rugby league

The Western end contest concluded successfully on Sunday 19th February at Kimil Rugby League Oval, Jiwaka.

The elimination series started last week with 16 teams but it all came down to two finalists advancing to the playoff against the two winners from the Eastern End Challenge set for this week in Lae.

In the Western End eliminations, on Day 1 Poroma Nuggets of SHP beat Komo Raiders 14-08, Kimininga Warriors 24 defeated Pimak Stars 2, Ninjas beat Tarangau 14-04.The last game on Day-1 saw Hulia Cowboys held favourites Erave Hornbills to a nil all score line to fulltime.

The Hunters trial matches were organized and played using the tri-series format. Hunters played Port Moresby Vipers in the first half and then took on the Gulf Isou in the second half.

While Hunters Head Coach Stanley Tepend and assistant Paul Aiton, watched from the sideline, yesterday’s trials gives them a better perspective of players skill level, how they work through their set pieces in attack and their defensive system, likewise game structure and staying consistent under fatigue was also crucial especially competing at the QRL level.

Having led for the majority of the contest, the Broncos fell behind with 20 minutes to play when Jeremiah Nanai crossed untouched for the Cowboys, before regaining the lead late on through Jesse Arthars to secure a narrow two-point victory.

Stepping in at halfback with captain Adam Reynolds rested, Jock Madden looked comfortable alongside Ezra Mam and young sensation Selwyn Cobbo at fullback, with the trio scoring or assisting all of the Broncos' first half tries.

Welsby fumbled before Samoa’s Stephen Crichton kicked the match winning field goal and he put down a Nathan Cleary bomb that led to Brian To’o’s 79th minute try for the Panthers.

“I thought ‘what have I done’. It was reminiscent of the Samoa game where I knocked on and I thought ‘I have done it again for Saints’,” said Welsby, who was man-of-the-match in the 13-12 triumph.

“It is a similar group of lads who just worked so hard to get to where they are, and I have gone and bombed it again.”

PNG Hunters Coach Stanley Tepend has announced that he’ll be giving everybody the opportunity to take field before he confirms his first 17-man for the season opener on March 11.

While intensity at training has been maintained, the team is now focusing more on real game situation with more opposed sessions.

Coach Tepend has vowed to use next week’s trial match against the CQ Capras as an ideal opportunity for the boys to step up and get a first taste of what to expect and how they can handle pressure at the Queensland Cup level.

Olam walked off the field with a fractured arm in last Sunday’s preseason game with Roosters; a mega-blow for the Storm.

Melbourne Storm confirmed the news on Monday morning of his injury. “Scans taken late yesterday (Sunday) have confirmed that Storm Centre Justin Olam suffered a fractured forearm in the pre-season match against the Roosters in Geelong. Justin will undergo surgery which will then provide a clearer indication on his recovery period. The current estimation is he will be sidelined for six weeks,” the club stated.

Players from communities still have an opportunity to make an impression.

“The players for the rural areas still got an opportunity, the doors are still open, and we will get them onto a development program which will be good for them. Yes, there is a lot of potential coming from the tournaments so we are noting them down,” he said.

Tournament Director, Micky Kone said that 32 games overall will be played from Wednesday to Thursday with finals this Friday.

The games began with Marshall Bugs defeating Ba’ara Flames 35 nil. Bese Eels from Rigo and Lahua Laumas of Hiri East opened matches on field two. Eels beat Laumas 14-12.

Wane was ruled out of the 2022 season after picking up a foot injury in the match against Townsville Blackhawks.

Hunters speed machine Solo Wane is back up and running after going through rehab and recovery process after last year’s season ending foot injury.

Wane made his debut for the Hunters 2021 after his impressive run with local club Hela Wigmen taking out the 2020 Digicel Cup grand title against the Tigers.

In his two tenure with Hunters so far Solo Wane had scored some great tries but none more spectacular than his long range try

Another former Guria player and team doctor, Danny Patrick will stand in as Assistant Coach.

The contract signing took place in the presence of Naming Rights Sponsor and Director, Emmanuel Kange.

After the signing both coaches flew off to Wewak this afternoon to set up the team's training program while players will join them later this week.