sp hunters

Rimbu primed for Season 2024

Rimbu now relishing his 4th season as a Hunter, has greatly improved since he made his debut as a 19-year-old back in 2021 and shows no sign of stopping anytime soon.

Hunters aspire to be better

In Round 2 of the 2024 QRL Hostplus Cup season, this Saturday, the Hunters will take on CQ Capras, a match in which they hope to maintain their win streak.

Hunters Coach Paul Aiton, though not overwhelmed by the first win, highlighted some areas in their game management and especially in their discipline that needed improvement, if they are to be competitive this season.

Dawn of a new era

A new decade, a new coach and a new playing squad, blended with youth and experience ready to take the Hunters program into its 11th year running in the Australian 2nd tier QRL competition.

PUARA MENTORING NEW HUNTERS

Puara’a presence and charisma around the Hunters playing group, particularly the new crop of players enhances the strong Hunters bond and culture of old. Puara took charge of proceedings alongside former Hunters teammate Enock Maki at the team’s training on Tuesday, seeing the boys go through their paces in the absence of head coach Paul Aiton.

Puara and Maki are back in the Hunters system after joining the preseason camp as assistants to new head coach Paul Aiton. Coincidently the trio all played together for the national team, the Kumuls on numerous occasions in the past.

Morea cleared to train

Over the last month, Morea has focused on improving functional mobility and strength.

These elements are crucial for rugby league players, directly influencing on-field performance. Functional mobility ensures efficient movement, while strength training is essential for preventing future injuries and maintaining peak athletic condition.

Hunters, AFL PNG forge training partnership

 Conducted by Patrick Lloyd, representing the PNG Muruks - AFL, the training sessions mark a collaborative moment in cross-code cooperation, showcasing a commitment to innovation and athletic development. 

Hunters lose to Tigers

In a close affair, former Hunters coach Matt Church led the Tigers team to face a familiar Hunters line-up on home soil. With a home crowd advantage, Hunters were first to score in the fifth minute through Solo Wane with the conversion unsuccessful.

It was not too long when Tigers replied with a 4-pointer in the 13th minute through Brayden Torpy and soon after Hunter regrouped to put sneaky fullback Morea Morea over the line in the 18th minute, Brandon Nima scored in the 22nd minute, Julius Yakopa scored another not long in the 28th minute. 

The hunt is on

The Round 3 of the QRL Hostplus Cup match will kick off at 3pm. 

Saturday’s fixture will mark just the second time the Hunters have played with a home ground advantage in more than three years. 

Tanabi ready for 2023 season

Sherwin, one of three PNG Hunters players who had a train and trial stint with new NRL franchise Dolphins, during off-season, is back in the fold, ready for a big 2023 Hostplus Cup season.

The rising 22-year-old PNG Hunters prodigy, and rugby union convert, Tanabi is relishing his new journey in rugby league.

Tanabi who comes from a strong soccer family history, is the odd one out when he decided to pursue an interest in both rugby union and rugby league. He started playing rugby 7s rugby while in secondary school but occasionally would switch to league.

Hunters ready for Capras

The match is set for 3pm and is expected to bring back some hype and interest for the local rugby league populace after the Hunters returned from Australia at the end of the 2022 season.

Although it’s just a warm up match, the build up to tomorrow’s anticipated clash is expected to draw a good number, with some interest on Capras, knowing they have a strong PNG presence in their line-up.