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PNG Insight, 199 Matthew Flinders Close, Lammermoor (2026)

28/05/2026

The PNG Chiefs have officially announced the appointment of Kumuls star Rhyse Martin as the club’s Football Operations Manager from 2027, marking another important step in preparations for the franchise’s entry into the NRL.
Martin, who proudly traces his roots to Hula in Central Province through his father, returns to Papua New Guinea after establishing himself as one of the country’s most respected rugby league figures.
The experienced forward made his international debut for the PNG Kumuls in 2014 and later captained the national side. He has gone on to become one of PNG’s most capped players with 18 Test appearances and remains the Kumuls’ all-time leading point scorer.
Martin also enjoyed a successful professional career overseas, making his NRL debut for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2018 before spending several seasons in the Super League with Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR. Across his time in the UK competition, he made more than 160 appearances and built a reputation as one of the league’s most consistent performers.
During his stint with Leeds Rhinos, Martin set a world record for the most consecutive goals kicked, landing 41 straight conversions.
Off the field, Martin has continued to strengthen his leadership credentials, completing a Bachelor of Science in Applied Sports Studies while earning praise for his professionalism and commitment to player development.
In his new role with the PNG Chiefs, Martin will oversee football operations, player welfare and integration programs, while also assisting players and their families transitioning to Papua New Guinea ahead of the club’s inaugural NRL season.
PNG Chiefs General Manager Football Michael Chammas described Martin’s appointment as a major boost for the club.
“Rhyse has had an incredible career as a player but still has so much to offer the sport. He has the trust of our coach Willie Peters from their time together at Hull KR and they will continue to work closely as Rhyse steps into a new role at the Chiefs,” Chammas said.
“Anyone who has met Rhyse knows the quality of person he is and how passionate he is about Papua New Guinea. Those qualities make him an important addition to our football staff.”
PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said Martin’s appointment reflected the club’s commitment to building strong foundations on and off the field.
“Rhyse represents everything we want this club to stand for — professionalism, humility, leadership and pride in Papua New Guinea. We are proud to welcome him and his family home as part of this journey towards 2028,” McPherson said.
Martin will relocate to Port Moresby with his wife Vanessa and their two children ahead of the club’s full operational launch in October 2027.

17/05/2026

Queensland Maroons Coach Billy Slater has named his squad to take on the Blues in State of Origin Game 1.

17/05/2026

NSW Coach Laurie Daley has announced his Westpac NSW Blues squad for Game 1 against the Maroons.

14/05/2026

As technology continues to reshape the business landscape in Papua New Guinea, digital branding and creative marketing services are becoming increasingly important for companies looking to stand out in a competitive market.

From social media promotions to professional business branding, many local businesses are now investing in creative design solutions to improve visibility and attract more customers online and offline.

Marketing experts say eye-catching visuals, quality branding, and professional advertising materials are now essential tools for modern business success. This includes everything from logos and business cards to vehicle branding, stickers, banners, and promotional graphics.

One local business helping meet that growing demand is DB Media, a creative design service specialising in graphic design, business cards, bumper stickers, promotional materials, and custom branding solutions.

DB Media has continued expanding its services as more entrepreneurs like NCOMM Tracking and many other SMEs, sports teams, churches, and community organisations seek affordable and professional design work to strengthen their brand presence.

The rise of digital platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram has also created greater demand for businesses to maintain professional-looking content and marketing campaigns.

Industry observers believe creative businesses like DB Media are playing an important role in supporting PNG’s growing digital economy by helping local brands compete in an increasingly online marketplace.

With technology now influencing almost every aspect of business, experts say companies that invest in strong branding and modern marketing strategies are more likely to attract customers and build long-term recognition.

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14/05/2026

Connor Watson is set to visit Papua New Guinea following the Magic Round clash between the Sydney Roosters and the North Queensland Cowboys on Saturday night.

The NSW Origin utility will make the trip shortly after the highly anticipated encounter, adding another high-profile rugby league figure to visit the rugby league-mad nation.

Watson has enjoyed a strong season with the Roosters and remains firmly in the conversation for representative honours thanks to his versatility and impact around the middle of the field.

His visit to PNG is expected to generate plenty of excitement among local rugby league fans, with the country continuing to strengthen its connection to the NRL ahead of the arrival of the incoming PNG-based franchise in 2028.

Papua New Guinea’s passion for rugby league has long been recognised internationally, and visits from NRL stars continue to inspire young players and communities across the country.

The Roosters take on the Cowboys as part of the annual Magic Round festival, one of the NRL’s biggest showcase events of the season.

13/05/2026

Papua New Guinea is preparing to make rugby league history, with the PNG Chiefs officially on track to enter the NRL competition in 2028 — a move that is expected to transform the sport across the Pacific region.
The introduction of the PNG-based franchise marks one of the biggest expansions in modern rugby league and highlights the growing influence of Papua New Guinea on the international stage. Rugby league is deeply embedded in the country’s culture, with millions of passionate supporters eagerly awaiting the arrival of a national team in the world’s premier rugby league competition.
The PNG Chiefs are expected to create new opportunities for local players, coaches, and officials while boosting the country’s economy, tourism, and sporting infrastructure. Young talents across Papua New Guinea will now have a direct pathway to professional rugby league without needing to leave the country at an early age.
League experts believe the franchise could become one of the most passionately supported teams in the NRL, with PNG fans known worldwide for their unmatched love for the game. Preparations are already underway behind the scenes, including recruitment plans, development programs, and long-term partnerships aimed at building a competitive squad before the club’s debut season.

The arrival of the PNG Chiefs is also expected to strengthen rugby league throughout the Pacific, bringing greater exposure to emerging talents from Papua New Guinea and neighbouring island nations.
As excitement continues to build toward 2028, fans can follow all the latest updates, breaking news, player signings, analysis, and exclusive rugby league stories through Rugby League and Beyond — your home for everything rugby league from the NRL, Super League, Pacific Championships, and beyond.

Stay connected with Rugby League and Beyond Blog for more rugby league news, updates, and exclusive content.

Follow Rugby League and Beyond link: https://rugbyleagueandbeyond.blogspot.com/2026/05/demetriou-backs-voro-and-morea-to-join.html

13/05/2026

PNG Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou has backed several Papua New Guinea stars at London Broncos to become future targets for the incoming PNG Chiefs franchise, declaring that standout performers Gairo Voro and Morea Morea should be high on the club’s recruitment list.
The call comes after an outstanding weekend performance where five-eighth Gairo Voro crossed for four tries, while fullback Morea Morea completed a hat-trick in London Broncos’ dominant 64-0 victory over Midlands.
With a number of PNG players in England currently sidelined through injury, Demetriou praised the duo for stepping up and showcasing their talent on the big stage.
“It’s great to see Gairo getting his running game going. I thought it was probably the best game he’s played this year, which is really exciting,” Demetriou said following the Broncos’ record 11th straight win.
Demetriou revealed that PNG Chiefs General Manager of Football Michael Chammas is expected to visit England in the coming weeks to meet with PNG players currently playing in the UK.
“He’ll want to sit down with some of our boys and talk with me as well,” Demetriou explained.
“Part of bringing the boys over here was to give them an opportunity to showcase their talent and put themselves in the shop window for the Chiefs.”
The Kumuls coach said he fully supports his players returning home to represent the PNG franchise when it enters the National Rugby League in 2028.
Rather than discouraging players from leaving London, Demetriou said he would encourage Chammas to recruit as many PNG stars as possible.
“These boys getting the opportunity to play for the Chiefs will be something no NRL player has ever experienced,” he said.
“To represent your home country in the inaugural season of its own NRL team would be a massive honour not only for the players, but also for their families and entire villages.”
Several PNG players are currently contracted with London Broncos for 2026, including Morea Morea, Gairo Voro, Jeremiah Simbiken, Finley Glare, Epel Kapinias, Alex Max and Robert Mathias.
A number of other Kumuls stars are also playing across England, including captain Rhyse Martin at Hull Kingston Rovers, Edwin Ipape, Lachlan Lam, Liam Horne and Jacob Alick-Wiencke at Leigh Leopards, while Nene Macdonald continues to feature for St Helens R.F.C..
All are expected to feature for the Papua New Guinea national rugby league team at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, where PNG will face Lebanon, Samoa and England in the group stage.
The Chiefs have already made headlines with the signings of Jarome Luai and Alex Johnston, and attention is now shifting towards recruiting more PNG talent based in England.
Demetriou believes the current crop of players overseas are more than capable of competing at NRL level.
“There’s no doubt the players that are here could comfortably fit into an NRL squad,” he said.
When asked directly whether Voro and Morea should be on Chammas’ radar, Demetriou’s response was simple:
“They should be.”

12/05/2026

Australia, through the Australian Federal Police, has officially handed over two Bell 412 helicopters to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) during a ceremony held in Lae today.
The helicopters are expected to greatly improve police mobility and operational capabilities throughout Papua New Guinea, especially in remote and rugged regions where road access remains a challenge.
The new aircraft will support faster emergency response, strengthen community safety, enhance disaster operations, and boost national security efforts. They are also expected to play a vital role in ensuring the safe and transparent delivery of Papua New Guinea’s 2027 National Elections by enabling the swift deployment of police personnel and equipment to hard-to-reach locations.
The handover reflects Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting Papua New Guinea’s security and stability under the shared Bilateral Security Agreement between the two nations.

06/05/2026

Papua New Guinea’s long wait continues to pay off, with Alex Johnston officially unveiled as the PNG Chiefs’ second signing in an announcement made in Port Moresby on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs flyer also becomes the club’s first Papua New Guinean representative as the Chiefs build toward their anticipated NRL entry in 2028. His arrival follows the high-profile recruitment of Jarome Luai, who was confirmed as the franchise’s inaugural signing.

Johnston joins the club as one of the game’s most prolific finishers, having surpassed Ken Irvine’s long-standing record of 212 tries, pushing his tally to 221 for South Sydney.

Chiefs General Manager of Football Michael Chammas said the signing reflects the club’s clear recruitment vision, prioritising Papua New Guinean talent as the foundation of the squad.
“We’ve already started identifying the players we’d like to bring in,” Chammas said. “There’s still time before the squad comes together, but we expect to have a strong PNG presence in the team.”
While Luai adds experience and leadership, Chammas emphasised that the long-term goal is to build a team deeply connected to local pathways.

Under current regulations, the club cannot formally approach most off-contract players until November 1, 2027, following Papua New Guinea’s final pool match against England at the Rugby League World Cup.

Several names are already being considered, including Cooper Bai, Zac Laybutt, Edwin Ipape, Morea Morea, Finlay Glare and Gairo Voro. Emerging prospects such as Phillip Coates,
brother of Xavier Coates are also being monitored as part of the club’s long-term strategy.
Chammas highlighted the importance of strong development systems, with backing from experienced figures like Joey Grima.

“This team will rely on the systems we’re putting in place,” he said. “Senior players like Jarome will help set standards, which will be vital for the younger talent coming through.”
Luai has already spent time in Papua New Guinea, including a visit to Port Moresby where he attended a local match and engaged with the community, an experience Chammas said deepened his appreciation of rugby league’s cultural significance in the country.

As the Chiefs continue shaping their roster and infrastructure, Johnston’s signing marks another major step toward their historic NRL debut.

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05/05/2026

Sydney Roosters and NSW Blues forward Spencer Leniu is reportedly on the verge of signing with the Papua New Guinea Chiefs, in what could be one of the club’s biggest recruitment moves yet.

Although the deal has not been officially confirmed, the potential transfer is already gaining strong backing from key figures in rugby league. Among them is former Canterbury Bulldogs star and England captain James Graham, who has publicly encouraged Leniu to take up the opportunity.

Graham made the remarks upon arriving at Jacksons International Airport, where he is visiting alongside fellow former NRL players Willie Mason and Justin Horo. The trio, known for their work on The Bye Round Podcast, are in Port Moresby to gain firsthand insight into life for NRL players and the ambitions of the PNG Chiefs.

According to Graham, the recent signing of Jarome Luai could pave the way for more high-profile recruits to join the NRL’s newest expansion club.

He also revealed that Chiefs General Manager Michael Chammas and club officials have been in contact with him, hinting that an announcement regarding Leniu’s future could be imminent. Reports suggest the club is preparing to unveil more major signings in the coming days.

The PNG government’s tax-free incentive scheme is believed to be a major drawcard in attracting elite players. However, the approach has sparked criticism from rival National Rugby League clubs, with some arguing it creates an uneven playing field.

The NRL has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

04/05/2026

Kieran Foran’s impressive impact as interim coach at Manly has sparked debate over why he has not yet been offered the permanent role. Since taking over after Anthony Seibold’s sacking, Foran has transformed a struggling side that was winless and sitting last on the ladder into a competitive team with renewed confidence and rising finals hopes in just a few weeks.

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https://pnginsightnews.blogspot.com/2026/05/manlys-coaching-dilemma-forans-instant.html

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