PNG Insight

05/09/2026

The famous “Crocodile Whisperer” at 9 Mile was reportedly attacked by his own crocodile during a terrifying encounter. The incident has left visitors stunned and sparked fresh concerns about the dangers handlers face even with animals they know well.
🙏 Wishing the handler a speedy recovery.

04/09/2026

The East New Britain Agmark Gurias are standing on the doorstep of the 2026 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Grand Final, after producing a stunning finals campaign that has reignited hopes of another championship.

The Gurias’ journey has been built on resilience, attacking football and the ability to deliver when the pressure is at its highest.

In the semi-final, the Gurias produced one of their biggest performances of the season, overwhelming the Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles 42–22.
The victory was more than just a win, it was a statement.The Gurias' second-half performance proved they have the attacking firepower and composure to compete with the best teams remaining in the competition.

Now, only one hurdle stands between the Gurias and a place in the 2026 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Grand Final.
One game. One opportunity. The Gurias will face the Morobe Kandes in the preliminary final at the Santos National Football Stadium on Sunday, September 6, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.
Victory would send the East New Britain side into the grand final and give the Gurias a chance to finish their remarkable campaign by lifting the premiership trophy.

For a club with a proud history and six previous premierships, this is another opportunity to add to the Gurias legacy. But the road has not been easy.
The Gurias were forced to fight their way through the elimination stages, survive the pressure of sudden-death football and then produce a commanding semi-final performance against the Eagles.

Now comes their biggest test.
Ninety minutes stand between the Gurias and another shot at glory.
For the people of East New Britain, the message is simple:
One province. One team. One final push.
The Volcano Boys are one win away from the 2026 Grand Final.
And the fire is burning hotter than ever. 🔥🏉

04/09/2026

From a young Papua New Guinean with a dream to a rising international star in England, Gairo Voro’s rugby league journey is becoming one of the most exciting stories in PNG football.
Voro’s rise has not followed the traditional path to the top.

Instead, it has been built on opportunity, resilience, raw talent and the determination to overcome obstacles that could have easily stopped his progress.

Gairo Voro who hail from Kapari Viriolo made his PNG Hunters debut in 2024, marking the beginning of a journey that would quickly take him from domestic rugby league to the international stage.

When Voro arrived at the Hunters, there was an unusual challenge waiting for him.
According to an NRL feature, he could not speak English or Tok Pisin when he joined the Hunters in 2024.

For a young player trying to establish himself in a professional environment, the language barrier could have been overwhelming.
Instead, Voro adapted.
He learned, listened and continued to develop his game.

And by 2025, the young playmaker had produced a breakout season that put his name firmly on the radar of PNG rugby league.
From Hunter to Kumul

Voro progressed through the PNG rugby league system and earned his opportunity to wear the famous Kumuls jersey.
His international debut came against the Cook Islands on October 25, 2025, making him part of a new generation of Papua New Guinean players expected to carry the country's rugby league hopes into the future.

The NRL identified Voro among a group of exciting young PNG spine players who could become important pieces of the country's future—including the historic push toward PNG's entry into the NRL in 2028.

Then came the biggest move of his young career.
Voro headed to England to join the London Broncos, taking his game to a new level and gaining valuable experience outside PNG.
The move has proved significant.

By July 2026, the NRL reported that Voro had already scored 18 tries in 20 games for London Broncos, highlighting just how quickly the young five-eighth had adapted to English rugby league.
His performances also strengthened the belief that he could become part of PNG's next generation of NRL players.
The 2028 dream

For Voro, the timing could hardly be more significant.PNG is preparing for its historic entry into the NRL in 2028, and players such as Voro represent the talent pipeline that could eventually feed the country's new franchise.
In July 2026, the NRL announced that Voro had secured a development deal with the PNG Chiefs, placing him directly within the pathway toward the country's new NRL era.
It is a remarkable transformation.
Just a few years ago, Voro was fighting to establish himself with the Hunters.
Today, he is an international player, a proven performer in England and a player being developed with PNG's NRL future firmly in mind.

The journey is only beginning Gairo Voro's story is bigger than statistics.
It is about a young Papua New Guinean who faced a language barrier, stepped onto the Queensland Cup stage, earned a Kumuls jersey and then travelled halfway around the world to chase his rugby league dream.

Now, with the 2026 Rugby League World Cup ahead and the PNG Chiefs preparing for their historic 2028 NRL entry, Voro has something even bigger to chase.

The dream is no longer simply to make it.
The dream is to become one of the players who helps take Papua New Guinea to the next level.
And if his journey so far is anything to go by, Gairo Voro may only be getting started.

03/09/2026

The wait is almost over.

The PNG Kumuls are heading back to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, and this time the stakes are higher than ever.

After reaching the quarter-finals at their last two World Cups, PNG will be determined to break through the barrier that has stopped them twice — England.

But this World Cup will be different.

Since the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, PNG fans will have the chance to watch the Kumuls play two World Cup matches on home soil, creating an atmosphere unlike anything the team has experienced before.

🔥 THE ROAD TO THE WORLD CUP

📅 October 17
🇵🇬 PNG Kumuls vs Lebanon 🇱🇧
📍 Santos National Stadium, Port Moresby

📅 October 24
🇵🇬 PNG Kumuls vs Samoa 🇼🇸
📍 Santos National Stadium, Port Moresby

📅 October 30
🇵🇬 PNG Kumuls vs England 🏴
📍 Wollongong

Three massive matches. One enormous challenge.

And for the Kumuls, the mission is simple:

GO FURTHER. 🇵🇬

PNG has the talent to make a serious statement at the tournament.

Experienced campaigners, established NRL players and a new generation of exciting Kumuls are all pushing for selection.

Among the names attracting attention are Rhyse Martin, Alex Johnston, Lachlan Lam, Morea Morea, Gairo Voro, Finlay Glare, Edwin Ipape, Cooper Bai and Zac Laybutt.

But World Cup selection is never guaranteed.

🦅 40 DREAMS. 23 JERSEYS.

As selection approaches, 40 players have the opportunity to put their hands up but only 23 will ultimately make the final squad for each match.

That means every training session, every Queensland Cup performance and every NRL appearance could make the difference.

For every established star fighting to retain his place, there is a young player waiting for his breakthrough.

For every experienced Kumul, there is another Papua New Guinean dreaming of hearing his name called.

And with the World Cup being played in the Southern Hemisphere, the Kumuls have a unique opportunity to create something special in front of their home supporters.

🇵🇬 ONE COUNTRY.
🦅 ONE TEAM.
❤️🖤💛 ONE JERSEY.

The Kumuls aren't simply preparing for another World Cup.

They are preparing for a chance to make history.

The question now is:

🔥 WHO DESERVES TO MAKE PNG’S FINAL 23?

Drop your 23 in the comments. 🇵🇬🦅

03/09/2026

Papua New Guinea Kumul Jimmy Ngutlik has been named in Fiji Bati’s 40-member squad, adding an interesting PNG connection to the Fijian side.

Ngutlik, a winger from East New Britain, is included at No. 37 on the 40-man list featured in the Fiji Bati squad announcement.

The inclusion is notable given Ngutlik’s previous international representation for the PNG Kumuls. His NRL profile records him as a PNG international winger, with his international career beginning in 2022.

Ngutlik has also been producing strong numbers in the Queensland Cup. Playing for the Mackay Cutters, he has made 14 appearances in the 2026 season, scoring 13 tries, while recording 16 line breaks and 54 tackle breaks. His current career record with the Cutters stands at 28 appearances and 25 tries.

The 26-year-old has previously been part of PNG's international setup, including the 2022 Rugby League World Cup campaign. His name has also appeared alongside established Kumuls players in official NRL international records.

His selection in the Fiji Bati's 40-member squad is therefore likely to attract attention in Papua New Guinea, particularly among rugby league supporters who have followed his development with the Kumuls and in the Queensland Cup.

Ngutlik's inclusion gives the Fiji squad an intriguing PNG connection as the Bati continue preparations with a large pool of players.

01/09/2026

NCD Governor Hon. Powes today has questioned the Supplementary Budget.

Click on the link to watch the full video.

NCD Governor today has questioned the Suipplementary budget.Join ...

11/08/2026

Panthers Hit by Double Retention Blow as Crosby Joins Warrington

The Penrith Panthers have suffered a major double blow to their future plans within 24 hours, with promising forward Toby Crosby confirming his move to English Super League club Warrington Wolves for the 2027 season.

Crosby’s departure comes shortly after Panthers winger Brian To’o announced he will join the new PNG Chiefs franchise from 2028, marking the loss of two players from Penrith’s system.

The 23-year-old Crosby joined the Panthers from the New Zealand Warriors this season after attracting plenty of attention for his potential. Despite hopes that he could push his way into Ivan Cleary’s NRL squad, Crosby has spent much of the season developing his game in the NSW Cup.

He confirmed on Tuesday that he will head to England in 2027, where he will work under former NRL and South Sydney Rabbitohs great Sam Burgess.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Warrington Wolves,” Crosby said.

“Ever since I was young, I’ve had the ambition to play professional footy in England, and the approach from Warrington made me consider it as the next step of my career.

“The chance to work under Sam Burgess was a huge attraction. He’s someone I’ve looked up to for a long time, and I think he’ll really help me develop.

“I’m very blessed to go from an open trial to spending time in both the Warriors and Panthers systems. Now I’m looking forward to making an impact for Warrington.”

Warrington have also confirmed the signing of Queensland Cup forward Mitchell Prest from the Mackay Cutters.

Wolves coach Sam Burgess believes Crosby has the attributes to develop into a quality forward.

“Toby is a young forward with a lot of potential, and we’re excited about bringing him into our environment,” Burgess said.

“He’s got the physical attributes you look for in a front-rower, and he has a strong desire to improve.”

Crosby’s move comes just hours after To’o agreed to join the PNG Chiefs on a three-year contract from 2028.

The four-time premiership winner will leave Penrith after nine seasons and will reunite with former Panthers teammate and close friend Jarome Luai, who is expected to be one of the key faces of the new PNG franchise.

For the Panthers, the departures of To’o and Crosby within such a short period represent a significant challenge as the club continues to manage its roster and prepare for the future.

Follow the PNG Insight channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7SND5DJ6GugKBoFd3I

10/08/2026

Australia Kangaroos will enter this year’s Rugby League World Cup not only as one of the favourites for the title, but also as the tournament’s best-paid team.

Australian players will reportedly receive a flat $40,000 payment each for representing the Kangaroos at the World Cup, following an agreement between the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) and the Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA).

By comparison, players representing other nations will receive just $850 per match.

With teams scheduled to play three pool matches, followed by semi-finals and a final for the top four sides, non-Australian players could earn a maximum of $4,250 in match payments if their team reaches the final.

That figure is only a little over 10 per cent of the $40,000 guaranteed to each Australian player, regardless of how far the Kangaroos progress.

The huge disparity reflects the financial strength of the ARLC, which has the resources to provide significantly greater payments to its national team. Other rugby league nations can top up their players’ earnings, but many governing bodies face financial challenges of their own.

England is one example. The Rugby Football League (RFL), which oversees the English national team, remains involved in a legal dispute with the International Rugby League over alleged unpaid fees connected to the 2022 World Cup.

The $850 match payment is also considerably lower than the money earned by State of Origin players. NSW and Queensland representatives receive around $30,000 per Origin match under the NRL’s collective bargaining agreement.

Players representing their countries in other international competitions also receive higher payments. Pacific Championship players, including Australians, reportedly receive $3,000 per match, while the All Stars fixture carries a payment of about $7,000 per player.

Despite the financial gap, the difference in payments has not prevented players with Pacific heritage from choosing to represent their ancestral nations.

Players such as Payne Haas, Jarome Luai and Haumole Olakau’atu have chosen to represent Samoa and Tonga rather than Australia.

Haas, who had been linked with a possible return to the Kangaroos, made his position clear.

“I’m Samoan, mate, there’s no way I could turn my back on a country like that,” he said. “It’s not me as a man to switch.”

Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters said he was unaware of the significant pay difference but insisted money would not be a motivating factor for players representing Australia.

“There’s always pressure when you play for Australia,” Walters said.

“I also think the financial rewards are not an incentive for any player playing international rugby league – it doesn’t come into it. They’d all do it for nothing.”

With the World Cup approaching in October and November, Australia will be aiming to prove its dominance on the field, while other nations will look to challenge the Kangaroos despite operating with far smaller financial resources.

10/08/2026

Papua New Guinea’s new NRL franchise, the PNG Chiefs, could make one of the biggest recruitment statements in rugby league if they manage to lure Australian and Penrith Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary to the club for its inaugural 2028 season.

Cleary has emerged as one of the game’s premier halfbacks since making his NRL debut for Penrith in 2016. Now the Panthers co-captain, he has built a reputation as an elite organiser, goal-kicker and big-game player.

The 28-year-old came through Penrith’s junior system before establishing himself as the club’s long-term No.7. He has since become a key figure in the Panthers’ highly successful era, helping the club to multiple NRL premierships and becoming one of the most influential halfbacks of his generation.

Penrith’s official statistics list Cleary with more than 200 NRL appearances and 73 tries, highlighting his remarkable consistency at club level.

His career has also extended to the representative stage, where he has become a regular for the NSW Blues in State of Origin and has represented Australia.

Chiefs connection

The possibility of Cleary joining the PNG Chiefs has gained significant attention because of the timing of his current contract.

Cleary is contracted to Penrith until the end of the 2027 season, while the PNG Chiefs are scheduled to enter the NRL in 2028. That makes him one of the biggest potential free agents available when the new franchise begins its first season.

The Chiefs have already demonstrated that they are prepared to target established NRL stars.

The club has secured major names including Jarome Luai and Alex Johnston, while Brian To’o has also agreed to join the PNG franchise for its inaugural campaign.

Cleary has also been publicly linked with the Chiefs. In March, PNG rugby league great Marcus Bai urged the new club to pursue Cleary, describing the potential signing as a major statement for the franchise.

Chiefs coach Willie Peters has also been reported as interested in the possibility of bringing the Panthers star to Papua New Guinea.

A potential blockbuster for PNG

If the Chiefs could secure Cleary, it would arguably be the biggest signing in the history of Papua New Guinean rugby league.

His experience, leadership and ability to control matches would give the new franchise an elite playmaker around whom the team could be built.

Cleary would also arrive with existing connections to several players expected to form part of the Chiefs’ inaugural squad, including former Panthers teammates.

However, the move remains far from certain.

Reports have suggested Penrith remains determined to retain its superstar, while Cleary has also been linked with other clubs and overseas opportunities.

For now, there is no confirmed agreement between Cleary and the PNG Chiefs.

But with the Chiefs preparing for their 2028 NRL debut and Cleary’s Penrith contract running until the end of 2027, the possibility of the superstar halfback becoming the face of Papua New Guinea’s new NRL team is likely to remain one of the biggest stories in the rugby league transfer market.

If the Chiefs can pull it off, Nathan Cleary could walk into Port Moresby in 2028 not simply as another recruit, but as the marquee player capable of leading PNG’s newest professional sporting franchise into a new era.

Follow the PNG Insight channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7SND5DJ6GugKBoFd3I

Chiefs

NRL
Chiefs

10/08/2026

Papua New Guinea’s newest NRL franchise, the PNG Chiefs, has secured another major signing, with Samoan international and Penrith Panthers premiership winger Brian To’o agreeing to join the club ahead of its historic 2028 NRL debut.

To’o has signed a three-year deal with the Chiefs and will become the club’s sixth major signing as it continues building its inaugural NRL squad. He will remain with Penrith through the 2027 season before making the move to Papua New Guinea.
The powerful winger has established himself as one of the NRL’s most dangerous outside backs since making his first-grade debut for the Panthers in 2019.

Known for his explosive carries, strength after contact and ability to finish tries, To’o became an important part of Penrith’s golden era.
He played a key role in the Panthers’ remarkable run of four consecutive NRL premierships from 2021 to 2024. He has also earned individual recognition, including Dally M Winger of the Year honours.

To’o has also represented New South Wales in State of Origin and Samoa at international level. He made his Origin debut in 2021 and has become an important figure for Samoa, choosing to represent his Samoan heritage on the international stage.

His arrival will add considerable experience and power to the Chiefs’ backline and reunite him with former Panthers teammate Jarome Luai, who was previously announced as one of the club’s foundation signings.

The Chiefs have also secured established NRL players including Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Matty Lees and Zac Lomax as they assemble a squad capable of competing when the club enters the competition in 2028.

For To’o, the move represents a new chapter after years of success at Penrith.
For the PNG Chiefs, his signing is another statement of intent as the franchise prepares to represent Papua New Guinea on the NRL stage.
With his premiership experience, representative credentials and strong Pacific identity, To’o is expected to become one of the headline players of the Chiefs’ inaugural era.

The 2028 season is still two years away, but the Chiefs are already assembling a squad filled with proven NRL talent—and Brian To’o is now one of the biggest names leading that charge.