SYDNEY (AFP) – Australian international Jordan Petaia said yesterday he has quit rugby to chase his National Football League (NFL) dream, joining a growing list of players setting their sights on the lucrative American sport.
Petaia has earned 31 caps for the Wallabies since his 2019 debut, and is considered one of Australian rugby’s most promising backline talents.
“The decision to step away from rugby hasn’t been easy and one that took a great deal of consideration,” the 24-year-old said in a statement on social media.
“It feels like the right time in my career to pursue this dream I’ve had for a long time.”
Les Kiss, Petaia’s club coach at the Queensland Reds, said he was “one of the most dynamic players in Australia, if not the world”.
The NFL said Petaia had joined its International Player Pathway programme, which gives stars from other sports the chance to be signed by one of 32 teams in the league.
Starting in January, he will spend 10 weeks learning the game in Florida before he gets the chance to impress scouts at a “pro day” in March.
Petaia follows in the footsteps of Australian Jordan Mailata, a little-known rugby league player signed by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018 after coming through the programme.
Mailata, who has impressed during his six years with the Eagles, signed a USD66 million contract extension earlier this year.
Welsh speedster Louis Rees-Zammit stunned the rugby world in January when he quit the sport on the eve of the Six Nations and announced his NFL ambitions.
Rees-Zammit was used sparingly in pre-season games, and was cut from the Kansas City Chiefs’ 53-man playing roster.
Six athletes have made active rosters for NFL teams after completing the pathway programme, according to the NFL.
Australian international Jordan Petaia in action. PHOTO: AFPFormer Australian rugby player Jordan. PHOTO: AFP
Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
PHOTO: AP
ISTANBUL (AFP) – Turkiye’s annual inflation rate slowed for the sixth month in a row in November, official data showed yesterday, as the central bank has kept borrowing costs high to battle price rises.
Consumer prices rose by 47.1 per cent last month, down from 48.6 per cent in October, according to the Turkish statistics agency. The central bank began to raise interest rates last year to battle soaring prices, after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dropped his opposition to orthodox monetary policy.
Its main interest rate has been kept at 50 per cent for the past eight months.
The central bank has raised its forecast for inflation for this year and the next as consumer price increases slowed less than expected in recent months.
It now expects inflation to reach 44 per cent at the end of 2024, up from a previous estimate in August of 38 per cent.
Consumer prices are expected to rise by 21 per cent by the end of 2025, compared to 14 per cent in the last forecast.
Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. PHOTO: AP
AFP – American rugby sevens star Ilona Maher will join 15-a-side club Bristol in January in a bid to play in next year’s women’s Rugby World Cup, the English club announced on Monday.
Maher, 28, helped the USA to a bronze medal at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris and is the sport’s most popular player on social media.
“This is a huge coup to be able to bring Ilona Maher to Bristol Bears on a short-term deal,” Bristol head coach Dave Ward said.
“She is one of the biggest names in women’s sport, let alone rugby, and we believe she will add real value to our programme on and off the field.”
Maher has signed a three-month deal with Bristol ahead of the World Cup, which starts in England in August.
She made her 15-a-side debut for the USA in 2021.
“I am excited to join the Bristol Bears and put myself in the best position to earn a spot to represent USA in the 2025 Rugby World Cup alongside such a talented and driven group as the Bears,” Maher said in a club statement.
A FedEx delivery person carries a package from a truck in Denver, United States. PHOTO: AP
AP – Consumers in the United States (US) are scouring the Internet for online deals as they look to take advantage of the post-Thanksgiving shopping marathon with Cyber Monday.
Even though e-commerce is now part and parcel of many people’s regular routines and the holiday shopping season, Cyber Monday – a term coined in 2005 by the National Retail Federation – has become the biggest online shopping day of the year, thanks to the deals and the hype the industry has created to fuel it.
Adobe Analytics, which tracks online shopping, expects consumers to spend a record USD13.2 billion, 6.1 per cent more than last year. That would make it the season’s – and the year’s – biggest – shopping day for e-commerce.
Online spending is expected to peak between the hours of 8pm and 10pm, per Adobe – reaching an estimated USD15.7 million spent every minute. For several major retailers, a Cyber Monday sale is a dayslong event that began over the Thanksgiving weekend.
Consumer spending for Cyber Week – the five major shopping days between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday – provides a strong indication of how much shoppers are willing to spend for the holidays.
Many US consumers continue to experience sticker shock following the period of post-pandemic inflation, which left prices for many goods and services higher than they were three years ago. But retail sales nonetheless have remained strong, and the economy has kept growing at a healthy pace.
At the same time, credit card debt and delinquencies have been rising. More shoppers than ever are also on track to use “buy now, pay later” plans this holiday season, which allows them to delay payments on holiday decor, gifts and other items.
Many economist have also warned that President-elect Donald Trump’s plan to impose tariffs next year on foreign goods coming into the US would lead to higher prices on everything from food to clothing to automobiles.
The National Retail Federation expects holiday shoppers to spend more this year both in stores and online than last year. But the pace of spending growth will slow slightly, the trade group said, growing 2.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent – compared to 3.9 per cent in 2023.
A clear sense of consumer spending patterns during the holiday season won’t emerge until the government releases sales data for the period. But some preliminary data from other sources shows some encouraging signs for retailers.
Lead analyst at Adobe Digital Insights Vivek Pandya noted that discounts from Thanksgiving onward have “exceeded expectations” – and online spending throughout Cyber Week is on track to cross a record USD40 billion mark combined. US shoppers spent USD10.8 billion online on Black Friday, a 10.2 per cent increase over last year, according to Adobe Analytics. That’s also more than double what consumers spent in 2017, when Black Friday pulled in roughly USD5 billion in online sales. Consumers also spent a record USD6.1 billion online on Thanksgiving Day, Adobe said. And on Saturday and Sunday, shoppers spent another USD10.9 billion online, up 5.8 per cent over last year.
A FedEx delivery person carries a package from a truck in Denver, United States. PHOTO: AP
File photo of people using an umbrella during rainfall. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
Brunei Darussalam is currently in the northeast monsoon, typically persisting until around the end of March 2025, said the Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department (BDMD) in a statement yesterday.
During the first half of the northeast monsoon, the country usually experiences unstable weather conditions, with occasional heavy showers or thundershowers, particularly during the night until early morning. In the second half (February and March 2025), the atmospheric condition tends to become more stable with reduced rainfall activity.
Weather conditions are forecast to be active until Monday, with crossings of showers, occasionally heavy and thundery, expected to affect the inland areas in the afternoon and spread across the coastal and sea areas at night and may persist until early morning. Wind speed may reach up to 45 kilometres per hour (km/h) during heavy or gusty showers. Over Brunei waters, sea state is generally at slight to moderate, between 0.5-1.3 metres.
BDMD advised the public to take precautionary actions as there is a high risk of flash floods, especially at low-lying and flood-prone areas, as well as near the river banks during continuous heavy rain and also during high tide. The risk of landslide, fallen trees and flying roofs are also possible during heavy showers and gusty condition.
The public, road users and fishermen were also advised to always be up to date with the latest weather forecast, advisory and warning issued by the BDMD.
File photo of people using an umbrella during rainfall. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
The Brunei Darussalam Amateur Radio Association (BDARA) held a roadshow in Kampong Sungai Mau during the Recreational Camping Programme recently.
Organised by the Kampong Sungai Mau Village Consultative Council, the roadshow aimed to disseminate information to the villagers on amateur radio, with displays on amateur radio equipment used to communicate with amateur radio friends across the world.
Ten BDARA members also joined the camping activity at the village’s recreational park.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof was the guest of honour. – Lyna Mohamad
PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMADPhotos show Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof during the Brunei Darussalam Amateur Radio Association roadshow. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD
Unity Charity Association President Jake Goh Kiat Hing and officials in a group photo with the donation recipients. PHOTO: UNITY CHARITY ASSOCIATION
Unity Charity Association handed over a BND12,000 donation to seven local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the National Orphans’ Fund under the Community Development Department (JAPEM), as well as four private schools during a charity donation ceremony at a hotel on Sunday.
The donation recipients included Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam, the Children’s Cancer Foundation (YASKA), Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei, the National Orphans’ Fund, the Centre for Children with Special Needs (KACA), the Paraplegic and Physically Disabled Association (PAPDA), the Brunei Darussalam National Association of the Blind (BDNAB) and the National Association for the Hearing-Impaired (OKP). Schools receiving donations included Chung Hwa Middle School in Bandar Seri Begawan, Chung Hua Middle School in Kuala Belait, Chung Ching Middle School in Seria and St George’s School.
The donations were generated through the association’s annual lion dance performances during Chinese New Year, a tradition that not only celebrates cultural heritage, but also raises funds to support those in need.
The funds are expected to benefit underprivileged families, schools and NGOs in their efforts to improve the lives of disabled individuals in the community.
Unity Charity Association President Jake Goh Kiat Hing said, “Each leap of the lion during our performances reflects the strength of our community, working together to bridge gaps and create opportunities for those who need it most.”
The donations marked another milestone in the association’s efforts to make a lasting impact on the lives of those less fortunate. – James Kon
Unity Charity Association President Jake Goh Kiat Hing and officials in a group photo with the donation recipients. PHOTO: UNITY CHARITY ASSOCIATIONABOVE & BELOW: Jake Goh Kiat Hing hands over a donation to the Children’s Cancer Foundation; and Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam. PHOTO: UNITY CHARITY ASSOCIATIONPHOTO: UNITY CHARITY ASSOCIATION
ABOVE & BELOW: Permanent Secretary (Civil Service Governance) at the Prime Minister’s Office Ajman bin Haji Meludin presents a certificate of appreciation to Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Junaidi bin Haji Masri; and the managing director during the event. PHOTO: BIBD
Everyone deserves the chance to learn, grow and contribute to their community, said Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) Head of Government Relations and Special Projects Haji Mohammad Yusri bin Haji Wahsalfelah.
He said this during the ‘Bersama OKU: Mewujudkan Kebersamaan’ Programme, an initiative by Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (BKISHHB), yesterday.
Haji Mohammad Yusri added, “Through this partnership with BKISHHB, we aim to break down barriers and promote social inclusion. We will continue to support initiatives that empower marginalised groups, ensuring that no one is left behind.”
By providing opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in purposeful activities, including in this case, improving Islamic knowledge, we hope to inspire positive change and create a more compassionate and knowledgeable society,” he added.
The programme, held in conjunction with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the 8th Brunei December Festival, also aims to provide inclusive access to Islamic knowledge and cultural experiences for individuals with disabilities, particularly those with visual and auditory impairments.
The six-day programme, running until December 8, is a collaborative effort between BKISHHB and various government and private agencies and organisations, including BIBD.
BIBD is dedicated to driving positive change by empowering vulnerable communities and fostering financial inclusion, the bank said.
Its sustainability framework aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 10 and 17, ensuring that their business practices contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.
BIBD’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Junaidi bin Haji Masri was present. – James Kon
ABOVE & BELOW: Permanent Secretary (Civil Service Governance) at the Prime Minister’s Office Ajman bin Haji Meludin presents a certificate of appreciation to Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Junaidi bin Haji Masri; and the managing director during the event. PHOTO: BIBDPHOTO: BIBDBIBD Head of Government Relations and Special Projects Haji Mohammad Yusri bin Haji Wahsalfelah with officials from the Community Development Department and Brunei History Centre. PHOTO: BIBD
ABOVE & BELOW: Permanent Secretary (Civil Service Governance) at the Prime Minister’s Office Ajman bin Haji Meludin launching the exhibition; and the permanent secretary visiting an exhibition. PHOTO: JAMES KON
Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (BKISHHB) hosted the ‘Bersama OKU: Mewujudkan Kebersamaan’ programme yesterday to ensure individuals with disabilities, especially the visual and hearing impaired are not left behind to experience the exhibition, galleries and activities on Islamic knowledge,
The programme organised in conjunction with International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the 8th December Festival, is on until December 8.
Members of the public, especially the visually and hearing impaired, can visit BKISHHB and participate in the programme.
BKISHHB Director Dr Haji Mohammed Hussain bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Ahmad, in his welcoming speech, said the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam through continuous efforts implemented by government and non-governmental agencies always pays attention to the well-being and welfare of the citizens in the country including persons with disabilities.
“It is undeniable that agencies have worked together towards creating care and instilling the attitude of caring within the community toward persons with disabilities so that they also receive the same opportunity in all aspects and enjoy quality of life,” he said.
ABOVE & BELOW: Permanent Secretary (Civil Service Governance) at the Prime Minister’s Office Ajman bin Haji Meludin launching the exhibition; and the permanent secretary visiting an exhibition. PHOTO: JAMES KONPHOTO: JAMES KON
He added, “BKISHHB as an agency that revitalises Islamic culture, programmes and scientific activities in the Sultanate, also cares and pays attention to the needs of persons with disabilities.
“It is also to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind and can visit the nine galleries at BKISHHB.
“Through the project, BKHISHHB will also identify the improvements as a place of attraction that is friendly for persons with disabilities.” To give a unique experience to persons with disabilities, he said “BKISHHB has prepared 10 artefacts from various categories including fossils, walking stick, meteor and Al-Quran tablet that have been replicated in-house for the use of the project. Alhamdulillah, the work of replicating this has been realised with the guidance and assistance from the Brunei History Centre.
“Exhibitions at the Special Education Department at the MoE, Special Education Unit at the MoRA, Pusat Bahagia, ITQSHHB and CDC will be held during the duration of the ‘Kunjungan Golongan OKU’ project. Among the main activities offered in the programme are the audio and sign language tour to the nine galleries where the participants from the visually impaired group will receive an explanation through the audio equipment by an appointed
guide, while the participants from the hearing impaired group will receive a sign language explanation by an interpreter appointed from the Jari-Jariku Association members.
The first-time programme is being held in collaboration between BKISHHB and several governments and private agencies.
These include the Special Education Department at the Ministry of Education (MoE), Special Education Unit at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA), Pusat Bahagia of the Community Development Department (JAPEM), Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (ITQSHHB), Child Development Centre (CDC) under the Ministry of Health (MoH), D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam.
Permanent Secretary (Civil Service Governance) at the Prime Minister’s Office Ajman bin Haji Meludin, the guest of honour, also presented certificates of appreciation to the collaborating agencies. – James Kon
Speaker of the Legislative Council Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib and his spouse Datin Hajah Edah binti Haji Mohd Noor with French Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Eve Lubin and members of the diplomatic corps in a group photo. PHOTO: JAMES KON
French Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Eve Lubin, hosted a dinner reception at the official residence of the ambassador yesterday to commemorate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Brunei and France.
Speaker of the Legislative Council Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib and his spouse Datin Hajah Edah binti Haji Mohd Noor were the guests of honour.
Members of the diplomatic corps were also in attendance.
The dinner was specially prepared by French Chef Clement Hernandez. – James Kon
Speaker of the Legislative Council Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib and his spouse Datin Hajah Edah binti Haji Mohd Noor with French Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Eve Lubin and members of the diplomatic corps in a group photo. PHOTO: JAMES KON
