SP PNG Hunters

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.

When making the big announcement today SP PNG Hunters Chairman Stan Joyce said he is excited to see one of PNG’s finest Rugby League products take the helm at the Hunters and help more of our young Papua New Guinean young men to develop and realise their dreams to play overseas.

Aiton was equally excited after today’s announcement and thanked the board for their trust and faith in his coaching resume adding he’s learned a lot from his predecessors and is now ready to step up to the next challenge.

It also marks another stepping stone in his short coaching career.

SP PNG Hunters Board and Management have reluctantly accepted the resignation.

They expressed disappointment to see Tepend go but would like to thank him for his services over the past few years with the Hunters, and for his long-term involvement in developing rugby league in the country.

Tepend served as an Assistant Coach of the SP PNG Hunters during the 2022 QRL Hostplus Cup season before taking over as Head Coach for the 2023 competition.

The QRL Rookie of the Year injured his leg while making his international debut for Papua New Guinea’s PM’s XIII representative side against the Australian PM’s XIII squad at the Santos National Football Stadium, in Port Moresby, last weekend.

Morea’s leg was caught up in an unfortunate tackle in the game and the young fullback was forced from the field. Post-game scans revealed a small break in the young fullback’s ankle.

The book, aimed at motivating young minds to envision their future careers, was introduced by 10 enthusiastic children from Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) during a remarkable field trip to the iconic Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

The purpose of the trip was to offer these children a firsthand experience of the life of a rugby player, engaging with SP Hunters Players and absorbing the essentials of the profession.

Seated at the mercy of finals-bound clubs Tweed Seagulls, Central Queensland Capras and Redcliffe Dolphins, the PNG Hunters truly turned a corner throughout their 2023 campaign and should be proud.

Despite showing glimpses of successes, the SP PNG Hunters Five-Eight, was dropped in favor of Junior Lau who traditionally plays at center and wing.

Komati has been biding his time with the Gas Resources Central Dabaris in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup before being recalled for Hunters final regulation round match. 

Komati may slot straight into starting role at his preferred number six position, the rest of the team remain unchanged.

The Port Moresby crowd were treated to an entertaining and see-sawing contest on Saturday, 5^th August as the Hunters and Dolphins traded blows from the kick-off. 

It was the Hunters who started fastest, with their key players having positive involvements in the opening exchanges. Jamie Mavoko’s boot found the corners early on and slowly won the battle for his team. In good ball handling, Judah Rimbu craft from behind the ruck where he linked smartly with Junior Rop to compress the defence around the ball. 

While there are positives to take from that loss, the SP PNG Hunters continue to show resilience and commitment in their work ethics. While ill-discipline has been an issue sometimes.

This Saturday they face the might of top ranked side, Redcliff Dolphins in another do or die situation.

The Hunters did everything right in the opening quarter last week and only need to replicate those efforts to be a chance against the 4th placed Dolphins.

Tigers proved too good over the Hunters at Totally Workwear Stadium on Sunday, as the home team posted a 32-18 victory.

But it didn't come easily for the Tigers, with a desperate Hunters outfit racing out to a 12-0 lead within the opening 11 minutes through Rodrick Tai and Solo Wane.

With the Hunters' finals hopes on the line, they went into the break up 12-4 - with Brisbane's sole first-half try coming through centre Solomona Faataape.