PNG Kumuls

Police commend Unitech students and Lae residents

http://www.looppng.com/content/police-commend-unitech-students-and-lae-residents

Police in Lae have praised the positive turnout of the public at the University of Technology students’ awareness campaign today at the Eriku Oval.

ICCC issues ban on non-English labelled products

Around 200 Ox & Palm workers on strike

http://www.looppng.com/content/around-200-ox-palm-workers-strike

Factory workers at Hugo Canning Company, the maker of Ox & Palm corned beef, are on strike after a disagreement with the company management.

Divine Word University main campus joins in the fight

Minister for Sports Justin Tkachenko has challenged the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) to ensure that proper plans and timelines are set out for the Kumuls’ preparations.

Tkachenko challenged PNGRFL to ensure that the crucial decisions that need to be made are made, and the proper plans and timelines are set out for the team’s preparations.

He said in a statement that the Kumuls’ win will also be a challenge for every player eligible for Kumul selection to prepare and perform to their very best in their respective competitions.

But that wasn't the highlight for the 21-year-old as he steered his side to a famous victory at Pirtek Stadium.

Surrounded by strapping and wet grass, you couldn't wipe the smile off his face after the game as he sat in the same Gatorade-soaked dressing room sheds that his childhood heroes had done over the years. 

"When I was a kid I liked NRL and one of the most special things about tonight was getting to play at this ground," Boas told NRL.com after his side's thrilling two-point win. 

Fiji led 16-8 at the break but had no answers for a PNG side that helped breathe fresh air into the international game. 

Papua New Guinea's spine proved the difference in the end with halfback Watson Boas scoring a double, his brother Ase kicking four goals and hooker Wartovo Puara Junior proving a handful whenever he touched the ball with two try assists. 

UPNG students still continue boycotting of classes

http://www.looppng.com/content/upng-students-still-continue-boycotting-classes

Though doors to lecture rooms at the University of Papua New Guinea have been opened, students are still refusing to attend classes.

Police will not allow student protest, says Andrews

Coach Michael Marum said from Sydney this afternoon Lomai got the nod ahead of Edward Goma, who is the 18th man.

Goma replaced Townsville Blackhawks backrower Rhyse Martin who withdrew earlier this week due to personal reasons.

“Timothy Lomai will partner Rodney Griffin in the second row in an otherwise unchanged line up announced last week,” Marum said.

He said there were concerns with Adex Wera (calf) and Ase Boas (hamstring) but the injuries are improving as the days go by.

PNG Kumuls winger Stargroth Amean is about to achieve a life dream, one he once thought may never happen due to serious injuries.

A product of rugby league-mad nation Papua New Guinea – the only country on earth to call rugby league its national sport – Amean has held two lifelong goals. One is to become a doctor. The other is to represent his country in rugby league.

This Saturday, one of those dreams comes true, and you'd be a fool to think the University of Papua New Guinea science student won't make the other a reality.

Nearly 50 of the players involved are already on NRL rosters. 

Saturday’s blockbuster schedule will see the Junior Kangaroos take on their Kiwi counterparts, before Fiji and Papua New Guinea lock horns. 

Samoa will clash with Tonga in the second test. 

“It’s definitely going to be physical, no player is going to be holding back, it’s just the history of the two nations," Samoa captain Frank Pritchard told SBS News. 

"Come Saturday I’m sure there will be a lot of fans running on the ground at the end of the game.” 

UPNG students at Waigani campus threaten mass withdrawal

http://www.looppng.com/content/upng-students-waigani-campus-threaten-mass-withdrawal

Boycotting students at the University of Papua New Guinea have threatened a mass withdrawal if the Prime Minister’s office and the Police Commissioner do not respond positively to their petition.

Police ready to deter UPNG students protest march