AGP Executive Report

Pacific Arts: Air Niugini flew PNG musicians Anslom Nakikus and Sharzy to Vanuatu for the inaugural Wan Pasifika Festival, where Pacific artists are using music and culture to raise awareness of climate change. Rugby League World Cup: PNG’s Kumuls and Orchids squads are set for a home tournament, with both teams playing in Port Moresby on October 17. The event begins October 15 across PNG, Australia and New Zealand. PNG Chiefs: The incoming NRL team says its October 21 brand and jersey launch will go ahead as planned, despite New Zealand Rugby seeking a court injunction over the “Chiefs” name. Homegrown Talent: PNG’s Junior Kumuls beat the Australian Schoolboys 18–10 in Port Moresby, a landmark win that coach Joey Grima says reflects growing strength in the country’s rugby league pathways. Port Moresby City Markets founder Sylvia Pascoe also says local small businesses, including arts and crafts makers, need more support to grow.

Pacific Music: Air Niugini is flying PNG reggae artist Anslom Nakikus and fellow performers, including Sharzy, to Vanuatu’s inaugural Wan Pasifika Festival. The October 10 event uses music and culture to promote climate action. Culture in Port Moresby: A three-day Fiji Trade & Tourism Expo is bringing Fijian products, food and cultural performances to Vision City, celebrating ties between the two countries. Rugby League: The Junior Kumuls’ 18-10 win over the Australian Schoolboys marks a breakthrough for PNG’s youth pathway, with coach Joey Grima praising the team’s discipline and growing skill. Pacific Screen: Pasifika screen-sector advocates warn that funding cuts could mean fewer stories from the region.

Rugby League Breakthrough: Papua New Guinea’s Junior Kumuls beat the Australian Schoolboys 18–10 in Port Moresby, a landmark win that coach Joey Grima says reflects the game’s growing strength in the country. Chiefs Name Dispute: New Zealand Rugby has asked its High Court to block the incoming PNG NRL team from using “Chiefs” in New Zealand. The club says its October 21 brand and jersey launch will go ahead as planned while the NRL fights the case. World Cup Spotlight: The Kumuls and Orchids squads are set for the Rugby League World Cup, with PNG’s opening matches in Port Moresby on October 17. A new streaming deal will also bring every tournament game to fans in 129 more countries. Culture and Makers: Fiji’s trade and tourism expo is bringing products, cuisine and cultural performances to Port Moresby’s Vision City. Meanwhile, POM City Markets founder Sylvia Pascoe says the markets have grown from supporting 30 small businesses to regular events featuring local arts, crafts and weaving.

PNG Chiefs Name Fight: New Zealand Rugby has taken the NRL’s incoming Port Moresby club to court, seeking to block its use of “Chiefs” in New Zealand. The dispute could cloud the team’s planned branding and jersey launch on October 21, ahead of its 2028 debut. World Cup Spotlight: PNG has named its Kumuls and Orchids squads for the Rugby League World Cup, which begins October 15. Both teams play in Port Moresby on October 17: the Orchids face France, followed by the Kumuls against Lebanon. All tournament matches will also be streamed in 129 additional countries. Culture in Port Moresby: Fiji’s three-day Trade and Tourism Expo at Vision City is showcasing Fijian products, food, tourism and cultural performances, celebrating the countries’ Pacific ties. Creative Small Businesses: Port Moresby markets have grown to support local makers, including arts and crafts businesses, but PNG small enterprises say they need more help to promote locally made products. Pacific Screen Stories: Pasifika screen-sector voices warn that funding losses could mean fewer stories from the region.

Chiefs Name Dispute: New Zealand Rugby has taken the PNG NRL franchise’s name to court, seeking to block use of “Chiefs” in New Zealand. The NRL says it will defend the name; the Port Moresby team is due to launch in 2028. World Cup Build-up: PNG has named its Kumuls and Orchids squads for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. The Orchids open against France on October 17, followed by the Kumuls’ match against Lebanon. Fiji in Port Moresby: A three-day trade and tourism expo at Vision City is showcasing Fijian products, food, tourism and cultural performances, celebrating ties between the Pacific neighbours. Arts and Media: Port Moresby City Markets founder Sylvia Pascoe says local small businesses need more support; the markets have grown to feature arts, crafts and weaving. Meanwhile, NBC’s digital broadcasting upgrade is expanding television infrastructure across PNG.

Homegrown Enterprise: Port Moresby’s POM City Markets has grown from an occasional gathering into near-weekly events supporting local arts, crafts, weaving and other small businesses. Founder Sylvia Pascoe says PNG entrepreneurs still face major barriers to growing and promoting locally made products. World Cup: The PNG Kumuls and Santos PNG Orchids have named their squads for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, putting both national teams on track to represent the country on the international stage. Broadcasting: NBC’s digital migration is expanding television infrastructure across PNG, part of a major shift aimed at reaching more people and modernising the national broadcaster. Pacific Screen: Screen-sector advocates warn that cuts to core funding for Pacific organisations could mean less support for practitioners and fewer Pacific stories reaching audiences.

Rugby League World Cup (PNG): The PNG Kumuls have named their 2026 Rugby League World Cup squad, led by departing Parramatta forward Jack de Belin and debutant Josh Feledy, with games in Port Moresby against Lebanon (Oct 17) and Samoa (Oct 24) before a trip to Wollongong for England. Defence & sport: PNGDF is looking beyond the Commander’s Cup, exploring Pacific defence-force rugby matchups in 15s and sevens to give players more international exposure. Commander’s Cup: The Force Support Battalion will host the next Commander’s Cup in Port Moresby after the Igam Crocs retained the trophy in the Oct 5 grand final. Broadcasting upgrade: Papua New Guinea’s National Broadcasting Corporation is pushing ahead with its analogue-to-digital migration, rolling out digital TV infrastructure across multiple provinces. Safety in combat sports: PNGKBF has raised alarms after two PNG fighters reportedly competed in an unauthorised Muaythai event in Hamilton, citing athlete-safety and proper matchmaking concerns. Arts & culture: Australian artist Sidney Nolan’s “Nolan: Origins” exhibition is spotlighted, tracing his career from 1939 to his move to London. Screen sector worry: Pacific screen artists warn that NZ funding cuts could reduce support for Pacific practitioners and fewer Pacific stories reaching audiences.

Rugby League World Cup: The PNG Kumuls have named their 2026 World Cup squad, led by departing Parramatta forward Jack de Belin and debutant Josh Feledy, with games against Lebanon and Samoa in Port Moresby before a third match vs England in Wollongong. PNGDF Sport: The PNG Defence Force is looking beyond the domestic Commander’s Cup, weighing Pacific defence rugby match-ups in 15s and sevens. Commander’s Cup: Force Support Battalion will host the next Commander’s Cup after this year’s Igam Crocs retained the trophy, with semis now set at Murray Barracks Oval. Broadcasting & Culture: Papua New Guinea’s National Broadcasting Corporation is pushing ahead with a digital future through its analogue-to-digital migration, aiming to reach more people across provinces. Pacific Football: The OFC Pro League’s 2027 finals will be hosted by Solomon Islands in Honiara, with a new all-clubs finals format. Arts & Media Funding: Pacific screen artists warn that New Zealand’s core funding ending could mean fewer Pacific stories reaching audiences.

PNGDF Rugby Pathway: The PNG Defence Force is looking beyond the domestic Commander’s Cup, exploring Pacific defence rugby match-ups in both 15s and sevens to give players new international pathways. Commander’s Cup Update: Force Support Battalion (FSB) will host the next Commander’s Cup after this year’s Igam Crocs retained the trophy, and today’s semi-finals set up LRRU Troopers vs HQ Chiefs, 1RPIR Diggers vs HMPNGS Lombrum Sharks, FSB Tigers vs 2RPIR Muruks, and Igam Crocs vs Basilisk Marlins. OFC Pro League (PNG Connection): The OFC has confirmed Solomon Islands will host the 2027 Pro League finals in Honiara (25 May–6 June), with PNG sharing hosting duties for the opening circuit series. World Cup Rugby League (PNG Audience Angle): England’s World Cup squad includes Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis, while the tournament schedule runs across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea (Oct 15–Nov 15). Local Rugby League Pressure: Former Kumuls winger David Mead has urged better crowd behaviour ahead of the PNG Chiefs’ NRL push, after footage of a stand brawl raised welfare concerns. Sports Sponsorship: Trukai renews a four-year K50,000 sponsorship with the PNG Game Fishing Association, backing the Lae tournament and sports tourism. Martial Arts Revival (New Ireland): New Ireland’s government is reinvigorating taekwondo and karate by sending senior instructors for advanced training in Australia. Pacific Screen Funding: Pacific screen artists warn that New Zealand’s ending of core funding for screen organisations could reduce support for Pacific practitioners and stories reaching audiences.

Rugby League World Cup (PNG focus): England have named their 23-man Rugby League World Cup squad, with Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis making the cut while Leeds playmaker Jake Connor is shockingly omitted—an England selection that also includes seven Wigan players. PNG sport spotlight: The PNG Prime Minister’s XIII was thrashed 60-10 by Australia in Port Moresby, while the women’s Prime Minister’s XIII saw Australia win 66-6—both results underlining the gap as PNG Chiefs gear up for the NRL. Local rugby league business: The PNG Chiefs’ name is still tangled in a trademark fight, with brand confusion concerns raised over the “Chiefs” label. Community sport & discipline: PNG Defence Force Commander’s Cup moves into semi-finals, with the tournament framed as more than sport—fitness, teamwork, and links to communities. Sponsorships for the arts-and-sport scene: Taylor Pacific Group backs the PNG Chiefs, and Trukai renews long-term support for the PNG Game Fishing Association with K50,000. Martial arts revival: New Ireland is pushing taekwondo and karate back to form, upgrading senior instructors through training in Australia. Screen sector warning: Pacific screen artists warn that New Zealand’s funding changes could mean fewer Pacific stories reaching audiences. Fashion/TV pop culture: Maya Jama’s “Honey Monster” style coat moment from Celebrity Traitors is getting attention far beyond the show.

Rugby League World Cup build-up: England’s Brian McDermott has named a 23-man squad with seven Wigan Warriors players, while Leeds’ Jake Connor has been shockingly left out—setting up a week of squad talk ahead of the tournament across Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. World Cup schedule spotlight: The men’s Rugby League World Cup 2026 runs from Oct 15 to Nov 15, with PNG set to host Lebanon (Oct 17) and Samoa (Oct 24) in Port Moresby. PNG Chiefs brand fight: The PNG Chiefs’ NRL name is still tangled in trademark trouble, with IP Australia raising concerns about confusion with New Zealand’s Super Rugby Chiefs—logo plans are due soon. Local sport sponsorship: Trukai has renewed its Game Fishing support with K50,000 for the National Game Fishing Tournament in Lae, backing sports tourism and community engagement. Pacific screen funding worry: Pacific screen artists warn that NZ’s ending of core funding could reduce support for Pacific practitioners and fewer Pacific stories reaching audiences. Defence Force sport: PNGDF Commander’s Cup moves into semi-finals today, with four matches at Murray Barracks Oval. Martial arts revival: New Ireland is pushing taekwondo and karate back into shape, sending senior instructors for advanced training in Australia.

Rugby League World Cup build-up: England’s Jake Connor is left out of the 23-player squad for the tournament starting across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, with Brian McDermott defending the star as a “game-breaker.” NRLW & PNG talent spotlight: Fiji Bulikula’s Taina Navidi is set for the NRLW final, while Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase is also in World Cup plans as PNG’s rugby league presence grows. Prime Minister’s XIII (PNG vs Australia): Australia thrashed PNG 60-10 in the men’s match, while Vanuatu upset PNG in the women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup on penalties. PNG Chiefs brand fight: The PNG Chiefs’ name trademark is still under dispute, with IP Australia warning of brand confusion with New Zealand’s Super Rugby Chiefs. PNGDF sport & community: The Commander’s Cup moves into semi-finals, with organisers stressing fitness, discipline and unity through sport. Arts & culture: October’s arts calendar is out, and a new visual arts listing highlights local exhibition activity. Sports business: Trukai renews long-term sponsorship of PNG game fishing titles, backing sports tourism and community events.

Martial Arts Revival in New Ireland: New Ireland Governor Byron Chan says provincial backing is helping restart taekwondo and karate, sending senior instructors Steven Tommy, Lyndon Chan and Brendan Wengip to advanced training in Australia, where they also graded and competed at major open championships. NRL Coaching Buzz: Dean Young is reportedly targeting former Dragons teammate Nathan Fien to join his 2027 St George Illawarra coaching staff, with the move tied to a broader roster rebuild. NRLW Grand Final Spotlight: Fiji Bulikula rep Taina Navidi is set to feature for the Roosters in the NRLW final, with Mark Nawaqanitawase also named for the men’s Roosters clash. Prime Minister’s XIII Results: Australia dominated PNG in both men’s (60-10) and women’s (66-6) fixtures in Port Moresby, while Vanuatu upset PNG to win the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup on penalties. PNG Chiefs Trademark Tangle: The PNG Chiefs’ name launch faces trademark hurdles over brand confusion with New Zealand’s Super Rugby Chiefs. PNGDF Commander’s Cup: The PNG Defence Force rugby union tournament moves into semi-finals today, with sport framed as fitness, discipline and unity-building. Game Fishing Sponsorship: Trukai renews a four-year deal with the PNG Game Fishing Association, backing the next national titles in Lae.

Prime Minister’s XIII (Men): Australia ran riot over PNG 60-10 in Port Moresby, scoring 11 tries and exposing defensive gaps and discipline issues, while captain David Fifita starred and several PNG players used the match to push World Cup selection cases. Prime Minister’s XIII (Women): Australia also thumped PNG 66-6, with Jada Taylor bagging three tries in a showcase that doubled as an audition for the 2026 World Cup. MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (Women): Vanuatu ended PNG’s title defence, winning the final 6-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, with Leimata Simon scoring and goalkeeper Nelly Reddy proving decisive. PNG Chiefs (NRL): The PNG Chiefs’ brand fight is still unresolved, with IP Australia raising concerns about confusion with the Super Rugby Chiefs, even as the club prepares for a logo launch and 2028 entry. PNGDF Commander’s Cup: The PNG Defence Force rugby union tournament moved into semi-finals, with sport framed as discipline, fitness, teamwork and community connection. Arts & culture: A Pacific Fashion Summit launched at APEC Haus, and a new visual arts listing highlights local and regional exhibitions and community art events.

Prime Minister’s XIII (Men): Australia steamrolled PNG 60-10 in Port Moresby, scoring 11 tries and exposing defensive gaps and discipline issues as PNG missed 47 tackles. Prime Minister’s XIII (Women): Australia also thumped PNG 66-6, with Jada Taylor bagging three tries in a standout “audition” for the 2026 World Cup. MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (Women): Vanuatu ended PNG’s title defence, winning the final 6-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, with Leimata Simon scoring and goalkeeper Nelly Reddy starring. PNG Chiefs build-up: The NRL franchise’s “Chiefs” trademark fight is still unresolved, with IP Australia warning of brand confusion—despite a planned October 21 logo launch and major sponsor backing. PNG Chiefs sponsorship: Coca-Cola Europacific PNG joins as a Premier Partner, adding to BSP and Struddys and bringing Coke branding to the 2028 jersey. PNGDF Commander’s Cup: The PNG Defence Force rugby union tournament moves into semi-finals today, with sport framed as fitness, discipline, teamwork and community connection. Local sport spotlight: PC Ravens keep racking up sevens success, while Junior Orchids captain Janique Mili urges focus and patience ahead of the 2026 Prime Minister’s XIII match.

Rugby League & Identity: The PNG Chiefs keep stacking big-name deals for their 2028 NRL debut, with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners confirmed as a premier partner and set to feature on the men’s jersey sleeves, joining BSP and Struddys as the club builds a national brand. Legal/Brand Fight: Meanwhile, the Chiefs name is still tangled in a trademark dispute, with New Zealand Rugby pushing for an amicable fix over the “Chiefs” branding clash. Sport & Community: The PNG Defence Force Commander’s Cup is in semi-finals today in Port Moresby, with Colonel Thomas Melua stressing sport’s role in fitness, discipline, teamwork and community links. Youth Rugby Spotlight: Junior Orchids captain Janique Mili urges patience and focus ahead of the 2026 Prime Minister’s XIII match, hoping the team inspires girls across PNG. Local Football: PNG Bilums powered past Solomon Islands 5-1 to reach the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup Women’s final in Suva. Sports Tourism: Trukai renews long-running support for the PNG Game Fishing Association, backing the next national titles in Lae.