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Broncos Stage Stunning Comeback Against Sharks

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Brisbane pulled off an incredible comeback, overturning a 16-point deficit to defeat a wasteful Cronulla 34-28. Broncos fullback Reece Walsh was the spark that ignited their resurgence.

It looked like the Broncos were down and out when Sharks hooker Blayke Brailey darted over from dummy half in the 56th minute, putting Cronulla up 28-12 in front of 39,042 fans at Suncorp Stadium. But the home side had other plans, scoring four tries in just 18 minutes, with Walsh setting up two, to snatch fifth position on the ladder from the Sharks.

“I guess we expect Reece to come up with those things. He just keeps competing,” Broncos coach Michael Maguire said.

“The captain (Adam Reynolds) spoke to them at halftime and sharpened them up a bit.

“It was pleasing that with their backs against the wall … to fight the way they did and get the win at the end.

The match was not without its dramatic moments. Sharks forward Teig Wilton was taken to hospital in the first half after suffering blurred vision from an eye injury. Then, just before halftime, Sharks winger Sione Katoa had what was described as a “brain explosion,” getting sin-binned for a ridiculous touch on Ezra Mam while he was on the ground in the ruck.

Despite the Sharks being a man down, the Broncos couldn’t capitalise immediately. Brailey scored from close range, and the result seemed secured for Cronulla. However, the Sharks then completely fell apart.

Brisbane Broncos rugby players
Ezra Mam of the Broncos scores 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)

Broncos winger Ronaldo Mulitalo was ruled to have knocked on, and Walsh made the Sharks pay with a pinpoint pass to centre Gehamat Shibasaki. Sharks five-eighth Braydon Trindall then kicked out on the full, allowing Broncos winger Josiah Karapani to storm in, even as Sharks half Nicho Hynes fell over claiming an obstruction.

Skipper Adam Reynolds then weaved through traffic and delivered a basketball-style pass for Karapani to complete his second try in as many weeks. Reynolds nailed the conversion from the sideline, giving Brisbane a 30-28 lead. The comeback was sealed when Walsh carved through Hynes to set up Shibasaki for his second try of the night.

“Our discipline to stick to our plan and defence has been poor for weeks. Even when we were leading, you could see signs we were hanging on,” Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon said.

“I’m not going to sit here and make excuses. We need to do something about it. We’ve got to address our discipline.”

The first half was a bizarre affair, with the Sharks leading 22-12 at the break. Brisbane’s kicking game and line speed were poor, with fullback Walsh even giving up two seven-tackle sets. The Sharks, in contrast, attacked with freedom, with halves Trindall and Hynes playing key roles.

Trindall set up centre Siosifa Talakai for a try and then put Wilton through a gaping hole, with fullback William Kennedy finishing it off for a 10-0 lead.

The Sharks had opened the scoring through Talakai after Broncos winger Jesse Arthars spilt a bomb. Kennedy scored his second with a classic try after Hynes sent second-rower Briton Nikora on his way.

Trindall then put Hynes through for a stroll to make it 22-6, after Broncos hooker Cory Paix darted over from dummy-half for a soft try. Mam’s try just before halftime kept the home side in the contest, setting the stage for their incredible second-half turnaround.

Source: Australian Associated Press (AAP)

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Impressive Munster begins new Maroons era in style

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Cameron Munster of the Maroons looks to pass the ball during the State of Origin game two match between the Queensland Maroons and the NSW Blues at Optus Stadium in Perth, Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

Queensland have stopped New South Wales from pulling off the greatest comeback in State of Origin history, keeping the series alive with a thrilling 26-24 win in Perth.

After three weeks of turmoil that included the axing of captain Daly Cherry-Evans, the Maroons produced a Queensland performance for the ages to win 26-24.

It didn’t come easy after the Maroons led 26-6 at half-time and then let in four second-half tries to allow the Blues to get within two points with six minutes left.

But just as NSW threatened to pull off the first 20-point comeback in Origin history, Payne Haas dropped a ball on attack late and the Maroons held on.

Goalkicking proved the difference with NSW scoring more tries but Zac Lomax converting just two of five.

The result sets up a series decider in Sydney on July 9, with NSW suddenly searching for answers after being well below their best at Optus Stadium.

NSW coach Laurie Daley refused to blame his team’s wayward goalkicking for the loss.

“Yeah, you want to kick goals, but there were a lot more things that we needed to do that I was disappointed in,” Daley said.

“Goal kicking is way down the list. It’s more about our execution, intent. There were a lot of things we didn’t do well in the first half. 

“We showed what we were capable of doing in the second half, but you can’t play a (first) half of football like that against quality opposition and expect to be close.”

On a frantic night that boiled over on several occasions, Jarome Luai was placed on report after rubbing his hand over Reuben Cotter’s face.

Luai appeared to make contact with Cotter’s eye before Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga then made a raking gesture with his hand to officials. 

Luai was later hit with a grade-two contrary conduct charge for unnecessary contact with the face and will cop a fine of $3900 with an early guilty plea.

That alone summed up the night for the Blues, who at one stage trailed the penalty count 9-0 and had a crucial Nathan Cleary try overturned by an obstruction.

Even so, this was a good night for the Maroons on a day that began with coach Billy Slater apologising for press conference comments that referenced the late Paul Green.

Man-of-the-match Cameron Munster was superb in his first game as Queensland captain, while his halves partner Tom Dearden also impressed after taking Cherry-Evans’s jersey.

“I’m just proud of our boys to turn up for Billy,” Munster said. 

Cameron Munster addresses his Queensland Maroons team after their win in State of Origin II. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)
Cameron Munster addresses his Maroons team after their win in State of Origin II. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

“Because there’s been a lot of speculation in the media and we needed to turn up for our coach tonight, and we did.”

Slater was proud of his team’s efforts.

“It’s a heart stopper,” he said.

“Boy, it took a whole heap of courage and character and effort, a bit of spirit.

“That’s the pride I feel for our footy team, and I’m sure five-and-a-half million Queenslanders feel that pride right now as well.”

NSW looked as if they were going to continue their form from the series-opening 18-6 win at Suncorp Stadium early, crossing first through Brian To’o.

But what followed was an example of the Queensland spirit that Origin has largely been built on.

The Maroons attack came to life, with Robert Toia sending Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow over for one and the winger jumping over Brian To’o for another.

Munster scored once when Harry Grant got out of dummy-half, while Kurt Mann offloaded for a Kurt Capewell four-pointer before the break.

Capewell’s try looked likely to be a heartbreaker for the Blues, after Cleary had been denied for the obstruction moments earlier.

But any thought Queensland had of cruising to victory was quickly killed off in the second half.

Winger Brian To'o led a spectacular Blues fightback with this early second-half try. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)
Winger Brian To’o led a spectacular Blues fightback with this early second-half try. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)

To’o had his second shortly after the break when NSW stripped Queensland for numbers, before Stephen Crichton went through three defenders to make it a 12-point game.

The comeback was then well and truly alive when Cleary and Luai combined to help Latrell Mitchell send To’o over for his third.

And when Mitchell pulled off a one-on-one strip on Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Angus Crichton ran onto a Luai grubberkick, NSW looked set to storm home.

But in the end Queensland stood tall at the death, sealing a famous backs-to-the-wall win to keep hope of winning back the Origin shield.

The other concern for NSW is Cleary’s groin, with the superstar Penrith halfback unable to kick for much of the match after reporting tightness in the build up.

Written by: Scott Bailey (AAP)

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Cleary feels Luai love as he prepares to equal Johns

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Nathan Cleary has warned that NSW’s squad has the feel of Penrith’s best days again, with he and Jarome Luai slipping straight back into their old combination.

Cleary has a chance to win his fourth State of Origin series as NSW halfback on Wednesday, with the Blues heavy favourites to taste victory at Optus Stadium.

It will come on an historic night for the Panthers star, who will join Andrew Johns and Mitchell Pearce for the most games in the NSW No.7 jersey, with 16.

Cleary and Luai have been teaming up since the age 15, winning 107 of the 134 games they have played together at all levels before the latter’s move to Wests Tigers this year.

Luai’s call up to the NSW’s 18-man squad for the injured Mitch Moses now means there are nine members of Penrith’s NRL premiership dynasty in the Blues’ group, with Matt Burton 18th man.

Nathan Cleary addresses the media ahead of Origin II in Perth. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP VIDEO)

“It is a bit of that feel of that 2021 grand-final team,” Cleary said on Tuesday. 

“(Jarome and I) understand each other’s games pretty well. So in that regard, it was a pretty seamless transition with him coming back in. 

“He was a part of the series last year too. He has those combinations already with the guys around him. 

“Our combination doesn’t change. It’s probably more him coming back into the side with those other guys. And I thought he’s done that really well.”

Jarome Luai will be back together with his old Penrith 'other half' Nathan Cleary in Origin II. (AAP Image/James Worsfold)
Jarome Luai will be back together with his old Penrith ‘other half’ Nathan Cleary in Origin II. (AAP Image/James Worsfold)

Cleary will be one of the most scrutinised players on the field in Perth on Wednesday night.

Despite the four premierships rings at Penrith, there is still a slight stigma attached to the halfback in that he is yet to own an Origin series.

Cleary has often been among the Blues’ best in big wins, but critics point to the fact he is yet to have a standout moment at the clutch in close games.

However, that is largely due to the fact that when NSW have won in the past seven years, Cleary has starred and the Blues have won comfortably.

Nathan Cleary (right) speaks with coach Laurie Daley during a NSW Blues State of Origin Captian’s Run at Optus Stadium, in Perth, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
Nathan Cleary (right) speaks with coach Laurie Daley during a NSW Blues State of Origin Captian’s Run at Optus Stadium, in Perth, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

As he prepares to equal the mark made by Johns and Pearce, Cleary said he was far removed the man who debuted under coach Brad Fittler in 2018.

“(Origin) comes with more expectations now, with the standing in the game and the amount of games I’ve played,” Cleary said. 

“But I’m in a position to play my best footy, I had a very simplified role (back then) and contributed where I could. 

“It’s the same now, I want to do my role and my best for the team, but it’s having a greater influence on what we’re able to do.”

The 27-year-old is now comfortable with shouldering the pressure associated with having become one of the faces of the game in recent years.

Cleary has long labelled the 2019 season as one of the most important of his career, narrowing his focus and making him mature after a poor year for Penrith.

He believes this season has also made him a better footballer, with the Panthers trying to climb from the bottom of the ladder after round 12 and back into finals contention.

Queensland coach Billy Slater addresses Aaron Woods’s ‘grub’ remarks at a Perth press conference. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP VIDEO)

Now into his 10th NRL season, Cleary said his relationship with the sport had also changed since his Penrith debut in 2016 and his NSW start two years later.

“I’m still passionate about it, I still love watching it. But I would say in terms of professionalism, that’s changed,” Cleary said.

“This is a duty to my teammates, to my club when I’m playing for my club, and for my state when I’m playing for my state. 

“I just went out there and played when I was younger. Now it’s much more regimented with what I need to do to play my best. 

“I think I’m definitely more consistent because of that, rather than when I was an 18-year-old.”

Written by: Scott Bailey (AAP)

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The Origin comebacks that offer Queensland hope

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Johnathan Thurston (left) and Billy Slater of the Queensland Maroons celebrate following State of Origin Game 3 between the Queensland Maroons and NSW Blues, at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, on Wednesday, July 12, 2017.

STATE OF ORIGIN‘S MOST UNLIKELY COMEBACKS:

MAGUIRE’S MIND GAMES LEAD TO HEIST OF 2024

Just last year NSW were able to pull off exactly what the Maroons are attempting to do. After A series-opening flogging at home where Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was sent off, Michael Maguire began throwing barbs at Billy Slater and the series turned. NSW demolished the Maroons in Melbourne, before winning a decider at Suncorp for the first time since 2005.

THURSTON DOES IT WITH ONE ARM IN 2017

Queensland looked shot after Andrew Fifita led an assault on Suncorp Stadium and NSW won the series opener there 28-4. The Blues then led 16-6 at halftime in Sydney, before Johnathan Thurston engineered a comeback while playing with a season-ending shoulder injury. Momentum had swung, and the Maroons won comfortable in Cameron Munster’s debut in Brisbane.

QUEENSLAND SAVE STATE OF ORIGIN IN 2006

There were genuine fears over the future of State of Origin when NSW won a thrilling game one in Sydney and looked on track for a fourth straight series win. The Maroons hit back with a 30-6 flogging in Brisbane, before Darren Lockyer’s famous effort to intercept a Brett Hodgson pass late in Melbourne secured a win for the Maroons and forever altered the course of Origin history with seven more consecutive series wins to follow.

JOHNS’ LAST HURRAH IN 2005

NSW had a mountain to climb after another all-time classic in the series opener, coming back from 19-0 down to lose 24-20 in golden point. Enter Andrew Johns. The Newcastle legend came back from injury set up a 32-22 win in Sydney before a 32-10 domination in Brisbane three weeks later. It would prove the champion halfback’s last Origin match, and the end of an era of Blues’ domination before Queensland’s dynasty began the following year.

BLUES’ 1994 RESURRECTION AFTER MAROONS MIRACLE

Mark Coyne scored the most famous try in State of Origin history to take Queensland to victory in game one, but it was NSW who pulled off the ultimate miracle over the next month. Defence won the game for the Blues in Melbourne, before a second straight victory on the road at Suncorp Stadium won them the series for the third straight year. It marked the first time a team came from 1-0 down to lift the shield.

Written by: Scott Bailey (AAP)

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Slater says Maroons won’t be dictated to on kick-off

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Spencer Leniu of the Blues is tackled by Harry Grant and Patrick Carrigan of the Maroons during Game 1 of the State of Origin 2024 between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Accor Stadium in Sydney, Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

A defiant Billy Slater has declared that the Queensland Maroons won’t be pressured into kicking off to NSW firebrand Spencer Leniu in State of Origin II.

As Maroons prop Tino Fa’asuamaleaui said he was not scared of Leniu on Tuesday, Slater would not be drawn on whether the Maroons would kick to the Blues front-rower.

Of the four long kick-offs from Queensland in their game one loss, none went to Leniu or Payne Haas, in what has since been labelled by some as a pre-determined plan.

The situation left Leniu fuming, with the Sydney Roosters prop appearing to swear in frustration as the Maroons changed the direction of their kick to avoid him.

Haas has largely stayed away from the debate over the past week, but on Monday said he would want the ball kicked off to Leniu if he was in the Maroons side, since he’d want the chance to take down a powerful rival.

Former NSW front-rower Willie Mason has also accused the Maroons of being “s**t scared” of Leniu, while Braith Anasta labelled Queensland “weak”.

Slater dodged a question on Tuesday on whether Leniu would have the chance to take a hit-up from a kick-off at Optus Stadium.

But the Maroons coach did defend his team’s right to prioritise their own tactics over the entertainment factor.

“We don’t ask Nathan (Cleary) to kick to a specific corner. He does what he wants,” Slater said of the Blues halfback. 

“He gets his game on. So, we’ll be getting our game on.

“I get all the dilemma about it, but at the end of the day, it’s about building a game and a game plan that best suits you.  

“It’s not about what (the media) want or anyone else wants.”

Asked about the issue, Maroons front-rower Fa’asuamaleaui rejected any suggestion Queensland’s pack were scared of Leniu.

“I’m not scared of anyone,” Fa’asuamaleaui said.

“I just want to do my job for Queensland and I’m not going to back down from anyone and that’s our whole team. 

“We’re just going to get out there, get our game on and do what we do best and play our game.

“(We’re) not backing down from anyone.”

Slater wouldn’t say whether the Maroons would make late changes to their pack, or if Kurt Mann could start at hooker in place of Harry Grant.

The Maroons have won six of eight games when Grant has come off the bench, as opposed to a 0-4 record with him starting.

NSW second-rower Angus Crichton had accused Queensland of mind games last week, refusing to believe Jeremiah Nanai and Pat Carrigan weren’t starting.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has already let slip that he will move to the right wing at Optus Stadium, after playing left centre in the series-opening 18-6 loss in Brisbane.

That defeat has piled the pressure on Slater, who has already axed captain Daly Cherry-Evans and replaced him with Tom Dearden in the halves.

Written by: Scott Bailey (AAP)

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Don’t sack me: Cherry-Evans responds to legend’s call

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Daly Cherry-Evans of the Maroons is seen after losing the State of Origin game one match between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane

Queensland’s rugby league captain, Daly Cherry-Evans, wants to keep playing as halfback and make history for his team. This comes after a former great player for the other team (NSW), Andrew Johns, said Cherry-Evans should be replaced.

Queensland lost their first game of the series against NSW. After that, Johns said that Tom Dearden should take over Cherry-Evans’ position as the No. 7 halfback.

Johns said, “I think they have to pull the trigger and bring Dearden in.”

Andrew Johns doing broadcast duties during the NRL Round 18 match between the Parramatta Eels and the New Zealand Warriors at Commbank Stadium in Sydney, Friday, July 15, 2022. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
Andrew Johns doing broadcast duties during the NRL Round 18 match between the Parramatta Eels and the New Zealand Warriors at Commbank Stadium in Sydney, Friday, July 15, 2022. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)

Dearden usually plays another position but has played well before.

Cherry-Evans, who is the oldest player to ever play for Queensland in these games, didn’t play his best in the last match. However, Queensland has never taken their captain off the team in the middle of a series.

Another Queensland legend, Shane Webcke, said it’s a tough situation.

“I am a bit worried. There’s some serious questions to be asked. And unfortunately, one of them I think might be Daly Cherry-Evans.

“I just feel like he’s at that point in his career. And when you see him with (No.6) Cameron Munster tonight, the magic wasn’t there. And that worries me.

“And I hate to suggest something about a bloke like Daly Cherry-Evans, but I feel like at the end of the last series, we probably lost the opportunity with a bloke like him.

“He’s 36 years old. But the opportunity was probably there to reinvent a bit. And I think we might pay a price for not having done that,” Webcke concluded

Cherry-Evans knows people talk like this after a loss. But he wants to make history by winning the series.
Queensland has never lost the first home game and then won the series, which has two away games. They now need to win in Perth and Sydney to win the trophy.

Cherry-Evans said, “Those stats are there to be broken. That’s the mentality we’ve got to have, create our own bit of history.”

He also said, “Sometimes you have to do things not the way you planned it at the start.”

He believes his team can overcome this: “It’s a greater sign of a team facing adversity, overcoming obstacles and that’s the opportunity we’ve got in front of us. I believe in the group and I believe in everyone, from the coaching staff to the playing group.”

He added, “Queensland will be cheering from afar, so we have to do them proud.”

Cherry-Evans also responded to people saying he’s not good enough anymore.

“When you lose, it’s just natural in this game that those questions will be asked.

“I just have to go away, look at my own performance and where I can help the team get better. I am certainly not the one to lose self-belief, that’s for sure.

“Because of the role I have for this side, I will definitely take my share of responsibility and look really hard at where I can help the team get better for the next game. It’s always difficult after a loss being in the position I’m in. It’s not lost on me,” added Cherry-Evans.

Cherry-Evans has been in this situation before. In 2020, his team was called the worst ever, but they still won the series. That’s why he still thinks they can win this time.

He said, “There’s a lot of people in this group who have played a lot of footy together.”

He finished by saying, “This is going to be our greatest test and because of the relationships and the talent in the team, that’s why I’ve got so much belief we can do this.”

Source: Australian Associated Press

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Queensland Under Pressure After Origin Loss, Big Changes Could Be Coming

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Daly Cherry-Evans of the Maroons 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/Dave Hunt)

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

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Moana Pasifika Showing Great Progress Under Skipper Ardie Savea

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Ardie Savea of Moana Pasifika warms up during the Super Rugby Pacific Round 2 match between the Queensland Reds and Moana Pasifika at Suncorp Stadium

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

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Equal Support Boosts PNG’s National Rugby League Teams

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Group Photo- L-R Kumul Rep Robert Mathias, Digcel PNG Senior VP and Cheif Sales officer Lorna McPherson, Digicel CEO Tarik Boduiaf, PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina, Santos PNG Orchids Chair Celestine Ove

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.”

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Sport

K50 000 Support for 48th National Game Fishing Title

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The National Game Fishing Titles, Papua New Guinea’s premier fishing event, is back – this time, it is

taking place in the stunning waters of East New Britain.

Scheduled from April 11 to 21, 2025, the competition promises an exciting experience for both

anglers and spectators.

Now in its 48th edition, the event brings together teams from across Papua New Guinea and the

Pacific, with participants competing in teams of two to four.

The event will see anglers displaying their skills in one of the country’s most scenic marine environments.

Trukai Industries Limited has once again reaffirmed its commitment to the sporting event, renewing

its sponsorship of K50, 000 with the Game Fishing Association of Papua New Guinea (GFAPNG).

Trukai’s Marketing Manager, Peggy Maha, expressed the company’s eagerness to continue its

partnership for the event.

“Trukai is proud to once again be the sponsors of the National Game Fishing Titles. Since its

inception in 1976, the competition has grown into an important national event, and we are

delighted to support it this year,” said Maha.

“We believe this partnership with GFAPNG not only supports the tournament but also contributes to

promoting sports tourism in Papua New Guinea.”

New Britain Game Fishing Club president, Jason Seeto, also shared his excitement about the

tournament.

“This event continues to showcase PNG’s vibrant marine life and the spirit of competition among our

anglers,” he said.

“We are thrilled to bring the 48th National Titles to East New Britain, a province rich in natural

beauty and community pride and an ideal location to host the National Game Fishing Title.”

The event promises an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators, with various

competitions, social events, and community engagements planned alongside the main tournament.

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