SP PNG Hunters

The trial match is an important part of pre-season preparation for both teams’ thanks to support from Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade (DFAIT), and the Australian Government’s Pacific-Aus Sports program.

It is also an opportunity for two proud cultures to unite in support of fellow Pacific nation Tonga.

Proceeds from the Melanesian Bowl will go towards the disaster relief efforts in Tonga as the country recovers from the January natural disaster.

The match has been scheduled for February 26 at Bycroft oval in Gold Coast.

The Silktails squad is now counting down to the big pre-season clash against their Melanesian rivals, the PNG Hunters, with the two sides set to meet for the first time.

The trial was initially planned for 2021, however due to COVID-19 restrictions the match was cancelled.

The Silktails will start their second season in the NSW Ron Massey Cup competition and currently on pre-season tour to the Gold Coast and supported by the City of Gold Coast under Sports Attraction Program.

While many pre-season games provide a well-worn opportunity for players and coaches to work on combinations, this game will be anything but a standard trial match for the respective teams.

Instead, the February 26 match at Runaway Bay’s Bycroft Oval will celebrate Melanesian and Indigenous culture, as communities come together through their shared love of rugby league. 

Head coach Matthew Church announced the squad this week and expressed his excitement for the season ahead.

“It is my absolute pleasure to announce the final squad of 26 for the upcoming 2022 season,” Church said.

“We have an exciting mix of returning and new players from PNG’s premier rugby league competition the Digicel Cup, and there is a real hunger within the group to perform, challenge each other and strive towards a better season in 2022.”

Church also confirmed the PNG Hunters’ leadership model for the 2022 season.

As a globally recognized company in PNG, KPMG (PNG) is the latest and newest edition as a sponsor to have come on board and shown its interest into supporting the growth of rugby league in the country.

SP PNG Hunters’ Commercial Manager Alan Moramoro was delighted to share the news. He said the support offered is priceless particularly during the pandemic

Head Coach Matthew Church announced the squad today and expressed his excitement for the season ahead.

“It is my absolute pleasure to announce the final squad of 26 for the upcoming 2022 season. 

“We have an exciting mix of returning and new players from PNG’s premier Rugby League competition the Digicel Cup, and there is a real hunger within the group to perform, challenge each other and strive towards a better season in 2022,” Church said.

Church also confirmed the SP PNG Hunters’ leadership model for the 2022 season.

In a media release today, the PNG Hunters regrated to inform all stakeholders that tonight's event has been cancelled due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the Port Moresby area.

The club has heeded the advice of relevant governing bodies and determined that the health and safety of all scheduled to be involved in today’s event is the main priority. 

SP PNG Hunters’ Chairman Stan Joyce says the decision is disappointing but necessary.

Hunters Coach, Matt Church this week confirmed the two trial matches against Fiji Kaiviti Silktails and Central Queensland Capras are happening as scheduled at the end of February and early March.

The trail matches are crucial for the team moving forward as they will provide a platform for coach Church to assess and test out the team’s structural play, combinations and understanding of the new rules ,in real game situations before the season kicks off.

The invitation only event, to be held at Oil Search National Football Stadium (OSNFS), is a chance for the SP PNG Hunters’ to thank their corporate partners, sponsors and fans for the ongoing support and contributions to the club.

In line with the event, the SP PNG Hunters will eagerly launch their 2022 Season Membership Program – the first of its kind in the club’s proud history. More information on this will be provided in the coming days.

SP PNG Hunters’ CEO Scott Barker is grateful for the support provided by sponsors.

Trukai’s Marketing Manager Maryanne Tom said, “Our sponsorship is a demonstration of our continued support and commitment to the development of rugby league and the people of PNG.”

She said, “Trukai’s partnership since the inception of the Hunters, has grown from strength to strength and we’re very proud to still be a part of the family of sponsors and their journey thus far and  wish the Hunters all the very best this season.”

SP PNG Hunters Commercial Manager Alan Moramoro was grateful to see the relationship continue into 2022.