Police Commissioner David Manning today announced the transfer of 52 policemen and women to various Police commands throughout the country. This includes five policewomen in various ranks including one chief inspector, one senior inspector and four inspectors. The transfer, inclusive of the female numbers include: four chief superintendents; six superintendents; 15 chief inspectors; 14 senior inspectors and 13 inspectors. “The transfers and appointment of these officers have been made to strengthen leadership and accountability in the various commands. The transfers will take effect immediately and must be complied with before the 30th of November 2022,” Mr Manning said.

BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) continues to strengthen its presence and relationship in Morobe Province through the opening of its Eriku Branch in Lae today (Thursday 3rd November, 2022). BSP Group CEO Robin Fleming said, “The Eriku Branch will enable BSP to continue to better serve the residents and people of Morobe Province, as it is a key contributor to the PNG economy and the gateway to the Highlands region. Eriku Branch is the fourth branch located in the City of Lae and BSPs 85th branch in PNG.” “BSP is happy to embark on another milestone event in expanding to all Papua New Guineans through banking services, in this case the Eriku Branch. This branch was built at a cost of K8.5m over 10 months,” he said. “We thank our Landlord Pelgens, all the contractors, BSP Eriku Branch Staff & Management, BSP Morobe Branches, the surrounding community and their leaders and all Stakeholders for making Eriku Branch possible,” Mr Fleming added. BSP currently serves more than 152,000 BSP customers in Morobe via its five (5) branches (Lae Top Town, Lae Market, Lae Commercial Centre, Lae SME Centre and Bulolo Branch) three (3) Sub-Branches, 26 Agents, 42 ATMs, 73 Mobile Merchants, and 814 EFTPoS in the Morobe Province. The new Eriku Branch will be managed by Roslyn Paulus Kanini and will have 26 staff of which six (6) are tellers, five (5) are customer service, two (2) on Lending, Four (4) are branchless banking staff, five (5) back office staff and three (3) ancillary staff. This will add to BSP’s network operation of 42 existing branches, 42 existing sub branches, over 250 Cash Agents, 326 ATMs and over 9,000 EFTPoS across PNG. The branch will provide a full range of services and service one of the busiest areas in Lae City, which will accord more convenient options for customers. BSP’s investment in its branch network in 2022 has included a new branch in Namatanai, New Ireland, a new sub branch in Koroba, Hela Province, and upgraded Hybrid Branch in Palmalmal, East New Britain and now a new Branch in Eriku, Morobe Province. Before the year ends, BSP will also open a new Lending Centre in Boroko, NCD in December and has performed groundbreaking for a second branch in Dobel, Mt Hagen in Western Highlands and an upgraded branch in Telefomin, Sandaun Province. “BSP’s significant investment into delivering banking services reflects the groups continued desire to deliver banking services for the communities in which it operates. This is despite numerous challenges and inspite of the imposition of the inequitable BSP Tax of K190m, BSP will continue to deliver on its vision for the people of PNG,” Mr Fleming said. “We thank our customers for their patience, and with this additional branch, we aim to continue improving a superior level of customer experiene. We remain committed to providing essential banking services to the people of Morobe Province and we are grateful for the relationship we have with the community in Lae,” Concluded Mr Fleming

Forty-two-year-old Luddy Kialing has been announced as the winner of the “Win the Nissan Promotion”. The Nissan Navara is part of a Win A Nissan Navara promotion run by SP Brewery and RH Hypermarket which ran from August to October. To enter, customers simply had to purchase a carton of either Export Lager, Niugini Ice, Strongbow, or Heineken to enter the draw. “I made the purchase last week Monday 24th October 2022, and I jokingly told my husband that I was going to win the car”, said Kialing from Morobe. And lucky enough, Kialing was announced as the lucky winner out from a thousand entries received. Her receipt was drawn yesterday Tuesday 01st November and the Nissan Navara was presented to her today Wednesday 02nd November 2022. An elated Kialing revealed that the win is indeed a blessing to her and her family. “My family and I needed a vehicle as my husband commutes daily from Hohola to Sogeri for work,” she added. “Thank you, SP Brewery and RH Hypermarket.”  

The players and staff of the Santos PNG Orchids would like to convey their deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late Mr David Silovo, who recently passed away unexpectedly in Port Moresby. Mr Silovo was a highly respected rugby league administrator, historian, commentator and advocate of women’s rugby league, who was involved in the sport for more than 50 years. He was a committed supporter and mentor of several players in the current Santos PNG Orchids squad, including Martha Molowia, Bertshiba Awoi, Lilah Malabag and Vero Waula, as well as assistant coach and former Orchid player Della Audama. Speaking on behalf of the group, Audama said: “Mr David Silovo was one of the first men to support the big push to promote women’s rugby league that began around 2014. He was very encouraging of the upcoming players and many of our pioneer Orchids drew a lot of motivation from his words. His favorite word was ‘champion’, and he knew every Orchid’s number off by heart and each of their backgrounds. He was the rugby league dictionary of PNG.” The Orchids wore black armbands in memory of the late Mr Silovo in their opening Rugby League World Cup match against Canada on Tuesday, and players including Martha Molowia and Bertshiba Awoi honoured 'Fada Dee' on their strapping . Source: Santos PNG Orchids 

Village court officials and land mediators in Rabaul District, East New Britain have been urged to strengthen their reporting system. Department of Justice and Attorney- General deputy secretary Josephine Pitmur told village court officials and land mediators at the Rabaul Urban LLG conference room on Tuesday Nov 1. She said quarterly returns is a requirement under the Village Court Act that must be submitted every quarter on court sittings however DJAG has not seen any reports on court sittings from ENB in the last six years which is a concern. With the National Government investing a lot in terms of infrastructure in the village court system, it requires quarterly reports from village courts Mrs Pitmur said reports submitted quarterly will assist DJAG to determine the crime rate in respective districts, determine if village courts are functioning and officials are performing as they are paid allowances and enable DJAG to intervene and address law and order problems. “Maybe village court clerks are doing their work but it is not reaching us through the quarterly reports. So we are coming down to the district level to remind officials of quarterly reports,” she said. She said because DJAG has invested in infrastructure in Rabaul and Pomio districts through the Community Justice Service Centres, it is appropriate to build capacity to deliver services. She said according to statistics from the Public Solicitors Office, Rabaul and Kokopo have been identified as hotspots for crime. “But it would be good to reconcile these statistics with reports from the village courts. DJAG wants to prove crime in hotspot areas through reports from respective village courts to form part of ENB status report on the prevalence of crime rate,” Mrs Pitmur said. Rabaul Deputy District Administrator for Administration, Babel Umri said there needs to be more awareness on the role of the village court so people understand its role in the law and justice sector. This includes restoring law and order to make village courts more effective and the restore the authority and respect they once enjoyed. He recommended that village court clerks as the pillars of the village court system must have positions created under the public service to add value to infrastructure that has been built

Staff and students at the Motu Koita FODE Centre welcomed the news today of a strengthened partnership between KTF, the Motu Koita Assembly and Kina Bank for the ongoing operations of the FODE Centre in 2023. An annual cohort of 100+ students have pursued their second chance at education at the Motu Koita FODE Centre in Hanuabada since the partnership commenced in 2020. Today, the partnership was officially renewed by Motu Koita Acting CEO Gaud Frank, representing, MKA Chairman, Hon, Dadi Toka OBE, who met with students who were preparing for their end of year national examinations, being held later this month. “The partnership with KTF to establish the first MK FODE Centre at Hagara has given opportunities for many students in our villages a chance to improve academically. The operation of such education facilities requires funding and support to be successful. Thank you again to KTF and Kina Bank for the partnership to impact the lives of Motu Koita students," Chairman Toka said. The Centre represents a partnership for a brighter future through investing in Motu Koita education. Operated by international development organisation, Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF), it is nationally recognised by the PNG National FODE office and is generously funded by Kina Bank. Kina Bank’s CEO, Greg Pawson, met many of these students during the partnership visit, “Kina Bank is very happy to partner again with KTF and the Motu Koita Assembly. Our purpose is to constantly improve the prosperity of the people, communities and markets we serve. This partnership aligns to our purpose and delivers tangible outcomes that can only benefit the people of Papua New Guinea” said Mr Pawson. Angaota Andy Boe is a grade 10 student at the MK FODE Centre, doing her full corresponding studies. After Angaota dropped out from the formal education system, she realised that life was hard and that completing her studies through FODE could help her find employment one day to earn a living. Angaota said, “KTF has given me a second chance in education and I thank KTF, MKA and Kina Bank for this great opportunity to do my studies. Education is the only key to escaping financial struggles in life, because when you get an education, you can be able to find employment and earn an income to support yourself and your family.” KTF CEO, Dr Genevieve Nelson is extremely positive about the year ahead. “We are so thrilled about the renewal of the partnership with the Motu Koita Assembly and our generous donors, Kina Bank. With the recent restructure of the education system, the need for FODE places is extremely high. Teachers are being required to upgrade their Grade 12 qualifications and there are new minimum entry qualifications required to gain entry into Teachers Colleges as well as other tertiary pathways. We are proud to work with so many wonderfully committed people from the Motu Koita communities and give them a second chance at education.” Grade 9 and 11 students will sit their examinations later this month and are currently preparing by sitting mock examinations at the FODE Centre.

The Australian Government through its PacificAus Sports program has launched their partnership with the Australian Football League (AFL) in Papua New Guinea. PacificAus Sports has partnered with the AFL to develop Pacific high performance pathways. The initiative will be delivered in partnership with the AFL associations of PNG, Fiji, and Nauru and in collaboration with the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns AFL Academies. The partnership was launched locally today at Colts Oval at Amini Park, Port Moresby. Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, commented on the shared history and deep love of sport between Australia and Papua New Guinea, “Aussie rules football is a uniquely Australian sport. This partnership opens new doors for PNG athletes to achieve their dreams through development of a national AFL talent academy and support for talent identification camps in the Pacific”. Ekoni Peni, AFL PNG Development’s Chairman said “Strengthening the AFL PNG Development pathway from grassroots, through Smart Start Niukick programs, to the AFL in Australia is vital to the success of our game across PNG, and we are delighted to join the PacificAus Sports partnership”. “This partnership provides real opportunities for male and female Papua New Guinean players, coaches & umpires to be the best they can be and follow in the footsteps of our very own home-grown AFL player Hewago “Ace” Oea at the Gold Coast Suns”, he added.

The exercise on recording customs, undertaken by the Constitutional and Law Reform (CLRC) can change the cause of direction for young people, who have lost touch with their customs, culture, and traditions, says Rigo District Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Koru Abe. “This exercise will leave a legacy behind for our children,” he said. Mr. Abe said this while welcoming a delegation from CLRC that comprised of Commissioner Ms. Martha Kokiva, Secretary Dr. Mange Matui, Deputy Secretary Ms. Dorothy Mimiko-Kesenga, directors and staff at Kwikila Station, Rigo District, Central Province for the commencement of the Underlying Law Custom recording project for the district, on Monday 31 October 2022. Mr. Abe said the project was an important starting point to explore old customary laws and practices and embrace those that are workable today for incorporation into our legal system, especially the village courts. “I thank CLRC for initiating this move and I hope our contribution will be helpful in your endeavors,” Mr. Abe said. CLRC Deputy Secretary Ms. Dorothy Mimiko Kesenga, said CLRC will be recording customs of 11 different language groups in the Rigo District this week before moving into other districts of Central Province and PNG in the future. She added that this exercise is a massive long-term project that will benefit the whole country and therefore needed support from provincial and district administrations as well. CLRC Commissioner Ms. Martha Kokiva highlighted the importance of this exercise in protecting and preserving the customs, traditional rules and practices, and PNG’s identity in the world against globalization and modernization. She added that the underlying law custom recording project is a mandate of CLRC, which can be traced back to Independence 1975, and particularly when the founding fathers and mothers called for PNG to be built on PNG Ways. “Those ‘PNG ways’ are locked up in the customs of our people, but in order for us to unlock that wealth of ideas, recording and documenting the 1,000 plus customs in PNG is important,” she said.  

Papua New Guinea coach Stanley Tepend has warned England that the Kumuls won't be easy beats after setting up a Rugby League World Cup quarter-final showdown with the tournament hosts this weekend. The Kumuls have just four days to recover from Monday night's 36-0 win over Wales in Doncaster before facing the English in Wigan on Saturday. The two sides faced off in the 2017 tournament in Melbourne, with England cruising to a comfortable 36-6 victory. Only a handful of players, headlined by centre Justin Olam and captain Rhyse Martin, remain from that loss. Since then, however, PNG defeated Great Britain - an English team in all-but name - in 2019 and suffered a narrow loss to world No. 2 Tonga in their opening World Cup group game. "I think we've learned from what happened in 2017," Tepend said. "The players are now a lot smarter and a lot younger. "I think we relied on a few individuals but now it's more of a team effort and we've got better players I guess as well." One of those players is flying Wests Tigers winger Jimmy Ngutlik who enthralled the 6968-rainsoaked fans with a dazzling 60-metre effort as the Kumuls made light work of the Welsh to round out the tournament's group stage. "Jimmy is an exciting winger for us," Tepend said. "We saw tonight what can happen if he's given a bit of space. "I hope it's dry for him next week. It's exciting for the Kumuls because he's going to be around for a long time." Ngutlik got a second try late in the game with back-rower Nixon Putt joining him on a brace. Kyle Labutt and Dan Russell contributed PNG's other two tries. But the thing which left Tepend most satisfied was their defensive resolve as the Kumuls kept a team scoreless outside of PNG for the first time in 22 years. "I think that reflects the tightness of the boys off the field," said Tepend, who has had the support of former Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan at this tournament. "We had eight days in PNG before we came here and the performance really showed how (close) they are off the field." The defeat meant Wales' attempt to win a World Cup game will stretch into a 25th year after failure to upset the Kumuls. Coach John Kear has a side made up primarily of part-time players and commended their attitude in making Tonga, the Cook Islands and PNG fight for their wins. "You really can't ask for much more," Kear said. "I'm immensely proud of them and really pleased with what they offered. "I think we've become everybody's second favourite team because of the endeavour and effort we are putting in." Source: AU SPORTS. YAHOO

Meet Air Niugini’s longest serving employee and Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME), Alcan Mattiunga who has been with the airline for 45 years and continues to do what he knows and loves best. From inside the airline’s engineering hangar, Alcan watched the Air Niugini fleet grow from a few DC3s to a fleet which has included Fokker 27 Friendship/F28, Dash 7/DHC8, Boeing 707, Airbus A310, Fokker F100/F70, Bombardier Q400 and Boeing B737 and B767 aircraft. Alcan has been with the airline watching operations grow from a small domestic airliner to a now significant regional carrier operating flights to Australia, Asia and the Pacific. LAME Mattiunga said Air Niugini has come a long way in its growth and development from when it first started to where it is now. He said “A lot has changed for the airline over time from operations to commercial, training, recruitment, engineering and business processes and procedures. As new skills were developed with improved workplace practices, supported by the new technology, work has progressed and advanced a lot, resulting in greater efficiency and high productivity. “ When Alcan first started with Air Niugini Engineering, they use to refer all their work to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), a bulky, heavy book which detailed the way in which all maintenance tasks on a specific aircraft must be carried out. “The AMM contained information required to service, repair, replace, adjust, inspect and check equipment and systems on the aircraft. We use to fly with the manual when carrying out maintenance at the outports. This, however is not happening anymore as all work is now computerized. We also see new, better hangar facilities and tools now than it was in the past.” Alcan said. Being with Air Niugini for over four decades, Alcan knows the airline like the palm of his hand. He has successfully acquired several aircraft maintenance licenses under his belt including F28, F100/F70 as well as the B737. As a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME), Alcan’s responsibility is to certify the correct state of systems maintained on an aircraft such as engines, hydraulics, autopilot, communications and radar. He is the sole attributor of safety when the aircraft is on the ground and gives approval to a Certificate of Release to Service, a legal document stating, clearing safety when he is certain that the aircraft is 100 percent safe to fly following maintenance. Alcan said “While successfully acquiring aircraft maintenance licenses was my biggest achievement, the thing that satisfies me most is training and mentoring young Papua New Guineans to also pick up their licenses.” “It’s important as it provides them the opportunity to further develop their skills, become more competent in their roles and prepare them for further growth and opportunities in the future.” Alcan was only 18 when he first joined Air Niugini in 1978 after he was selected the previous year during an interview at a career week held at Rabaul High school, he was doing grade 12 then at Kerevat National High School. In commencing with Air Niugini, he went straight into the airline’s four-year apprenticeship program, where Alcan spent the first two years (1978 to 1979) at Idubada Technical college, now Port Moresby Technical College. Another two years were spent at Leonard Isitt Aviation Training centre in Christ Church, New Zealand. After successfully completing his training in New Zealand, Alcan was certified as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME), specialising in Engine Maintenance. “I worked for three years as an AME before picking up my first license in 1985 to certify for maintenance on the F28 engine category thus making me a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME). “Between 1985 and 2022(current), I picked up a total of four licenses, apart from F28, I also attained F100, F70 and the B737 licenses. I am certified to sign Release To Service (RTS) on these aircraft fleets. Three years after acquiring his first license (1988), Alcan worked as Station Engineer based in Wewak. From Viviran village in Gazelle Electorate, East New Britain Province, LAME Mattiunga is a product of late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s vision in 1975 where he emphasized the need for Papua New Guineans to be engineers, pilots, doctors, lawyers, accountants and professionals in their own country. Mattiunga was among young Papua New Guineans who were too glad to be part of that vision and to make it a reality. “PNG was a fairly new sovereign nation and as a young Papua New Guinean coming out of colonial rule to work in a professional field wasn’t easy. But some of us took the challenge head on, we want to make that vision a reality. “As a Papua New Guinean working for the national airline at that time, I was very proud and I am still today.” Mattiunga said Alcan said employees are more likely to stay with a company if they believe in the work they’re doing and feel that their work is recognized and appreciated, adding that having a job sustains families and provide security for their welfare. His word to young Papua New Guineans out there who maybe dreaming of becoming an aircraft engineer one day. “Becoming an Aircraft engineer is not easy, it’s a demanding job that requires great responsibility, but always remember that nothing is too hard when you set your mind to it.” “Set your priorities right, ensure honesty, reliability, commitment, discipline and show respect to your co-workers, whoever they are in whatever positions. Finally, always be guided by rules/regulations that are in place.” Alcan said Alcan was only 18 when he first joined Air Niugini, he is now 62. As the company turned 49 years yesterday , Tuesday 01st November, 2022 Alcan said the option for retirement may not be far off. LAME Mattiunga acknowledged his wife, Helen and the three children for their support over the years. “ I wouldn’t have made it here without my family’s support and of course, Air Niugini, a great airline company to work for. Air Niugini gave me everything, which I am forever grateful. “Alcan conclude

Sherwin Tanabi knows that if the 2021 Rugby League World Cup wasn’t postponed by one year, he wouldn’t be where he is today. Twelve months ago, Tanabi was fresh off his first season in Papua New Guinea’s Digicel Cup, where he played for the Lae Tigers and was 18th man on grand final day. Playing in the Hostplus Cup was still just a goal of his, let alone representing his country.  Tanabi made his official PNG Kumuls debut, when he started for his home nation in their World Cup pool clash with Wales. Not only is this a dream come true for the 21-year-old, but it caps off a meteoric rise through the rugby league ranks. [caption id="attachment_29555" align="alignnone" width="500"] Sherwin Tanabi.[/caption] After his breakout season in the Digicel Cup last year, Tanabi has earned a PNG Hunters contract, trained with the North Queensland Cowboys Young Guns, played for the Helensvale Hornets in the Gold Coast’s A grade competition. On top of that, he went on to star in the South East’s XXXX Chairman’s Challenge for the Gold Coast Vikings, made his Hostplus Cup debut, represented PNG’s PM’s XIII, and now, is a Kumul. “From this time last year, I didn’t think I would be here,” Tanabi said. “This time last year after the season, I was just at home. I didn’t play much of the Digicel Cup, I didn’t play half of the season. I didn’t know what it would turn into. “I was thinking back to 2017 and I was in grade 10 and watching the World Cup. Now I’m in the 2021 World Cup… words can’t express what it means. “If the World Cup wasn’t postponed and they played it last year, I wouldn’t be in this spot right now. “It’s a big progression on my career this year. I really didn’t expect myself to be here.” For Tanabi, each opportunity this year, no matter how big or small, has helped him develop into the player he is today. When the young forward talks about his week in Townsville at the start of the season, his face glows with pride at getting to meet the likes of “the big boys”, such as Queensland Maroons star, Valentine Holmes, and Cowboys sensation, Jason Taumalolo. Then came community footy on the Gold Coast – an experience Tanabi credits as being the launchpad for his stunning season. [caption id="attachment_29556" align="alignnone" width="1009"] Sherwin Tanabi playing for the Gold Coast Vikings in the Chairman's Challenge. Photo: Jim O'Reilly/QRL[/caption] “I only played two games with the Hornets and then I was asked if I was available with the Vikings,” Tanabi said. “I joined the Vikings to play the Chairman’s Challenge. It was what I needed to help me get through the season. “That was what I needed to get myself into the game. I’m just glad to have those chances.” He said playing for the Gold Coast teams was a bit of a culture adjustment being his first time in a side without his Papua New Guinean teammates. But Vikings coach, Wayne Forbes, felt Tanabi fit into his new settings immediately. Forbes first spotted the young gun in Helensvale’s Round 2 win over Currumbin – a victory he said Tanabi had a great deal to do with. He included him in his XXXX Chairman’s Challenge squad and never looked back. [caption id="attachment_29557" align="alignnone" width="1015"] Tanabi with Wesser Tenza in the UK. Photo: Max Ellis/QRL[/caption] “When I first noticed Sherwin, I noticed he was a hard runner, had a fantastic work rate, and was almost pushing players out of the way just to get the ball,” Forbes said. “He was keen and an excited kind of player. “Then with Sherwin, one of the biggest things I remember was the week leading into the Chairman’s Challenge at training. He’s the sort of guy that is always listening, always giving 100 per cent, always asking questions and is really passionate about the game. “At the end of training, all the guys just went off and started doing their thing, and he came over and asked if he could carry the water bottles to the shed. “He’s not there to take, take, take, but to give back when he can as well. He’s so appreciative of the experience and opportunities. That’s what’s stuck with me.” And Tanabi’s attitude and desire to learn is what has seen him succeed this year. He said after his inconsistent season in the Digicel Cup in 2021, coming in and out of the side, all he wanted this year was to “make the final cut and then be consistent.” So when his hard work in the Gold Coast competitions paid off and he got that Hostplus Cup call up for the Hunters in Round 5, he was determined to not go backwards. [caption id="attachment_29558" align="alignnone" width="1016"] The PNG Hunters in Round 5 of the Hostplus Cup. Photo: Jason O'Brien/QRL [/caption] “My debut was against the Burleigh Bears in ANZAC Round,” Tanabi said. “I remember coming off the bench. I played like five minutes and accidentally did a crusher (tackle) and got sent off for 10 minutes. We got pumped that game. “My second game was against the Devils (in Round 7, after a bye) and (coach Matt Church) gave me a starting job. When he gave me that first start, that was it. I knew it was my only chance.” Tanabi started in the second row in that match against eventual premiers Norths in Toowoomba and he held onto that jersey for the entire season. Whispers of a possible World Cup appearance then started to eventuate in June. Tanabi was selected as part of the PNG Kumuls Pacific Test squad against Fiji and while he didn’t play, he was told he was on the radar for the PM’s XIII. That then became a reality in late September when he was named to take on the Australian PM’s XIII, featuring a host of NRL stars, including Josh Addo-Carr, Daly Cherry-Evans, Ben Hunt, and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui. “It was a good experience to verse the Kangaroos,” Tanabi said. “That game was next level. It was just learning something new. “I wasn’t really sure (if I’d make the World Cup) because we got pumped. I played off the bench too and I was moving around in different positions on the field.” However, all of Tanabi’s hard work, his determined attitude, paid off as he completed the journey from community football to a World Cup debutant – a PNG Kumul. [caption id="attachment_29559" align="alignnone" width="1010"] Tanabi celebrates with teammates after PNG's victory over Cook Islands.[/caption] PNG secure the final place in the World Cup quarter-finals, with Wales – a side that also features community rugby league players in Valley Diehards duo Ollie and James Olds – needing to win by 22 points to cause an upset. Tanabi, who was 18th man in PNG's opening pool match against Tonga, pushed his nation’s case and, while he was reluctant to discuss his debut because it made him “overexcited”, it is clear it is a significant milestone and one that makes many people proud. Forbes said the sky is the limit when it comes to Tanabi, who hopes to one day play in the NRL or Super League. “I’m super proud,” Forbes said. “He just had all the attributes to go a long way. He had the body, the size, the skills, and he is very coachable. “There’s a lot of people out there that are similar and do those little things that push them across the line. Being coachable, it takes you a long way.” Source: QRL.Com

A convicted murderer has been released from detention and spared deportation, with blessing of the mother of man he was jailed for killing. Mark Basa was 16 when he was convicted of the 2005 stabbing murder of Zane McCready in Newcastle. Over the past four years he has been in immigration detention, waiting in limbo as he fought deportation. His father Richard Basa told the ABC he had no idea his son's release was imminent, when he got a phone call from his lawyer last Thursday. "I was in shock — Mark's lawyer said get a car and get to Sydney, your boy is coming home to Newcastle," he said. "I asked him to bring my boy home and he did." Mark Basa's lawyer, migration law expert Jason Donnelly, said he almost fell off his chair when he heard the news himself. "I had to re-read that email about three times before I actually believed it," he said. "(Mark and I) had a really nice personal talk over video camera and there were tears … of shock — but of great happiness." A fight to remain in Australia Mark Basa was convicted of killing Mr McCready, an Air Force technician, in a brawl in Newcastle in 2005. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="875"] Zane McCready with his mother Ros Lowe.(Supplied: McCready family)[/caption]   He was given a 16-year maximum jail term, and was released on parole after 12 and a half years. But there was a catch — he did not walk out to freedom. He was taken straight to Sydney's Villawood Detention Centre, where he stayed until being sent to Christmas Island last year. On three occasion, previous Department of Home Affairs ministers and departmental officials recommended he be deported — despite recommendations against it by the the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), on humanitarian grounds. The AAT said Australia would breach humanitarian laws if they sent him back, due to a chronic pancreatic condition and tribal warfare that put his life at risk. Meeting with Zane Macready's mother Mark Basa arrived back in Newcastle on Saturday. He thanked his supporters and said he planned to meet face-to-face with Zane Macready's mother, who also fought against his deportation. [caption id="attachment_29549" align="alignnone" width="879"] Ros Lowe wants to know the full details of what happened to her son.(ABC News: Larissa Romensky)[/caption] Ros Lowe said she supported Mark Basa, as she did not believe he acted alone — and she wanted the whole story. "From my heart I just want to know what happened and I'm so relieved he (Mark Basa) is back to his family, that's all I can say, " she said. "I want to know the intimate details — what were you doing, what were you thinking, what was going through your head? "Neither of us have anything to lose … the shackles are off." Mark Basa will remain on parole and under supervision until January 2023. Source: ABC Pacific