PNG SP Hunters

Upon being given the news this afternoon, the excited 22-year-old from Chimbu and East New Britain Province said he had been dreaming of this day.

“I’m so excited to be part of this champion team. It’s an achievement. It’s a dream-come-true.”

Gotuno, who has represented the country in AFL and also in rugby league for the PNG Prime Minister’s XIII, said he can’t wait to take the field this weekend.

Gotuno replaces Butler Morris.

In other changes made by coach Michael Marum, Stargroth Amean makes a return to the starting line-up at fullback.

The team gathered at the PNG Christian Fellowship Church of Pastor Michael Jack, located on the outskirts of Gerehu Stage 4, Port Moresby.  

The Hunters are expected to join the congregation in praise and worship.

This newsroom was on location to note that most of the players, including Watson and Ase Boas, Butler Morris and Moses Meninga, have turned up to join the mass.

Community liaison coordinator, Brigitte Baki-Ta’u, said yesterday the Hunters donated an autographed team jersey to the RSPCA of PNG.

“The donation was made to show the team’s support for the animal welfare organisation and to aid the RSPCA in their fundraising drive for much-needed contributions toward the building of their new animal hospital,” she says.

During the historical moment, team captain, Ase Boas, presented the team jersey to the RSPCA’s General Manager, Hellen White.

This was announced yesterday at the Cup launch by General Manager of Air Niugini, Dominic Kaumu, in the presence of officials from the PNG Rugby Football League and SP Hunters.

Kaumu explained this is to commemorate the 75^th anniversary of the Kokoda Trail campaign plus the recently launched direct flights between Port Moresby and Townsville.

The challenge for the Cup will be annual.

Loko has been ruled out with an ankle injury sustained during last Saturday’s impressive win over Ipswich Jets.

Coach Michael Marum said Minoga will start at second row against his old team after serving a two match suspension.

Named in the 20-man squad is Brandy Peter.

Marum also took the opportunity to thank Air Niugini for putting up the Air Niugini Cup that will now be played between the two teams annually, starting this Sunday.

Olam said this after winning two awards at the Hunters presentation night over the weekend –  the Rookie of the year and top try scorer.

“The SP Hunters program is not a waste. It is not a mistake. It is working.

“The program is providing a pathway for youths to develop and excel,” said Olam.

The Melbourne Storm bound Olam finished by thanking the players, management and the sponsors for all their support.

The Falcons took a 6-4 lead at half-time and had to defend their lead right to the last second to win the game and also become the first team this season to beat the Hunters at home.

The Hunters were starved of possession early in the second half and had to do a lot of defending.

The Falcons lead was pushed out to 10-4 in the 55^th minute when quick hands sent Samuel Wright flying over on the wing.

The Falcons found the try line again just after the restart through Ryley Jacks who was put through a gap and ran away to score under the posts.

The Hunters were trailing 14-8 at the break and edged out last year's Intrust Super Cup winners in the last three minutes of the match.

The Hunters hit four minutes into the second half through a solo effort from fullback Bland Abavu who shrugged off five defenders to score near the posts.

The score was levelled at 14-14 thanks to the boot of Ase Boas.

From here, the Hunters muscled up in defence determined not to let the Jets back into the game.

Boas put the home side in front for the first time kicking a penalty in the 55th minute of play.

PNG will prove another tough challenge for the CQ side that put up a good fight against the Blackhawks last weekend.

The Hunters 68-4 win the last time they met in Round 16 at Kokopo last year was PNG’s highest score and biggest win.

Capras, on the other hand, has Lance Kuveu on the extended bench, who they recruited from Digicel Cup club Agmark Gurias last year, while young winger Jake Ainsworth is set to make his return from long-term injury.

This is in preparation for tomorrow night’s game against the Norths Devils.

Hunters coach Michael Marum said last Sunday’s performance was not up to par despite the 11-10 win over the top side Townsville Blackhawks.

He said the team had polished up on this during the week.

“We only completed 19/42 sets of play last week. This is only 45 percent and is the lowest so far this season for us.

“If we can complete all our sets tomorrow, then we can execute the plays that we want to and score points,” said Marum.