PNG police hold six after Origin deaths

Papua New Guinea police have arrested six people after three men were killed when State of Origin league celebrations turned violent last week.

The arrests were made after authorities bulldozed and torched an illegal Port Moresby settlement where the violence occurred.

State of Origin is a highlight of the year for many people in PNG, where league is the national sport and passion for the game easily surpasses that of Australian fans.

Fierce competition between NSW and Queensland supporters has led to violence in the past but this year two related university students and another man were killed. The 21-year-old son of an MP was among the dead.

- AAP