The National Football Stadium (NFS) in Port Moresby is officially now the new home of the SP Hunters.
The news was announced this afternoon in a press conference at the NFS.
In attendance was Oil Executive General Manager External & Government Affairs and Sustainability, Gerea Aopi, Hunters Chairman, Graham Osborne, coach Michael Marum, Sports Minister, Justin Tkatchenko and PNG Rugby Football League Chairman, Sandis Tsaka.
Marum expressed his delight at the news saying the players and management were also very excited about having the world class stadium to call home.
“The NFS is the traditional home of rugby league in the country and after the success of the trial match against Penrith, it is great that our Hunters can maintain this connection and build a Hunters legacy at our new home,” said Marum.
Aopi explained that the NFS will be a facility that will grow with the Hunters with a fulltime training venue plus plans to build a gym and office for the PNGRFL and Hunters management.
As per the agreement, the Hunters have a three year tenancy with the NFS with a provision for annual reviews.
“The Hunters have made such a big impact in only two years and the NFS can only help lift the standard of the game in PNG,” said Aopi.
Tsaka finished by thanking the government of the day plus Oil Search and other support sponsors for their continued support to rugby league.
He explained that after negations, it was decided to choose the NFS over the Sir John Guise stadium as the Hunters new home.
“The NFS was chosen as we feel it is in tune with the future of rugby league and going forward.
“It is also the spiritual home of rugby and is a good investment for the future of the country, “said Tsaka.
The Hunters will play their first home match of the 2016 Intrust Super Cup competition against the Tweed Heads Seagulls on March 19.
