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Ryan Ani: From Raukele to the Barramandis

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A fresh face is joining the PNG Barramandis as they head to Japan for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Qualifier. At just 22 years old, Ryan Ani is ready to make his international debut.

Ani, who hails from Hula and Babaka in the Rigo Coastal area of Central Province, grew up with a cricket bat in his hand. His journey started at the Raukele Cricket Club (RCC) within the Port Moresby Cricket Association, a place connected to his father’s side of the family.

“Cricket ran as our family sport, it was part of our lives. Weekends were mostly about cricket, and I grew up loving the sport,” Ani said.

His rise wasn’t overnight. Ani started playing seriously in 2013 as a 10-year-old in the Under-12 division. He worked his way up through the U15 and U18 ranks, showing the kind of discipline and passion needed to reach the top level.

Beyond the pitch, Ani is proving that you can master both sports and studies. Just last month, he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Management from the Institute of Business Studies (IBS) University. For him, the game is about more than just runs; it’s about character.

“What I love about cricket is the discipline, commitment, and dedication. The lessons you learn in life can also apply in cricket. It shapes your morals and values both on and off the field,” he said.

Ani’s ticket to the national team came after a standout performance in the Boroko Motors Isuzu Men’s T20 Smash domestic tournament earlier this year. Now, he wants to use his platform to help the team and motivate the next generation.

“I would love to play more matches and seize every opportunity to support my teammates, while also inspiring others who may or may not know the sport,” he added.

While he is looking forward to the future, Ani often looks back at a defining moment in 2022. Playing for Raukele in the Premier Division, he smashed his first century during a tough chase against Coasters Cricket Club. His team was chasing over 300 runs, and things looked grim.

“All hope seemed to fall, but I didn’t give up. I held my end and gave my team hope. We chased down the total and won the game, that’s my favorite memory,” he recalled.

As the Barramandis begin their campaign in Japan from 8-18 May, all eyes will be on Ani. His debut isn’t just a personal win, it’s a sign of the young talent keeping the spirit of PNG cricket alive.

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Kumuls Legend Alex Johnston Seals Deal with PNG Chiefs

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Alex Johnston has officially put pen to paper, confirming his move to the PNG Chiefs for their 2028 NRL debut.

The announcement, released from the Santos Football Stadium in Boroko, confirms Johnston as the first-ever Papua New Guinean player to join the expansion club’s roster.

For the veteran winger, this transition is a personal homecoming. Despite his long-standing success in Australia, Johnston stated that the opportunity to represent his bloodline in the NRL was a calling he could not ignore.

“Having my PNG heritage, it was almost like a duty or an obligation,” Johnston said.

“When the team got announced, I felt like I had to go over there and represent my family, my nan, as best I can.”

PNG Chiefs General Manager of Football, Michael Chammas, described the signing as a special moment, calling Johnston a Papua New Guinean icon who has carried the hopes of the nation throughout his career.

“And now he is coming home,” Chammas said.

Johnston arrives at the Chiefs as the most prolific finisher the game has ever seen. Just two months ago, he made history by surpassing the legendary Ken Irvine to become the all-time leading try-scorer in premiership history.

Club CEO, Lorna McPherson stated that while everyone knows he is a proven performer and a record holder, his value off the field is just as significant.

She stated that his humility and connection to the country make him the perfect ambassador for the club.

Johnston’s connection to the red, black, and gold is already well-established. As a 12-capped PNG Kumul, he has been a mainstay of the national side, representing the country with distinction on the international stage. This existing bond with the PNG fans is expected to form the heart of the Chiefs’ identity as they build toward 2028.

The 31-year-old has signed a one-year deal to lead the Chiefs into their first season under coach Willie Peters.

While he remains contracted to the South Sydney Rabbitohs for another 18 months, Johnston is already looking forward to the 2028 campaign in Port Moresby.

The Chiefs expressed their gratitude to the Rabbitohs for their professionalism in allowing Johnston the ability to secure this future move.

For now, the Try-Scoring King remains focused on finishing his tenure in Sydney with another premiership before officially “coming home”.

Source: Australian Associated Press

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Bula Round? How Fiji can host Super Rugby’s big weekend

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A Fijian Super Round is on the radar as the Pacific favorites push for facility upgrades that would allow the rugby-mad nation to host the relaunched concept.

Ten of Super Rugby Pacific’s 11 outfits will descend on Christchurch’s new One NZ Stadium, with hosts the Crusaders to face the NSW Waratahs in the first of five games across three days on Friday.

More than 14,000 people will travel to the event that has been reborn to coincide with the stadium’s symbolic opening after the city’s deadly 2011 earthquake.

Super Round had a lukewarm, three-year lifespan in Melbourne before the Rebels’ demise killed off the concept last year.

It comes a week after Moana Pasifika‘s owners announced they would not fund the franchise beyond this year, creating a familiar uncertainty around the competition’s future.

But, with the tournament otherwise delicately poised through 10 rounds, there is buzz and an expectation the Super Round product will be easier to sell once an estimated 70,000 fans have rolled through the gates on Sunday.

“That should accelerate the discussions that are already going on, in Australia and New Zealand, for 2027 and 2028.”

“We think we’ve got something really positive to sell and a lot of those people will be at Super Round on the weekend.

“And also we’d hope Christchurch would love to host it again.”

Fiji, where the Drua are based and flourish in front of packed home crowds, is an obvious Super Round destination Mesley “has a lot of passion for”.

“It’d be such a great, unique experience and I’d love to do it, but it’s got a bit of work,” he said.

“It’s a longer term conversation because we need hard infrastructure improvements there to host ‘Bula Round’, as they’ve affectionately termed it.”

The Drua have played out of Lautoka and Suva, which holds 15,000 fans, since entering the competition in 2022.

But to host a Super Round the venues will need, at the minimum, lighting upgrades and two extra player changerooms to accommodate the double-headers on Saturday and Sunday.

“It’d be incredible … a great advertisement for the game in the Pasifika region because a lot of the talent is going to rugby league,” former Wallabies halfback Will Genia, born in Papua New Guinea, told AAP.

“League is just everywhere on TV, the (NRL’s) profile and it’s individuals are bigger.

“An event like that in the Pasifika, it just captures the audience again. It keeps them engaged.”

Facility upgrades in Fiji would also benefit the Test side, who have taken their three home games in the new Nations Championship to Europe this year as a revenue-raising initiative.

“It all links in,” Mesley said.

“We’ve met with (Fijian) government officials over past 18 months and the importance of sports tourism, they’re very conscious of it.

“In terms of extending their holiday season, they see the value and rugby is such a big part of their makeup.

“But funding for infrastructure projects is not a simple thing.”

Mesley said they were “planning for all eventualities for 2027” while a window still existed for an investor to save the embattled Pasifika.

“Things need to move quickly,” he said of the prospect of the club being taken over.

“Moana have been looking for new investors for some time, but this gives it a whole lot of publicity.

“The world now knows and there’s clearly a lot of passion out there. There’s something to grab hold of, if you have the right level of funding.”

World Rugby chair Brett Robinson will meet with Super Rugby Pacific officials while in Christchurch.

“We want to get in, have a look and see what the options are and how they benefit Super Rugby Pacific,” Mesley said of conversations around the tournament’s future structure.

“We’re tied into a pretty small window at the moment so any opportunity to get additional weeks, us and our clubs would love that.”

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Broncos Crisis: Paix Faces D-Day Medical Check

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White male rugby player in motion looking disoriented on the field of play.

The Brisbane Broncos are facing a major injury crisis as hooker Cory Paix prepares for a critical meeting with an independent neurosurgeon today. The outcome of this appointment will determine if Paix can take the field against the Wests Tigers this Saturday night, a game that has become a “must-win” for a Brisbane side struggling with a growing casualty list.

Currently, the Broncos are without nine key players due to injury or suspension, including three regular hookers. If Paix is ruled out, the pressure will fall on 20-year-old young gun Cameron Bukowski, who was named in the extended squad at No.20.

The controversy surrounds a Category 1 concussion ruling made by the NRL’s independent doctor during last Friday’s 35-31 loss to the North Queensland Cowboys. Under NRL rules, a Category 1 diagnosis requires an automatic stand-down, but the Broncos are challenging the decision, insisting it should have been a Category 2.

The club argues that Paix merely tripped over his own feet and stumbled. To bolster their case, a source close to the team described Paix’s mental state as being sharp enough to rival a scholar.

“Cory was as lucid as Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man when he listed the Qantas flight timetables.”

Three Brisbane Broncos male players getting into a huddle on the field of play
Cory Paix of the Broncos celebrates a try during the NRL Round 16 match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AAP Image/Jono Searle)

Coach Michael Maguire expressed his confusion after the Cowboys match, stating that Paix was eager to return to the fray almost immediately.

“Cory ran off and was ready to run back out again. I don’t quite understand that one, but that was the call from external,” Maguire said.

“So I’ll go through the right channels here with the doctors and review it but talking to Paix, he can’t believe it himself.”

The player’s manager, Paul Hogan, confirmed that Paix is feeling fit and passed his Head Injury Assessment (HIA) on the night.

“I have just spoken to Cory and he is as good as gold,”

“He passed his HIA on the night. I didn’t think there was any doubt about it. If we thought, it was a category one we wouldn’t want him playing.”

This weekend’s clash at Campbelltown carries significant historical weight. The Wests Tigers, currently joint competition leaders, have a poor record against the Broncos at the venue. In nine meetings at Campbelltown, the Tigers have never managed a win against Brisbane, with the Broncos holding an eight-game winning streak following a draw in their first-ever meeting in 2000.

For Coach Maguire, a victory would be particularly sweet. Having previously coached the Tigers during a difficult period for the club, he is now focused on keeping Brisbane’s 26-year unbeaten record at Campbelltown intact.

Fans across Papua New Guinea will be watching closely to see if the Broncos can overcome these hurdles and maintain their dominance over the Tigers.

Source: Australian Associated Press

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Siaka’s Golden Run: From Hanuabada Roots to T20 Smash Glory

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Cricket player Lega Siaka

In the heart of Hanuabada, a village where the sound of leather hitting willow is as constant as the tide, a leader was forged. This past weekend at Amini Park, that leader, Lega Siaka, showed exactly why he remains one of Papua New Guinea’s most formidable cricketing icons.

Captain of the Boroko Motors Isuzu Men’s T20 Smash champions, the Cassowaries, Siaka didn’t just lead his team to an undefeated title run; he dominated the field, sweeping the tournament’s top individual honors with his outstanding skill and leadership.

The 33-year-old veteran, with over a decade of experience representing the Barramundis, steered the Cassowaries through a flawless campaign. The team won all four of their fixture matches, culminating in a clinical victory during the Grand Final on Sunday, March 29.

Siaka’s personal statistics were nothing short of elite. He highlighted his class at the top of the order, finishing with 161 runs at an average of 53.67. With a strike rate of 137.61, his aggressive yet calculated approach saw him clear the ropes seven times and find the boundary on seven other occasions.

PNG Cricket player, Lega Siaka receiving award.

His efforts were rewarded with both the Player of the Tournament and Best Batsman awards. Despite the individual accolades, Siaka says the victory belongs to the collective.

“I want to thank the Cassowaries team for the great team support and effort,” he shared, reflecting the humble nature often found in the “Big Village” cricketers.

For Siaka, this tournament was about more than just a domestic trophy. It was a platform to prove that his hunger for the international stage has not waned. Having been a key player of PNG cricket for years, he is now making a loud case for a recall to the national side.

“I wanted to prove myself to the coaches and selectors that I can lead a team and play my best,” Siaka admitted.

“I do hope the selectors see the effort, skill, and commitment I put into this tournament. I want them to believe in me.”

Siaka says his sights are firmly set on the next international tour, hoping his performance at the Smash serves as a reminder of his reliability under pressure.

While his focus remains on his own return to the Barramundis, the tournament also provided Siaka a chance to observe the rising tide of talent across the country. He highlighted the impressive skills shown by cricketers coming out of Milne Bay and Lae-Morobe, stating that even a seasoned campaigner like himself can still learn from the energy of the youth.

“It is interesting, as watching helped me develop some new techniques too,” he added.

As the celebrations settle in the Cassowaries camp, the message from Amini Park is that Lega Siaka isn’t finished yet. He is a man in form, a leader in demand, and he is ready to wear the national colors once again.

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Fiji Bati Skipper Tui Kamikamica Hospitalized

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Fijian Rugby Player in motion trying to catch the ball

The Melbourne Storm has been rocked by news that Fiji Bati captain Tui Kamikamica is in hospital following a suspected stroke on Monday morning.

The 31-year-old prop, a favorite among many NRL fans here in PNG, suffered a medical episode just a day after returning from the Storm’s clash in Townsville. The club confirmed the news in a statement today:

“He has undergone treatment for a suspected stroke and is recovering in hospital. Tui is receiving the best possible care and is being supported by hospital specialists, alongside the club’s medical staff.”

The news is a massive blow for the Storm, who are already dealing with the loss of forward Eliesa Katoa to brain surgery earlier this season.

Kamikamica, a veteran of 142 games, had recently signed on to stay with Melbourne through 2026. While the Storm are scheduled to fly to Sydney on Thursday for their Good Friday match against Penrith, the focus remains entirely on the health of the big man and his young family.

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New Class of Accredited Match Officials Ready for 2026 Season Kick-off

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Group photo of accredited match official with trainer.

With the national rugby league season just weeks away, 37 match officials have officially secured their credentials to take the field. The group, consisting of referees and touch judges, completed the PNGRFL Better Development Accreditation workshop this week in preparation for the April 12 kickoff.

The intensive two-day program, hosted at the Santos National Football Stadium, saw participants from across Papua New Guinea tackle 16 training modules. The cohort includes three women, marking a significant step in the PNGRFL’s push for inclusive representation within the sport’s officiating ranks.

The accreditation is a collaborative effort between the PNGRFL, Queensland Rugby League (QRL), the National Rugby League (NRL), and PacificAus Sport. By aligning with international benchmarks, the program ensures that PNG officials are equipped to perform on both local and regional stages.

Greer Beck, QRL Development Coach for Match Officials, facilitated the sessions and emphasized the value of global consistency.

“At the moment, we’re focusing on ensuring PNG referees are accredited under NRL guidelines. This ensures they hold the correct accreditation standards so that if they were to officiate games in Australia, they would already meet Australian accreditation requirements,” Beck said.

Greer Beck, QRL Development Coach in a training session with Match Officials.
Greer Beck – QRL Development Coach – in a training session with match officials. [PHOTO/PNGRFL Media]

The 37 newly accredited officials are now eligible to oversee all five competitions under the PNG National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) banner. For PNGRFL CEO, Stanley Hondina, the workshop is a cornerstone of the league’s commitment to professionalism.

“I’m pleased to see all of you complete this two-day workshop, and I thank Greer Beck for facilitating these sessions since last year,” Hondina said during the closing remarks.

“Workshops like this are important in preparing referees for our five competitions. Congratulations to all of you for making the cut for the 2026 season. Take ownership of your development, prepare thoroughly, and deliver at a high standard.”

For the officials, the training offered a chance to refine technical skills. James Tau Amos, a veteran referee from the Lae Rugby League with seven years of experience, said there is always room for growth.

“This would be my seventh time attending such a workshop since I started refereeing. One area I want to improve on after this is working more effectively with the touch judges and improving referee positioning during matches,” Amos said.

The workshop also highlighted the growing role of women in the sport. Heavenly Paul, who officiates across the Santos Cup, National Youth Competition, and the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup, views her role as a blueprint for others.

“I have been officiating since 2021 and have attended several workshops since then,” Paul shared.

“Although this can be a challenging career, I proudly stand as a representative and role model for other women who wish to follow this path. If men can play and officiate the game, women can too.”

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Cricket PNG Sets Ambitious Goal to Reach 150,000 Youth in 2026

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Cricket PNG team group photo

Cricket Papua New Guinea (CPNG) unveiled a strategic roadmap for 2026, headlined by a massive push to increase youth participation from 90,000 to over 150,000 children nationwide.

The target was established during the first phase of the 2026 Regional Cricket Managers (RCM) Conference, held at Amini Park from February 16th-17th.

The two-day summit brought together leaders from the Southern and Islands regions including NCD, Central, Milne Bay, and West New Britain to align provincial operations with national high-performance and development goals.

The conference, led by CPNG Operations Manager, Rarua Dikana, focused on shifting the organization toward a more data-driven and accountable structure. By analyzing strengths and threats across the regions, the board aims to standardize how cricket is delivered in both urban hubs and remote villages.

“The RCM’s focused on the involvement and participation planning and targets for year 2026. Last year the game development section covered up to 90, 000 children through their schools and community involvement and participation,” Dikana said.

Cricket PNG Training
Cricket PNG Training

To support this growth, the conference emphasized “engine room” logistics, the administrative, financial, and HR functions that keep regional offices running.

Office & Facility Manager, Helen Koave stressed the importance of supporting managers in areas where resources are often scarce.

One main theme of the summit was the pathway from grassroots participation to elite representation. Highlights from the sessions included:

  • Talent Identification: High Performance Manager and Barramandis Head Coach, Tim McCaskill, outlined how regional managers can better identify talent for national squads.
  • Specialized Programs: Plans were introduced for “Table Cricket” and indoor activities to make the sport more inclusive.
  • Technical Training: New coaching and umpiring certification schedules were set to raise the standard of officiating across the provinces.

While the outlook is optimistic, regional leaders highlighted the logistical hurdles of operating in PNG. Nathan Henry, the RCM for West New Britain, noted that while the new “Criiio Cricket Program” for ages 4–13 is promising, the sheer distance between rural schools remains a significant challenge for development officers.

The Port Moresby session concluded with intensive budgeting and allocation planning to ensure each region has the tools to meet its 2026 benchmarks.

The second phase of the conference will move to Goroka, where CPNG leadership will meet with managers from the Highlands and Momase regions, including Lae, Madang and Mt. Hagen to finalize the national 2026 calendar.

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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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