Twelve men have died in Papua New Guinea after robbing a trade store in Kimbe, West New Britain province, and fleeing in a stolen vehicle. Police Commissioner David Manning said the vehicle rolled over, and survivors then opened fire on officers. Police have not said how many died in the crash and how many were shot. One man, believed to have led the group, survived and is in custody. Officers seized guns, stolen cash and ammunition. Manning urged young people in gangs to turn away from violence.
Papua New Guinea gave a strong response after a poor start against Samoa in their Rugby League World Cup match in Port Moresby. Samoa scored first, and Papua New Guinea hit back through Rhyse Martin to lead 6-4 in the 18th minute. Two tries were disallowed by the video referee, and Samoa pulled ahead to lead 14-6 at half-time after Stephen Crichton scored in the corner. The first half ended with a brawl. A Papua New Guinea win would change the race for the knockout stages.
Gold Coast Titans forward Cooper Bai has been given permission to explore his options with the PNG Chiefs, who are keen to sign him. His father, Marcus Bai, says the two have moved past a rift caused when Cooper turned down a Melbourne Storm deal last year to stay at the Titans. Marcus said Cooper had shown maturity by asking the Titans for permission to visit the Chiefs. Cooper is 19 and has played two Tests for Papua New Guinea. The Chiefs will enter the NRL in 2028, and contracting opens on November 1.
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The PNG Chiefs have unveiled their official logo and home and away playing strips at an event in Port Moresby. PNG Prime Minister James Marape attended the launch alongside PNG and NRL dignitaries. Club chief executive Lorna McPherson called the day a watershed moment for the club and a proud day for rugby league in Papua New Guinea. She said the logo reflects the nation's past, the club's values and the future it wants to build for all Papua New Guineans. A legal challenge to the club's name in New Zealand is still possible.
Up to 100 Papua New Guineans will be able to join the Australian Defence Force over the next two years under a newly finalised pilot program. Applications open next month for citizens aged 18 to 25 who are students or recent graduates of major universities. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles announced the program in Port Moresby, saying it reflects the close ties between the two nations. Recruits will first serve on temporary visas and must apply for Australian citizenship once eligible.
Papua New Guinean citizens will soon be able to apply to join the Australian Defence Force under a new pilot program. Up to 100 people living in Papua New Guinea can apply from mid-November, with two cohorts of up to 50 over two years. The change followed ministerial talks in Port Moresby and comes after the Pukpuk Treaty defence alliance was signed in October 2025. Applicants must be aged 18 to 25, be students or recent graduates from selected universities, and have no current or past service in the Papua New Guinea military.
Papua New Guinean university students will be able to apply to join the Australian Defence Force from next month. The $65 million pilot program aims to recruit 100 young Papua New Guineans over two years. The first successful applicants are expected to be sworn in by late 2027. Applicants must be aged 18 to 25 and cannot have previously served in PNG's military, police or government security institutions. The announcement was made at a meeting between Australian and PNG ministers in Port Moresby, as both countries advance a military alliance that entered into force in July.
Noah Musingku, a con man who took millions of dollars from investors across the South Pacific, has died in his self-declared kingdom in southern Bougainville. A death notice posted online said he had been ill for more than three weeks. Musingku ran the U-Vistract Ponzi scheme from the late 1990s, promising 100 per cent monthly returns. After authorities moved against him, he declared himself King Peii II in his home village of Tonu. An investor and a constitutional lawyer said the money was gone and few payouts are likely.
A Lowy Institute report, released on Monday, argues Papua New Guinea could learn from Australia in tackling a looming teacher shortage. It estimates the country will need up to 124,000 teachers by 2033, while local training institutions can accredit only about 2,200 people annually. Author Serena Sasingian, a former senior PNG government and non-profit figure, said the nation spent over $1.5 billion on education in its latest budget without addressing staffing. She recommended a 10-year plan and steps to make teaching attractive to high-performing graduates.
Australian-born rugby league player Jordan Samrani is preparing for his international debut for Lebanon against Papua New Guinea at the Rugby League World Cup. It is his first test match representing his grandparents' homeland. Samrani said representing Lebanon was a real privilege. Around 20 of the 23 squad players are attached to Australian clubs, and the coaching staff includes former Wallabies figures. Samrani said Papua New Guinea fans had been incredible during the team's stay.
