Stargroth Amean

Amean glad to be back

In a recent interview, the smiling fullback said he gladly welcomed the warm PNG weather and is looking forward to representing his country again.

Amean has returned after a successful 2019 season with the Barrow Raiders in England.

He returned with teammate and former PNG Hunters Wartovo Puara Jnr, after signing new contracts for the 2020 season.

At the recent signing of the official naming rights sponsor for the upcoming Great Britain Lions tour to PNG, Amean said it is an honour to once again represent his country when the PNG Kumuls take on the Lions next week.

PNG trio meet new teammates

They were introduced to the Barrow Raiders fans and home crowd at half time during the club's first pre-season match against Oldham rugby league side at the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium.

Although the home side lost to the visiting Oldham Rugby League Club side 24-11, head coach Paul Crarey is confident in the side’s prospects in the 2019 season with the inclusion of the PNG talents into the side.

All three PNG internationals have settled in well and are already into training.

Supporters to fly PNG trio to Club

Willie Minoga, Wartovo Puara Jnr, and Stargroth Amean will be flown to join the club in Cumbria under the Supporters Trust of the club.

But that is not all.

According to the Barrow Raiders the Supporters Trust have offered to help with the costs of furnishing their future home.

All three players have been successful in obtaining a visa.

Flights have been booked for Thursday 10th January, with the trio arriving in Manchester on Friday lunchtime. 

Amean, Puara to play in UK

Barrow, who compete in the Betfred Championship: English League, managed to entice 27-year-old Amean and 28-year-old Puara to sign under a one-year contract.

In a phone interview with Puara, the PNG Hunter was excited about the move, saying he signed on having taken into consideration the welfare of other players to move up in the ranks.

Puara, who was the first player to reach a hundred games for the PNG Hunters, expressed excitement at what lays ahead of him in a few months’ time – a new international contract.

Amean: Don’t give up on your dreams

Hunter #27, Amean, who ended his career yesterday, played 64 games and scored 37 tries for the Hunters.

As Kumul #275, he represented the country five times.

“My advice to the young kids coming up, who want to play for the Hunters and represent the country as a Kumul or Orchid one day, is to stay focused and always believe in yourself.

“No one else can do it for you, it’s only you. If you do the small things right, the bigger things will take care of themselves.”

Amean stressed on the importance of discipline.

Wera likely to fill fullback role

But Marum also says there are several other players as well that can play at fullback.

“There are a few players we have there. But Adex Wera is the number one option for fullback. We’ll have a look at that.

“We have some young boys who can play there but it’s a matter of putting them in there at the right time.”

Amean says there are several contenders for the job, but added it all depends on who wants it more.

“We have Adex Wera there who is one of the senior players. I think with his experience, he’d be the best person to lead the boys.

Hunters win to send off Amean

This afternoon at the Oil Search National Football Stadium, the Seagulls had the possession early on, forcing the Hunters to defend under pressure.

But the Hunters survived and a penalty carried them out of their own half and into Seagulls territory.

Good vision by captain and five-eighth Ase Boas led to the first try, with Boas spreading it out wide for a flying Edene Gabbie to score first points in the 12th minute.

The Hunters’ good start was nearly all undone when Brendon Gotuno dropped the ball from the restart.

Amean has no regrets

Speaking after training yesterday, Amean said he has no regrets about his decision to leave rugby league and focus on school.

“If I had the chance to go back, I wouldn’t change anything.

“Knowing the boys, they’re more like family to me. Leaving them and the coaching staff has been so hard.”

The 27-year-old from Wabag, Enga Province, explained his reasons.

Amean to play last game

SP Hunters coach Michael Marum said the 27 year old from Wabag, Enga Province has sought a release to pursue his studies.

“Stargroth requested to be released to concentrate on his education and I reluctantly accepted it,” Marum said. “He will play his last game for the SP Hunters this Sunday against Tweed Heads Seagulls at the NFS in Port Moresby,” he added.

Amean made his debut for the SP Hunters on March 8, 2015 against South Logan Magpies in Brisbane. He played 25 games in his first year and scored 16 tries.

In 2016 Amean played 13 games and scored four tries.

Star to lead Hunters into battle

This was announced by coach Michael Marum this afternoon after training.

“At the moment, I feel really humbled to take the place of Ase Boas.

“I know it’s a really big shoe to fill.

“I’m going to do what I can do to lead the boys around the park.”

The classy fullback said preparations have gone well. 

"We’re just keeping the atmosphere in camp relaxed and composed.

“We’re all relaxed at the moment and concentrating on taking training one day at a time and know the game will take care of itself.”