and work harder for each other. 

“That’s what we’re doing this preseason, so I’ll continue to do that.”

Written by: Murray Wenzel © AAP 2025

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Gutherson, Cook co-captains for Dragons’ post-Hunt era

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Damien Cook returns to the Illawarra Dragons as they begin pre-season training at WIN Stadium in Wollongong

Damien Cook says captaining St George Illawarra alongside Clint Gutherson is the “highest honour of his career” as the star recruits prepare to lead the Dragons into the post-Ben Hunt era.

The joint venture’s inaugural captains Paul McGregor and Mark Coyne were on hand as Cook and Gutherson were officially appointed to the captaincy in Wollongong on Monday.

The pair had been called into coach Shane Flanagan’s office earlier in the pre-season to learn they would be replacing talismanic half Hunt, who earned a release to join Brisbane for 2025.

Blake Lawrie and Jack de Belin had filled in as skipper during Hunt’s State of Origin duties in recent season but Flanagan said he had always been confident in hooker Cook and fullback Gutherson as the men to spearhead a new era.

“In the back of my mind, I always knew those two were going to be the leaders of the club,” he said. 

“It’s such a big job, being captain of a club. Obviously there’s the gameday pressures that you have to handle and media and so on. I just think moving forward it’s a big role and those two will share the role.”

The appointment made an impression on Cook, who earned his NRL debut for the Dragons in 2013 before becoming a first-grade mainstay in nine seasons at South Sydney.

Cook made the 2021 grand final with the Rabbitohs, beat Cameron Smith to win Dally M hooker of the year in 2018 and was NSW’s starting number nine in three State of Origin series wins.

But the Dragons junior ranked the captaincy as “by far” the pinnacle of his career.

“Just growing up in the area and then debuting here in 2013,” he said.

“I’ve been away for a bit but to come back and lead the side alongside Gutho, it was a real special moment when the coach told me and definitely the highest honour of my career.”

Cook captained the Prime Minister’s XIII in last year’s 42-20 win over their Papua New Guinea counterparts, and deputised as South Sydney co-captain for one game of the 2023 season.

But the Dragons role marks his first stint as a full-time captain.

Then 23, Gutherson was first appointed to Parramatta’s co-captaincy in 2018 and had been either sole skipper or co-captain every season since earning a release ahead of 2025.

He and Cook will be tasked with steering the Dragons to their first finals berth since 2018, with halfback Lachlan Ilias and back Val Holmes brought in to assist with that task.

St George Illawarra came within a sliver of finishing in the top eight last season, only to suffer a shock loss to struggling Parramatta that ultimately cruelled their chances.

Flanagan had higher hopes for a finals berth in 2025.

“We’ll be better than last year, that’s all I can guarantee,” he said.

“If we’re better than last year, we’ll give ourselves a chance.”

Monday marked Ilias’ first full-contact training session since he suffered a horror leg injury playing reserve grade for Souths last April.

“We’ve got probably a good month with him now to build some combinations (before pre-season trials),” Flanagan said.

Written By: Jasper Bruce © AAP 2025

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PNG rugby player terminated after being charged with rape

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PNG Rugby Player, Keven Appo charged with Rape

Papua New Guinean International Rugby Player, Keven Appo, has had his contract terminated from the English Rugby League Club, the Bradford Bulls effective immediately.

The 25-year-old who last played as the second-row and lock for the Bulls was charged by the West Yorkshire Police with multiple sexual offences including rape yesterday.

In a statement the club said: “Following today’s West Yorkshire Police statement, the Bradford Bulls have cancelled Keven Appo’s playing contract.

“Given the circumstances, the club is duty bound to make no further comment at this stage.

“The search for a suitable, quality replacement is underway.”

In a separate statement, the West Yorkshire Police revealed that the PNG International has been released on bail and is due to appear at the Bradford Magistrates Court on Monday, 6th January 2025.

The charges related to an investigation by Calderdale District Adult Protection Team following a report made in April 2024.

Appo made his international debut for Papua New Guinea in the 24-18 loss to Tonga in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, joined the Bradford Bulls in 2023, before signing a new two-year deal in August last year.

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Over 30 referees to officiate KCK Rigo Rice Cup

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More than thirty (30) professional referees have pledged their support for the Rigo Rice Cup Rugby Competition.

The referees had a brief session with the tournament CEO, Mcsteve Polly, and deliberated significant points, guidelines and inhouse discussions leading up to the tournament.

These referees were formally signed up by the KCK Rigo Rice Cup host organizing committees, and are ready to officiate matches in the four different pools throughout Port Moresby.

Rigo Rice Cup CEO, Mcsteve Polly, during the meeting discussed the importance of fair play and integrity when officiating matches, especially in major competitions that involve more than 10 teams participating.

A female touch-rugby judge was also present among the referees.

She voiced her concerns about the need for more women in the field, expressing her hope to see more women touch-rugby judges working alongside male counterparts which was taken note of by the RRC Team.

Meanwhile, the KCK Rigo Rice Cup will be launched on Saturday the 09th of November, where the total number of participating teams will be announced together with their names.

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