rugby league

The symbolic handover of the sponsorship took place in Tabubil, where OTML presented a cheque to the team's executives. Among the recipients were Senior Dumo, the Technical Officer, Roland Kevin, the Medical Officer, and Lynton Tube, serving as both Trainer and Captain.

Comprising players from the five districts of Western Province, the Kiunga Catfish eyes the Agmark Sepik 9’s as a golden opportunity to display their prowess on a broader stage. 

Aiton said while working under Tepend and Church, he has learned a lot things that he is ready to implement in his tenure.

However, there are other things; Aiton will have to make them right in his tenure. Aiton said, the final 30 squad he picked at the conclusion of the preseason training will be the squad for the reminder of the season.

This will give the players exposure to top-level coaching and training that will help elevate the performance of the teams in the 2023 campaign.  

Barker made this known recently during the unveiling of the SP PNG Hunters Squad for 2024 preseason as well as naming the Coach of the Team, Paul Aiton at the Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby.

Morea is currently nursing an ankle injury that he sustained in his international debut in October against the Australia Prime Minister’s 13 side.

The fan favourite ran onto the field in his international debut with many expectations, which included bringing a much-needed attacking power to the backline. His presence was short-lived.

In the meantime, newly appointed Hunters Head Coach Paul Aiton said the inclusion of Douzen Hoyato from Goroka Lahanis and Sanny Wabo, who have had some game time with the Hunters, would fill in the void.

Under new management and fueled by the determination of young leaders, the league has seen a revival with six teams participating across three divisions: Senior Men’s, Under 21 Men’s, and Women's divisions.

Despite facing challenges and starting from scratch, the league has garnered support from businesses and individuals, allowing it to reach this significant milestone.

A 12-0 scoreline had the New Zealand faithful daring to dream at halftime and the fairytale final continued as the Kiwis ran in another 18 unanswered points to hand the Kangaroos their heaviest ever defeat.

Seven days after going down to their Tasman rivals 36-18 in Melbourne, Michael Maguire's side were all class with halves Jahrome Hughes and Dylan Brown steering the ship and wingers Ronaldo Mulitalo and Jamayne Isaako dazzling on the edges.

However, his main focus is on this Sunday’s Bowl final against Fiji. However, he was not happy with his form last week. 

He admitted the Kumuls did not play according to plan adding ill-discipline and poor execution let them down.

Being the youngest sibling of Kumuls Captain Kyle Laybutt, Zac is embracing this opportunity of playing alongside his big brother and adapting well to the PNG culture.

With Maika Sivo and Kurt Donoghue both claiming a double at Santos National Football Stadium, the Bati blew the game open early in the piece with the Kumuls unable to match the visitor's speed and class in attack. 

However, the Kumuls refused to lie down despite the scoreline, orchestrating two tries late in the second half to keep the passionate PNG faithful on their feet.

The Kumuls opened their account in the third minute when halfback Lachlan Lam shifted the ball left to find fan favourite Alex Johnston who threw a dummy to split the Bati defence close to the line.

Australia never trailed in the contest and after an opening 21 minutes in which the match ebbed and flowed, they always enjoyed a lead on the scoreboard, with a double from front-rower Lindsay Collins and the accurate boot of returning winger Valentine Holmes doing much of the damage at AAMI Park. 

While Australia were already 12-6 up when he entered the field in the 27th minute, Harry Grant was the man who kicked the Kangaroos up a notch when the game sat in the balance, while fellow Queenslander Patrick Carrigan was big off the bench too, carrying 16 times for 145 metres. 

Before they departed PNG, Prime Minister James Marape held a formal dinner on Sunday, October 22, and thanked them for their time in PNG and at the same time welcomed Fiji in the country who is set to play PNG LNG Kumuls next weekend at the Santos National Football Stadium.