AGP Executive Report

Cricket Spotlight: The PNG women’s cricket team, the Lewas, have been named Carbine Club Team of the Year at the 2026 SP Sports Awards after a historic 2025 run that included the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific title, ODI status for 2025–2029, and big wins over Thailand and the Netherlands—now their next mission is qualifying for a Cricket World Cup. Sports Awards Buzz: Sprint star Pais Wisil took Male Athlete of the Year and People’s Choice, while footballer Ramona Padio was Female Athlete of the Year, and sports media veteran Terry Longbut won Sports Media of the Year. NRL Chiefs Build-Up: Questions remain over who truly owns the PNG Chiefs, but the roster push continues with English forward Matty Lees joining the club’s inaugural plans. Women’s Rugby League: PNGRFL has set the stage for a more professional Santos Cup with upgraded welfare, safety, and a longer preseason. Netball Pathways: Manus-based Chauka Isles secured renewed uniform sponsorship as it expands in Port Moresby’s netball scene. Media & Culture: NBC is hosting the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient storytelling and regional collaboration. Community Sport Infrastructure: New softball facilities are set to begin at UPNG, aiming to restore competition-standard grounds by October 2026.

Rugby League & Women’s Pathways: Gulf province’s Cathy Neap Rural Talent Identification Program has wrapped its first phase, spotting six standout girls (18–23) after trials and exhibition matches at Terapo Primary School, with winners set to travel to Port Moresby for further development. NRL Chiefs Build-Up: PNG Chiefs ownership questions are bubbling up, with East Sepik Governor Allan Bird admitting he’s unsure who controls the franchise and warning that without clear backing the project could struggle. Chiefs Signings: The Chiefs keep stacking their inaugural roster, confirming English forward Matty Lees joins Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston and Connor Watson—signalling an aggressive push toward 2028. Sports Awards Spotlight: At the 34th SP Sports Awards, sprint king Pais Wisil took Male Athlete and People’s Choice honours, while football star Ramona Padio won Female Athlete of the Year and the PNG Lewas were named Team of the Year. Media & Community: NBC is hosting the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient storytelling and regional collaboration as Pacific newsrooms face digital disruption and funding pressure. UPNG Softball Upgrade: New competition-standard softball facilities are set to begin at UPNG, with two fields and amenities due by October 2026, after Bisini diamonds were taken over for stadium expansion. Women’s Rugby League: PNGRFL has advanced the Santos Cup with a revamped 10-week structure, longer preseason, stronger medical and welfare standards, and clearer player contracting rules.

PNG Lewas’ Big Win: Cricket PNG says the women’s national team were named Team of the Year at the 2026 SP Sports Awards, after a historic 2025 that included the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific title, a PacificAus Invitational win, and ODI status for 2025–2029. NRL Chiefs Momentum: PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson says the club’s push is also about women’s leadership in sport, as the franchise keeps stacking its inaugural roster with major signings including Connor Watson and Matty Lees. SP Sports Awards Highlights: Sprint star Pais Wisil took Male Athlete of the Year and People’s Choice, while footballer Ramona Padio won Female Athlete of the Year; media veteran Terry Longbut was Sports Media of the Year. Women’s Rugby League Upgrade: PNGRFL’s Santos Cup conference maps a more professional 2026 season with longer preseason, stronger medical and welfare standards, and clearer contracting structures. Softball Facilities for UPNG: New competition-standard softball fields and amenities are set to start soon at UPNG, with construction due to finish in October 2026. Pacific Media in Port Moresby: NBC hosts the Pacific Media Partnership Conference, focusing on resilient storytelling, safety in journalism, and regional collaboration as broadcasters face funding pressure.

NRL Chiefs roster build: PNG Chiefs have locked in English prop Matty Lees as their fourth signing for the inaugural push, joining Connor Watson and others already confirmed, with the club framing the moves as a culture-and-competition statement ahead of 2028. Player spotlight: Connor Watson has also confirmed his PNG Chiefs switch, saying the trip and the people made the decision feel bigger than money. Sports awards glow-up: The 2026 SP Sports Awards in Port Moresby crowned Ramona Padio Female Athlete of the Year and PNG Lewas Team of the Year, while Terry Longbut took Sports Media of the Year and Paias Wisil won Male Athlete of the Year. Women’s rugby league momentum: PNGRFL wrapped up the Santos Cup women’s conference with upgrades to welfare, safety, and a more professional structure for 2026. Softball facilities for UPNG: New competition-standard softball fields are set to begin soon at UPNG, funded by Australia, with completion targeted for October 2026. Media resilience in focus: PNG hosted the Pacific Media Partnership Conference, tackling digital disruption and how Pacific newsrooms can stay sustainable and independent. Community faith & culture: A church dedicated PNG’s new Missionary Training Centre in Port Moresby, marking a milestone for local volunteers preparing for service.

International Dance: PNG dance crew Wan Squad is set to represent the Pacific at IDL Sydney 2026, with the team’s Sydney trip announced via its Facebook page. Regional Media: PNG is hosting the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, with leaders pushing for resilient Pacific journalism amid digital disruption and misinformation. Softball Facilities: New competition-standard softball fields are planned for UPNG, with construction starting soon and completion targeted for October 2026, after Bisini diamonds were taken over for other major stadium work. Sports Media Training: Fifteen PNG sports media participants completed a five-day training push focused on sports commentary, gender-equity reporting, and inclusive media standards. Women’s Rugby League: PNGRFL has wrapped up the Santos Cup Football Conference, setting a more professional 2026 structure with a longer preseason, a 10-week competition, and stronger medical and welfare requirements. Cricket Spotlight: The PNG Lewas were named Carbine Club Team of the Year at the 2026 SP Sports Awards after a breakout 2025, including ICC East Asia-Pacific success. Sports Awards Recognition: Terry Longbut won Sports Media of the Year, while Dorna Longbut took CPL Para-Athlete of the Year—both celebrating PNG’s growing sports media and para-athlete leadership. Community Sport & Health: Rugby league star Justin Olam delivered K30,000 in medical supplies to rural health centres in Chuave, backing local community needs alongside sport. LGBTQ+ Equality: Sir Ian McKellen joined a London “Walk of Shame” protest against Commonwealth anti-gay laws, with PNG listed among the countries targeted by the campaign.

Business & Investment: PNG Prime Minister James Marape reassured investors at the Australia–PNG Business Forum in Brisbane, saying reforms will support profitability and that mining and petroleum growth must also translate into better health, education and infrastructure. Sport Infrastructure: New competition-standard softball facilities are set for UPNG, with Australia funding two fields and amenities by October 2026. Women’s Rugby League: PNGRFL has locked in major upgrades for the 2026 Santos Cup—longer preseason, a 10-week competition, stronger medical and welfare standards, and clearer player contracting. Cricket Spotlight: The PNG Lewas won Team of the Year at the 2026 SP Sports Awards after a breakout 2025, including ICC East Asia-Pacific success and ODI status. Sports Awards Buzz: Ramona Padio took Female Athlete of the Year, while Terry Longbut was Sports Media of the Year and Dorna Longbut won CPL Para-Athlete of the Year. Rural Impact: Justin Olam delivered K30,000 in medical supplies to clinics in Chuave, backing community health alongside rugby work. City Planning: NCDC unveiled big plans to transform Port Moresby into a safe, modern capital ahead of the PNG Chiefs era.

Women’s Rugby League: PNG Rugby Football League wrapped up the 2026 Santos Cup Football Conference (“Empower: Better Building Blocks”), setting up a more professional 10-week women’s season with longer preseason, stronger medical and welfare standards, and accredited coaches/medical staff ahead of July 11–12 kick-off. Sports Awards: The 2026 SP Sports Awards in Port Moresby turned into a big night for PNG sport—PNG Lewas won Team of the Year after their 2025 rise in women’s cricket, while Paias Wisil took Peoples Choice and Male Athlete of the Year and Ramona Padio was Female Athlete of the Year. Community Sport & Media: Veteran rugby league broadcaster Terry Longbut was named Sports Media of the Year, and his daughter Dorna Longbut won CPL Para Athlete of the Year. Rugby League Pathways: PNG Chiefs confirmed Rhyse Martin as Football Operations Manager from 2027, bringing leadership home ahead of the club’s expected NRL entry. Rural Health: Justin Olam delivered K30,000 in medical supplies to Monono and Wangoi health centres in Chuave, backed by the Olam Foundation.

East New Britain Provincial Day: Governor Michael Marum says choral singing is a “powerful instrument” for unity and healing as ENB marks its 49th Provincial Day at Malaguna United Church Grounds in Rabaul. Port Moresby City Planning: NCDC’s push to transform the capital into a safe, modern hub ahead of the PNG Chiefs’ NRL era gets Prime Minister James Marape’s backing, framing sport as a national unifier. LGBTQ+ Rights Protest: Sir Ian McKellen joins a London “Walk of Shame” march against Commonwealth anti-gay laws, rallying outside multiple embassies including PNG’s. SP Sports Awards (big PNG moments): Ramona Padio wins Female Athlete of the Year; PNG Lewas take Team of the Year; Terry Longbut is Sports Media of the Year; Dorna Longbut wins CPL Para Athlete of the Year; Paias Wisil sweeps Peoples Choice and Male Athlete. Women’s Rugby League Upgrade: PNGRFL outlines Santos Cup changes for 2026—10-week competition, longer preseason, stronger medical/safety standards, and accredited staff. Cricket for Learning: Cricket PNG launches “Cricket Numeracy in PNG” to teach maths through cricket activities in schools. NRL Chiefs Build-Up: PNG Chiefs confirm Rhyse Martin as Football Operations Manager from 2027, with more Origin-player recruitment momentum.

SP Sports Awards: Ramona Padio was named Female Athlete of the Year, while the PNG Lewas took Carbine Club Team of the Year and Sparrows Netball Club won Performance of the Year—plus Terry Longbut was crowned Media Personality of the Year at the 34th awards in Port Moresby. Women’s Rugby League: PNGRFL wrapped up a 2026 women’s Football Conference in Port Moresby, setting new standards and a longer 10-week Santos Cup structure with stronger medical and coaching support. PNG Chiefs & Rugby League: Rhyse Martin confirmed he’ll retire from playing and join the PNG Chiefs as Football Operations Manager from 2027, reuniting with Willie Peters and focusing on player welfare and integration. Community Sport Funding: The Australian High Commission announced 23 Pilai Long Stap Wantaim (Play for Unity) Fund recipients across 13 provinces, backing inclusive youth sport, gender equality, disability inclusion and peacebuilding. Bilum & Arts Festival: PNG Contemporary Bilum and Arts Festival launched in Port Moresby, spotlighting bilum as cultural heritage and a business pathway for women. Cricket for Learning: Cricket PNG launched “Cricket Numeracy in PNG,” using cricket-based activities to boost students’ maths skills.

Rugby League World Cup culture: Fiji’s Culden Kamea has urged the FNRL to bring in a cultural challenge like the Cibi/iBole at this year’s Rugby League World Cup, arguing the hymn singing on the field is the wrong mindset. PNG Chiefs build-out: PNG Chiefs have appointed Kumuls and Super League veteran Rhyse Martin as Football Operations Manager from 2027, with the club also confirming more NRL recruitment momentum including Connor Watson. Women’s rugby league upgrade: PNG Rugby Football League is rolling out new standards and a longer 2026 Santos Cup, aiming to strengthen medical support, coaching and player systems. Sport + learning: Cricket PNG launched “Cricket Numeracy in PNG,” using cricket-based activities to boost maths skills in schools. Community sport funding: Australia’s Pilai Long Stap Wantaim (Play for Unity) Fund has backed 23 PNG recipients, supporting inclusive youth sport across provinces. Bilum & arts festival: A new PNG Contemporary Bilum and Arts Festival in Port Moresby spotlighted bilum weaving and women’s empowerment. Music in the region: The Aelan Riddim Festival returns to Honiara with PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu artists promising a big night.

PNG Chiefs NRL Build: Rhyse Martin is set to return home as Football Operations Manager from 2027, bringing leadership, world-record goal-kicking form, and a long bond with coach Willie Peters. NRL Recruitment: Connor Watson is also reportedly lining up for the Chiefs from 2028, adding another high-profile utility option as the franchise gears up for its 2028 entry. Women’s Rugby League: PNG Rugby Football League has locked in new standards and a longer 10-week Santos Cup for 2026, with stronger medical support, accredited coaching, and better contract systems. Community Sport Funding: The Australian High Commission’s Pilai Long Stap Wantaim (Play for Unity) Fund has backed 23 PNG recipients across 13 provinces, targeting inclusive participation, gender equality, disability inclusion, peacebuilding and youth leadership. Skills & Jobs: Pacific Australia Skills launched in Port Moresby to boost TVET and training pathways for young Papua New Guineans. Cricket for Learning: Cricket PNG released “Cricket Numeracy in PNG,” using match-style activities to teach maths in schools. Bilum & Arts: The PNG Contemporary Bilum and Arts Festival is pushing bilum as a national cultural symbol and a women’s empowerment engine. Music Spotlight: BU DJ Competition crowned PNG’s top turntable talent, while Aelan Riddim Festival promises a big Pacific lineup in Honiara.

PNG Chiefs build momentum: Rhyse Martin has officially retired from pro rugby league to become football operations manager for the PNG Chiefs from 2027, reuniting with coach Willie Peters and focusing on player welfare and integration ahead of the club’s 2028 NRL entry. Chiefs recruitment: Connor Watson is reportedly set to join the Chiefs on a two-year deal starting 2028, after talks following a Port Moresby visit. Community sport support: The Australian High Commission’s Pilai Long Stap Wantaim (Play for Unity) Fund has backed 23 PNG recipients across 13 provinces, with grants aimed at youth empowerment, gender equality, disability inclusion and peacebuilding through sport. Skills for jobs: Pacific Australia Skills launched in Port Moresby with AUD$229.5m support to strengthen PNG technical and vocational training pathways. Music & culture: Air Niugini is backing PNG artists travelling to Solomon Islands for the Aelan Riddim Festival, while the PNG Contemporary Bilum and Arts Festival spotlighted women’s empowerment through bilum weaving and arts entrepreneurship. Sport diplomacy: Moana Pasifika’s rescue plan is gaining traction ahead of the final Super Rugby game.

NRL & PNG Chiefs: Rhyse Martin has officially retired from pro rugby league and will join the PNG Chiefs as football operations manager from 2027, reuniting with coach Willie Peters and focusing on player welfare and integration ahead of the franchise’s 2028 NRL entry. High-profile signings: Roosters utility Connor Watson has confirmed he’s seriously considering a move to the PNG Chiefs, with talks ongoing after a Port Moresby visit. Community sport funding: The Australian High Commission’s Pilai Long Stap Wantaim (Play for Unity) Fund has backed 23 PNG recipients across 13 provinces, targeting inclusive participation, gender equality, disability inclusion, peacebuilding and youth leadership. Skills for the future: Pacific Australia Skills was launched in Port Moresby with AUD$229.5m support to strengthen PNG’s technical and vocational training pathways. Bilum & arts: PNG’s inaugural Contemporary Bilum and Arts Festival in Port Moresby spotlighted women’s empowerment through bilum weaving and cultural entrepreneurship. Music across Melanesia: Aelan Riddim returns in Honiara with PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu artists, while Air Niugini is backing travel for visiting performers. Wushu milestone: Tony Mitu Jr. returned to Port Moresby with PNG’s first international wushu medal, winning bronze in Brisbane.

Bilum & Arts Festival: Port Moresby’s inaugural PNG Contemporary Bilum and Arts Festival is being framed as a women’s empowerment push, with leaders highlighting bilum as both cultural heritage and a pathway to social and economic opportunity. Sport Funding & Women’s Rugby League: Australia has backed the 2026 Rugby League World Cup with $12.4m, with Papua New Guinea named among co-hosts and women’s matches set to be a major focus. NRL Chiefs Recruitment Talk: Connor Watson says he’s seriously considering a move to the PNG Chiefs, confirming contract talks and sharing that his Port Moresby visit changed his view of daily life. Music Across Melanesia: Aelan Riddim returns in Honiara, with PNG artists among the lineup, while Air Niugini supports travel for performers. Wushu Milestone: Tony Mitu Jr. won PNG’s first international wushu medal—bronze in Brisbane—bringing fresh momentum to the sport at home. Local Talent Spotlight: The BU DJ Competition crowned PNG’s top turntable talent in Port Moresby, awarding a K25,000 prize pool. Health Access: St John Ambulance commissioned its first ambulance service in Unggai Bena District, after training local officers and responding to hundreds of emergencies. Fashion Goes International: PNG Fashion Week made an international runway debut in Brisbane with Couture in Paradise PNGFW 2026.

Pacific Music Spotlight: Aelan Riddim Music Festival returns to Honiara this weekend, with PNG acts Danielle, Kronos and Tasik Yard joining Fiji’s KU KI and Naomi and Vanuatu’s Shazza, plus Solomon Islands performers—Air Niugini is also backing the PNG artists’ travel. Local Sports Role Models: East Sepik Governor Allan Bird says NRL star Alex Johnston could become a “catalyst” for rugby league in a soccer-leaning province, while a Port Moresby fan won an Alex Johnston meet-and-greet prize at Rangeview Plaza. NRL Expansion Talk: Connor Watson confirms he’s seriously considering a move to the PNG Chiefs, with contract talks ongoing and a reported two-year deal from 2028. Arts & Culture Launch: The inaugural PNG Contemporary Bilum and Arts Festival kicks off in Port Moresby, with bilum framed as a national symbol and a platform for women’s empowerment. Music Awards: Late Daniel Bilip dominates the 20th Yumi FM PNG Musik Awards, taking four major honours posthumously. Wushu Milestone: Tony Mitu Jr wins PNG’s first international wushu medal—bronze in Brisbane. Health Access: St John Ambulance commissions its first ambulance service in Unggai Bena District, after training and community awareness work. Fashion Goes Global: Couture in Paradise PNGFW 2026 makes an international runway debut in Brisbane.

Rugby League World Cup Boost: Australia has injected $12.4m to power the 2026 Rugby League World Cup across Australia, PNG and New Zealand—covering men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments, with the Jillaroos set to defend their title. State of Origin Tonight: The Blues and Maroons kick off Game I in Sydney at 8:05pm (PNG time), with Queensland chasing another shield defence on enemy turf. Skills for Youth: PNG and Australia launched the Pacific Australia Skills program in Port Moresby, aiming to strengthen TVET pathways and build a stronger workforce. Bilum & Arts Spotlight: The PNG Contemporary Bilum and Arts Festival has officially launched in Port Moresby, pushing bilum as a national symbol and a platform for women’s empowerment. Music on the Move: CCEP PNG’s BU DJ Competition crowned its winners, while PNG’s Wushu star Tony Mitu Jr returned with the country’s first international medal in the sport. Community Services: St John Ambulance commissioned its first ambulance service in Unggai Bena, after training local officers and responding to hundreds of emergencies.