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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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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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Galvin to become hot property as Tigers exit confirmed

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NRL CHALLENGE BULLDOGS TIGERS

Superstar five-eighth Lachie Galvin has set the stage for an almighty NRL tug-of-war by knocking back Wests Tigers’ contract offer and setting his sights on finding a new club for 2027.

The Tigers announced on Monday the 19-year-old, among the top talents of his generation, would not be at the joint venture after his contract expired at the end of the 2026 season.

Campbelltown product Galvin rejected what the club called “the largest offer for a junior in the history of the club” – reportedly worth around $5 million across five seasons – and will be free to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1.

The Tigers will not entertain an early release for Galvin, whose future had already been subject to speculation before a ball was kicked in 2025.

Galvin’s camp unsuccessfully agitated for an early exit from the club during a stellar 2024 rookie season but have not made the same request this time.

It means Galvin will not be up for grabs as the NRL undergoes a halves merry-go-round for 2026.

Parramatta and Manly are both hunting an elite playmaker for next season given the impending departures of Dylan Brown and Daly Cherry-Evans but would need to wait another year to have Galvin on their books.

“We would like to announce that Lachlan Galvin will not be with the club beyond the 2026 season,” the Tigers said in a statement.

“Despite the club having the largest contract offer for a junior in the history of the club on the table, Lachlan and his management have decided his future lies elsewhere and were not willing to review the offer.

“Obviously, there will be a lot of speculation around this release, but we will make no further comment.

“The club is focused on winning as many games as possible during Lachlan’s tenure and beyond. The club is disappointed, but we move on.”

The news looms as a crushing blow for a Tigers side finally appearing to find its feet after three consecutive seasons finishing on the bottom of the ladder.

After years struggling for direction from their halves, the Tigers have forged an impressive 3-3 start to the year thanks in no small part to Galvin’s chemistry with new halfback Jarome Luai.

There is set to be significant rival interest in Galvin, who would likely have won the Dally M Rookie of the Year award in 2024 but for a two-game suspension.

Parramatta are expected to be keen on the teen sensation.

Galvin played junior football for the Eels before being cut and landing at the Tigers to help feeder club Wests win the Harold Matthews Cup in 2022.

He is also managed by Isaac Moses, who also handles Eels half Mitch Moses.

But for Parramatta, making a play for Galvin would mean finding a stop-gap to play next to halfback Moses in 2026.

Galvin’s manager also has strong ties to the Sea Eagles, counting coach Anthony Seibold, five-eighth Luke Brooks and winger Tommy Talau among his clients there.

Manly are currently in the hunt for a playmaker to replace Cherry-Evans and have been linked with Canberra veteran Jamal Fogarty.

Canterbury general manager of football and broadcast pundit Phil Gould has previously spoken highly of Galvin, whom he last year rated as the best teenage talent he had ever seen.

The Bulldogs recently ruled out making a play for Cherry-Evans for 2026 on the grounds they backed their current first-choice playmakers Matt Burton and Toby Sexton.

But a 19-year-old with a bright future ahead could be a different proposition.

Bulldogs prop Max King laughed off speculation Galvin could join the Bulldogs from 2027 when quizzed on Monday.

“It’s out of my jurisdiction to be making those calls, otherwise I’d just be signing myself up for a million bucks,” he joked.

“Our depth has been a massive part of us and I just love where we’re going as a club.”

Written by: Jasper Bruce © AAP 2025

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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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