Stanton Albert

The 22 year old forward returned to PNG after being released by Super League club, Widnes Vikings on compassionate grounds this month.

Stanton’s brother, Wellington remains with the Vikings.

“We hope to get him on the playing field next weekend. That’s how soon we want him to get out there,” said Hunters coach, Michael Marum.

‘He’s excited to be back. He’s registered with the team for this year so he’s a Hunter for 2018. It’s good to have him back.”

CEO of the PNG Rugby Football League, Reatau Rau said it was great news.

He said the signing of Stanton will help Wellington a lot after the sudden loss of Kato Ottio.

“We know they are in good hands with the Vikings. Having Stanton there makes things a bit easier. It will really help in the transition process and to settle in quickly,” stated Rau.

“We are grateful to Widnes Vikings for this opportunity.”

Rau then wished the Albert brothers good luck this season.

“I’m proud of Wellington and Stanton and wish them and our other Kumuls boys all the best this season.

Speaking before Wellington and Stanton left this week to join the Widnes Vikings, he said he hoped to see more PNG players being signed up to go play in the United Kingdom.

“I think the Super League is on par with the National Rugby League in Australia. In the Rugby League World Cup final, Australia only beat England by six points.

“This shows the Super League is equivalent to the NRL. We need more of our players playing in the Super League so we can give the Australians a good challenge.”

Close friends and family along with the PNG Rugby Football League were there to farewell the duo.

Wellington, 23 said: “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to play in the Super League. I’m also happy to have my brother alongside me.

“I want to thank the PNGRFL through the SP Hunters management and coach, Michael Marum for building me up.”

“I’m looking forward to this new challenge.”

Albert joins the Vikings following the sudden death of Kato Ottio who was due to travel to England on Thursday but dies of severe heatstroke in Papua New Guinea.

Widnes head coach Denis Betts said: "Stanton is a player that we have had real interest in, even before my time at the World Cup.

The Albert brothers were part of the Penrith Panthers Club for 3 seasons and will be no strangers to the team when they face off on Sunday.

Wellington will be playing in the front rows while brother Stanton will be backing him up in the curtain raiser of the 2017 NRL grand final.

The SP PNG Hunters have been fortunate enough to take out the Queensland title at Suncorp and this time, they will make a grand final appearance at the ANZ stadium in Sydney, ahead of the Melbourne Storm and North Queensland cowboys match.

After a short stint with the Penrith Panthers in the Holden Cup, Wellington and Stanton returned to the country to join the Hunters pre-season train on squad.

The duo were given the nod by coach Michal Marum in the final 29-man squad that was named this month.

Wellington, who will be making his debut for the Hunters, said he is looking forward to this season.

“It’s good to be back to be representing my country playing for the Hunters. I got a lot of experience over there, three years of experience.

The Albert brothers, Stanton Albert and Wellington Albert who were pleased to be home with the Panthers team were proud to show off their Panther’s jersey tomorrow night to encourage other PNG youngsters.

Unfortunately, Stanton has suffered a knee injury and will be on the bench whilst Wellington when speaking to the media said he is very encouraged to be back to play in front of his family, friends and countrymen.

“I am happy to play against my brothers and former team,” Wellington said.