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Nene Macdonald’s PNG pledge as NRL dream edges closer

Calls for the NRL to expand into Port Moresby are growing louder by the year, given the island nation’s love of rugby league and ability to produce athletes.

Australian coach and league legend Mal Meninga has led the charge, while other figures such as Matty Johns and James Graham have backed PNG entering the world’s best competition.

All Manus detainees eligible to seek damages - lawyer

Last week, the PNG Supreme Court upheld the right of Manus detainees to seek damages for the breach of their constitutional rights including the deprivation of liberty.

The ruling followed the court's decision in April 2016 that their detention was unlawful.

In September, the Australian government agreed to pay $US50 million in compensation to Manus detainees, and it was suggested men receiving that payout would not qualify for further damages.

But the lawyer Ben Lomai said that was not so.

Samoa, Tonga, PNG make changes for World Cup quarters

Toa Samoa have made three changes for Friday night's match against Australia in Darwin, with captain Frank Pritchard and halfback Ben Roberts back for their clash with the defending champions, while lock Leeson Ah Mau also returns to the back row.

Pritchard and Roberts did not play in Saturday's 14-14 draw against Scotland, which earned Samoa a spot in the knockout rounds despite failing to win a game during the group stage.

PNG: Australia must support Manus refugees

Australia has held asylum seekers on PNG's Manus Island since 2012. The camp is scheduled to close on Tuesday.

PNG says refugees will not be forced to stay in the nation against their will - while those without refugee status cannot stay either.

Canberra has consistently said that none will be transferred to Australia.

Australia controversially holds refugees and asylum seekers who arrive by boat in centres on PNG's Manus Island and the Pacific nation of Nauru - arguing that it prevents deaths at sea and discourages people smugglers.

PNG beat Tonga 4-1

The Tongans struck first in the 6th minute with a counterattack that saw Mele Kafa power a shot into the back of the net.

PNG regrouped and equalised in the 20th after a perfect through ball from Ramona Padio that found the boot of Selina Unamba who did the rest.

Padio then gave PNG the lead right before the break slotting one past keeper Mele Akolo to make it 2-1.

PNG dominated the second half and scored two more times through Padio in the 51st and Nicollete Ageva in the 88th.

Resettlement doubt inflames Manus tension

     

About 60 asylum seekers and guards came to blows in the running battle, as the governments of PNG and Australia met in Port Moresby to discuss refugee resettlement.

Article 50: May signs letter that will trigger Brexit

Giving official notice under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, it will be delivered to European Council president Donald Tusk later.

In a statement in the Commons, the prime minister will then tell MPs this marks "the moment for the country to come together".

It follows June's referendum which resulted in a vote to leave the EU.

Mrs May's letter will be delivered at 12:30 BST on Wednesday by the British ambassador to the EU, Sir Tim Barrow.

Refugee to stand trial over false passport

Sawari and his lawyer appeared in the grade 5 court on Friday before Magistrate Mekeo Gauli.

He was formally arraigned, or had his charges read to him in court, where he pleaded not guilty. A trial will be conducted next Tuesday.

The 21-year-old was arrested and charged for providing false information for the purpose of obtaining a PNG passport from the PNG Immigration and Citizen Services Authority, a charge that falls under section 16 (1) of the Passport Act of 1982.

PNG Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio passes away

“It is with great sadness that the Office of the Governor-General informs the people of Papua New Guinea that Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Michael Ogio, GCL, GCMG, KStJ, passed away this afternoon (Sunday).”

“Grand Chief Sir Michael Ogio, the 9th Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, was ill for some time and died at the State residence at Government House at 3:50pm today.”

“Grand Chief Sir Michael Ogio was 75 years old. Sir Michael was elected 9th Governor-General of Papua New Guinea on January 2011.

Fiji has 'bungled' opportunity, Amnesty

Loghman Sawari, who is 21, fled to Fiji from Papua New Guinea's Manus Island.

He and his lawyer were on their way to meet with Immigration in Suva on Friday to seek asylum when he was stopped by police and put on a plane back to PNG.

Amnesty's Pacific Researcher, Kate Schuetze, said Fiji had failed an important test at a time when it's making a bid for a seat on the UN's Human Rights Council.

"The Fijian authorities gave assurances that he would not be arrested before he had that interview."