AGP Executive Report

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.

PNGDF Commander’s Cup: The PNG Defence Force rugby union tournament moves into semi-finals today at Murray Barracks Oval, Port Moresby, with four matches from 10am: LRRU Troopers vs HQ Chiefs, 1RPIR Diggers vs HMPNGS Lombrum Sharks, FSB Tigers vs 2RPIR Muruks, and Igam Crocs vs Basilisk Marlins. Sport as community glue: PNGDF officials say the Commander’s Cup is about more than winning—building fitness, discipline, teamwork, leadership, and stronger links between the force and the public. NRL Chiefs branding fight: PNG’s planned NRL franchise is still locked in a trademark battle over the “Chiefs” name, with IP Australia raising concerns about confusion with New Zealand’s Super Rugby Chiefs. PNG Chiefs partnerships: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners joins BSP and Struddys as a premier partner, with Coca-Cola branding set for the Chiefs’ 2028 NRL jersey sleeves and broader match-day and community activations. Game fishing sponsorship: Trukai renews a four-year deal with the PNG Game Fishing Association, backing the Lae-based tournament and sports tourism. Football pathway: Southern Region PNGFA Cup qualifiers kick off in Central, with men’s and women’s teams chasing spots at the national championships. MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (women): PNG Bilums beat Solomon Islands 5-1 in Suva to stay unbeaten and secure their place in the Oct 3 final.

PNG Chiefs & Coca-Cola Deal: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has signed on as a premier partner for the PNG Chiefs ahead of their 2028 NRL debut, with Coke branding set for the men’s jersey sleeves and a wider package across match-day, media, digital and community work. PNG Chiefs Kit Partner: Struddys is confirmed as the official apparel and kit partner, designing and producing the Chiefs’ inaugural playing jersey and merchandise for the first four NRL seasons (2028-2031). Sport With Purpose: Former Wallabies captain Will Genia says Morobe rugby union clubs can help tackle family and sexual violence, using the sport’s community reach for respect and wellbeing messages. Football Pathway: The PNGFA Cup Southern Region qualifiers kicked off in Central’s Kaparoko village, with 20 men’s and four women’s teams chasing spots at the national stage. Climate Stories on Air: Pasifika TV and SPREP are broadcasting Pacific Climate Change Week across 30 TV channels, including PNG’s National Broadcasting Corporation team members. Independence Fashion Summit: PNG Fashion Week’s inaugural Pacific Fashion Summit at APEC Haus brought designers and industry leaders together to grow Pacific fashion as both creative and commercial power.

NRL & PNG Rugby League: The PNG Chiefs keep stacking big-name backing for their 2028 NRL debut, with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners joining as a premier partner and taking exclusive rights in non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages—branding set for the men’s jersey sleeves, plus match-day, media, hospitality and community activations. Sports & Community: The Chiefs’ commercial build also includes Struddys as official apparel and kit partner, with the inaugural jersey due for public viewing in Port Moresby on Oct 21. Football (PNG): PNG Bilums powered past Solomon Islands 5-1 to reach the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup women’s final in Fiji, staying unbeaten in the round-robin. Arts & Culture: PNG Fashion Week’s inaugural Pacific Fashion Summit at APEC Haus brought designers and cultural creatives together to grow Pacific fashion as both a creative and commercial force. Sports Tourism: Trukai renewed sponsorship of the Game Fishing Association PNG National Titles with K50,000 annually for four years, with the 50th event in Lae next March. Media & Climate: Pacific media leaders adopted a Savusavu declaration calling for better access to loss and damage information and stronger accountability from governments and agencies.

NRL & PNG Chiefs: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has signed on as the PNG Chiefs’ new premier partner ahead of their 2028 NRL debut, with branding on the men’s jersey sleeves and a wider deal covering match-day, media, digital and community work. Rugby League & PNG representation: The Prime Minister’s XIII squad for the Oct 3 clash with Australia in Port Moresby has been reshaped, with Digicel ExxonMobil Cup players getting a chance under returning forward Sylvester Namo and coach Wellington Albert. Football (PNG): PNG’s Bilums surged to a 5-1 win over Solomon Islands to finish the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup women’s round-robin unbeaten and secure their spot in the Oct 3 final. Sports development: Trukai renewed sponsorship of the Game Fishing Association PNG National Titles with K50,000 annually for four years, backing the 50th event in Lae. Community & wellbeing: Former Wallabies captain Will Genia says rugby union clubs can help tackle family and sexual violence through respect and healthy relationships. Arts & culture: PNG Fashion Week’s inaugural Pacific Fashion Summit at APEC Haus brought Pacific designers and industry leaders together to grow fashion as both creative and commercial force. Media & climate: Pacific media leaders adopted a declaration calling for better access to loss-and-damage information and stronger accountability from governments. Broadcasting: Pasifika TV is set to cover Pacific Climate Change Week and pre-COP31 across Fiji and beyond, featuring PNG media staff. Local sport pathway: The PNGFA Cup Southern Region qualifiers kicked off in Rigo with men’s and women’s teams chasing spots at the national stage.

PNG Chiefs sponsorship surge: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG has joined as a premier partner for the Chiefs’ 2028 NRL debut, with Coke branding set for the men’s jersey sleeves and a multi-year deal covering match-day, media, digital, hospitality and community activations. PNG Chiefs kit deal: Struddys is confirmed as official apparel and kit partner, designing and manufacturing the Chiefs’ inaugural playing jersey and merchandise for the first four NRL seasons (2028–2031). PNG Chiefs commercial build-out: The club’s partner line-up is now BSP, Struddys and Coca-Cola as it prepares to reveal its official logo on Oct 21 and launch its first jersey to the public the next day. Sport for social change: Former Wallabies captain Will Genia says Morobe rugby union clubs can help tackle family and sexual violence, using the sport’s community reach for respect, healthy relationships and speaking up. Violence prevention push: Genia’s message was shared during meetings with Femili PNG and FSV services in Lae. Game fishing spotlight: Trukai renews sponsorship of the Game Fishing Association PNG National Titles with K50,000 annually for four years, ahead of the 50th titles in Lae (Mar 20–28, 2027). MSG Games momentum: The MSG Games Charter is endorsed for an inaugural 2029 event on a four-year cycle, expanding Melanesian sport beyond football. Bilums in the spotlight: PNG’s Bilums beat Solomon Islands 5-1 to reach the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup women’s final unbeaten. Broadcasting Pacific voices: Pasifika TV, with SPREP, is rolling out Pacific Climate Change Week coverage across the region, including pre-COP31 events in Fiji and Tuvalu. Finance licences: BPNG issues service licences to DealCorp Finance and PayItNow PNG, stressing customer trust as the foundation of financial systems.

PNG Chiefs x Coca-Cola: The club’s 2028 NRL push just got a major boost, with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners signing on as a premier partner. The deal puts Coke branding on the men’s jersey sleeves from 2028, makes it the exclusive non-alcoholic ready-to-drink partner, and covers match-day, media, hospitality and community activations. PNG Chiefs x Struddys: Struddys has also been locked in as the official apparel and kit partner, set to design and manufacture the Chiefs’ inaugural playing kit and merchandise for the first four NRL seasons (2028–2031). PNG Prime Minister’s XIII v Australia: A new-look PNG squad meets Australia on Oct 3 in Port Moresby, with Sylvester Namo leading and coach Wellington Albert drawing heavily from the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup. Women’s rugby league on the rise: PNG’s Bilums powered past the Solomon Islands 5-1 to stay unbeaten and set up the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final on Oct 3. World Cup planning: The 2027 Women’s World Cup format and qualifying pathways are outlined, while England and Wales squads for the tournament include PNG’s own in Pool B. Bougainville cocoa festival: The 10th Bougainville Chocolate Festival closed with a push for a “farm-to-bar” industry that turns beans into higher-value local products. Arts & culture: PNG Fashion Week’s Pacific Fashion Summit at APEC Haus spotlighted Pacific fashion as both creative and commercial power.

NRL Chiefs Sponsorship Boom: The PNG Chiefs keep stacking big-name partners ahead of their 2028 debut, with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners signing on as a premier sponsor and set to feature on the men’s jersey sleeves, plus match-day, media, digital and hospitality rights. Kit and Apparel Push: Struddys has been locked in as the official apparel and kit partner, tasked with designing and producing the Chiefs’ inaugural playing kit and merchandise for the first four NRL seasons (2028–2031). World Cup Setback for Kumuls: Alex Johnston is reported to be missing the October World Cup after knee and finger surgery plans, forcing coach Jason Demetriou to rethink his backline options. Masters Netball to Gold Coast: PNG’s Masters Team 40+ has been named for the Pan Pacific Masters Games in Australia, with players drawn from the PSNA’s weekly netball community. Independence Rugby League 9s Tightens: The Powes Parkop Independence Rugby League 9s has narrowed to the final stages, setting up do-or-die qualifiers across Cup, Plate and Bowl divisions. Bougainville Cocoa Festival Wraps: The 10th Bougainville Chocolate Festival ends with a push for a “farm-to-bar” industry that turns beans into higher-value local products. Pacific Fashion Spotlight: PNG Fashion Week’s inaugural Pacific Fashion Summit at APEC Haus brings designers and industry leaders together to grow Pacific fashion as both creative and commercial force.

NRL Chiefs Sponsorship: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has signed on as PNG Chiefs’ premier partner, with Coke branding on the men’s NRL sleeves from 2028 and exclusive non-alcoholic ready-to-drink rights, plus match-day, media and community activations. Player Branding Twist: Jarome Luai will still be the face of Pepsi in PNG, while wearing Coke on-field for the Chiefs—an unusual crossover explained as separate individual and club contracts. Merch & Kit Milestone: The PNG Chiefs’ inaugural jersey will be unveiled for public viewing in Port Moresby on Oct 21, designed and manufactured by Struddys as official apparel and kit partner for the first four NRL seasons (2028–2031). Women’s Rugby League: Wales named NRLW duo Tayla Preston and Siân Williams in its 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup squad, alongside Women’s Super League stars. Bougainville Cocoa Festival: The 10th Bougainville Chocolate Festival wrapped in Buin with a push for a “farm-to-bar” industry that turns cocoa into local value. Pacific Media & Climate: Pacific newsroom leaders adopted a declaration demanding better access to loss-and-damage climate information and stronger government accountability. Sports Pathways & Rugby Reform: PNG’s Peter Tsiamalili Jnr called for better administration and clearer pathways in rugby union, questioning accountability around past funding. PNG in Combat Sports: NBC will broadcast PNG fighters John Ume and Kondup Samson Wailo headlining BX-9 Volume 7 in New Zealand on Oct 3.

PNG Chiefs sponsorship shake-up: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG has signed on as a premier partner, with Coke branding set for the Chiefs’ men’s jersey sleeves from 2028 and across match-day, media, hospitality and community platforms. Player deal clarity: Jarome Luai will still be the face of Pepsi in PNG, while Coke becomes the club’s sleeve sponsor—Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson says the contracts are separate. New kit milestone: The Chiefs’ inaugural playing jersey will be unveiled for public viewing in Port Moresby on Oct 21, designed and manufactured by Struddys as official apparel and kit partner for the first four NRL seasons (2028–2031). Bougainville culture & business: The 10th Bougainville Chocolate Festival wrapped in Buin with a push for a “farm-to-bar” industry that turns cocoa into locally made products. Climate media push: Pacific media leaders adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, demanding better access to climate loss information and more government accountability. Fashion spotlight: Lufa Basket founder Judy Ejampi made her national runway debut at PNG Fashion Week 2026, bringing Indigenous bilum and basket craft to the main stage.

Pacific Fashion: PNG Fashion Week 2026 at APEC Haus kicked off the inaugural Pacific Fashion Summit, spotlighting regional designers and creatives, while Lufa Basket founder Judy Ejampi made a national runway debut with a collection built on Indigenous craftsmanship and thousands of weavers. Rugby League & Identity: PNG Chiefs’ landmark kit deal is locked in with Struddys as inaugural apparel and merchandise partner for 2028–2031, as the club’s “first jersey” moment heads toward Port Moresby. Sport on TV & International Exposure: NBC will broadcast PNG fighters John Ume and Kondup Samson Wailo in New Zealand on Oct 3, boosting overseas visibility for local combat sports. Community Safety: Warangoi in East New Britain gets new police duplexes and a house under the Special Police Assistance Program, aiming to strengthen community policing. Arts & Culture: The Hiri Moale story gets a wider lens as Gulf Province participation highlights the two-way trade history across the Gulf of Papua. Regional Sports Governance: Fiji’s MSG Games Charter clears the way for the first MSG Games in 2029 with a four-year cycle.

Earthquake Watch: A 5.2 quake struck New Britain Region in Papua New Guinea, with the epicentre about 10km deep, shaking the area late Saturday night. Rugby Reform: Works and Highways Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jnr says PNG rugby union needs stronger administration, clearer accountability for K10 million funding, and a real pathway for young players beyond tournament-only development. NRL Chiefs Apparel Deal: PNG Chiefs have signed Struddys as their inaugural official apparel and kit partner, to design and manufacture the first PNG Chiefs jerseys and merchandise from 2028–2031, plus training and community program kit. Prime Minister’s XIII Rugby League: PNGRFL confirms PNG’s men’s and women’s Prime Minister’s XIII squads for October fixtures in Port Moresby against Australia, with selections drawn from domestic competitions and PNG-based players abroad. Community Policing Upgrade: Warangoi in East New Britain gets new police duplexes and a house under the Special Police Assistance Program, aiming to strengthen trust and faster responses. Fashion Spotlight: Lufa Basket founder Judy Ejampi makes her national runway debut at PNG Fashion Week 2026, bringing Indigenous bilum, cane basket and rug craft to the main stage. Sports Coaching Pathway: Weightlifting coach Konio Toua heads to the University of Delaware in the US for an international coaching enrichment programme supported by Olympic Solidarity. Regional Games Planning: The MSG Games Charter is endorsed for an inaugural 2029 MSG Games on a four-year cycle, with ministers pushing beyond football into more disciplines.

Stone Age tech, made visible: Researchers are reconstructing “invisible” early innovations like rope and thread, using experimental archaeology to show how prehistoric people turned fibres into practical tools. PNG Chiefs kit deal: Struddys has been named the PNG Chiefs’ inaugural official apparel and kit partner, designing the first jerseys and merchandise from 2028–2031. MSG Games locked in: Melanesian Spearhead Group ministers have endorsed the MSG Games Charter, clearing the way for the first MSG Games in 2029 on a four-year cycle. Prime Minister’s XIII in Port Moresby: PNGRFL has confirmed PNG’s men’s and women’s squads for the Oct 3 fixtures against Australia, with the annual clash framed as a major PNG–Australia rugby league showcase. Fashion spotlight: Lufa Basket founder Judy Ejampi made her national runway debut at PNG Fashion Week 2026, bringing Indigenous bilum, cane and weaving craft to the main stage. Sporting pathways abroad: Weightlifting coach Konio Toua is in the US for an international coaching enrichment program at the University of Delaware, backed by Olympic Solidarity. Combat sports on TV: NBC will broadcast PNG’s John Ume and Kondup Samson Wailo headlining BX-9 Volume 7 in New Zealand on Oct 3.

PNG Chiefs x Struddys: The club has signed Struddys as its inaugural official apparel and kit partner, with the company to design and manufacture PNG Chiefs playing kits and merchandise for the first four NRL seasons (2028–2031), plus training and community program gear. MSG Games locked in: Melanesian Spearhead Group ministers have endorsed the MSG Games Charter, clearing the way for the first MSG Games in 2029 on a four-year cycle, with a push to broaden beyond football. Prime Minister’s XIII in Port Moresby: PNG will host Australia for the men’s and women’s Prime Minister’s XIII fixtures on Oct 3, with PNGRFL confirming squads and highlighting the event as a people-to-people rugby league bridge. PNG Fashion Week spotlight: Lufa Basket founder Judy Ejampi makes her national runway debut at PNG Fashion Week 2026, bringing Indigenous bilum, cane basket and hand-loomed work to the Genesis main runway. Warangoi police housing upgrade: East New Britain’s Warangoi has received new duplexes and a police house under the Special Police Assistance Program, aiming to strengthen community policing through better officer accommodation. Sport on TV: NBC will broadcast PNG’s John Ume and Kondup Samson Wailo in NZ on Oct 3 via a new partnership, giving local fighters major international exposure. Hiri Moale history: A feature revisits the Hiri Moale Festival’s Gulf-wide story, noting how expanded Gulf Province participation helps “complete the story” of the Hiri trade.

Hiri Moale Festival: Gulf Province’s bigger role is spotlighted in “Hiri Cultural Showcase: Completing the Story,” reframing the Hiri as a two-way Gulf of Papua trade and cultural exchange (Sept 8–13). Independence Debate: A look at what drove PNG’s independence push in the late 1960s/early 70s, tying the question to inequality and the voices of key figures. NRL & PNG Chiefs Build-Up: Australia’s Prime Minister’s XIII squads are confirmed for the Oct 3 Port Moresby clash, with men’s and women’s teams set as a World Cup warm-up and a bridge to the PNG Chiefs’ 2028 NRL entry. PNG Fashion Week: Judy Ejampi makes a national runway debut at PNG Fashion Week 2026, bringing Lufa Basket craftsmanship to the Genesis main runway. Community & Culture: The first National Kolos Runway at APEC Haus puts home-based tailors and small makers in the spotlight. Sport on TV: NBC will broadcast PNG’s John Ume and Kondup Samson Wailo in BX-9 Volume 7 in New Zealand on Oct 3. Boxing & Growth: Wailo’s pro boxing debut and Ume’s championship-contender return headline a PNG-vs-NZ card. Tennis Next Gen: PNG Junior Tennis Championships wrap with U16 singles titles for Colita Hakena and Thomas Hyun. Weightlifting Coaching: Konio Toua heads to the University of Delaware for an international coaching enrichment programme.