Preseason Training

Alu happy with playing group

The mixed Central-Simbu native who’s had a roller coaster run at the QRL competition, is confident the team is ready to compete this year.

As the new Hostplus Cup season nears, team bonding in the Hunters camp is crucial to building rapport and confidence among the playing group. Since the sudden departure of senior players from the team over the past week, Hunters mainstay and most senior player, Ila Alu plays a big role in keeping the boys level headed and focused on their preparations for the season.

Hunters yet to confirm trial

Speaking at yesterday’s Hunters media session,Tepend outlined the team’s strategy for the next seven weeks including inviting a Hostplus Cup team to come up to Port Moresby for a trial game towards the end  February.

When giving a snapshot on this year’s Hostplus Cup draw, Tepend said the Hunters will open their campaign this year with back to back away games against Clydesdales and Magpies on March 12th and 18 respectively.

The Hunters first home game will be on March 25 against Brisbane Tigers at the National Football Stadium.

Hunters earn crack at Dolphins pre-season

This arrangement is part of a strategic partnership between the SP PNG Hunters and the Dolphins NRL club which aims to get more local players of Papua New Guinea into the NRL Competition. 

The four Hunters players - Judah Rimbu, Rodrick Tai, Sherwin Tanabi and Emmanuel Waine - began training with the Wayne Bennett-coached Dolphins this week and will be working towards earning a fulltime NRL contract over the next eight weeks of preseason. 

A new pathway begins

This arrangement is part of a strategic partnership between the SP PNG Hunters and the Dolphins NRL club which aims to get more local players from Papua New Guinea into the NRL competition.

The four Hunters players, Judah Rimbu, Rodrick Tai, Sherwin Tanabi and Emmanuel Waine, began training with the Wayne Bennett-coached Dolphins this week and will be working towards earning a fulltime NRL contract over the next eight weeks of preseason.

Hunters resume training

The team officially resumed training on Monday minus four of the senior players who are currently on train and trial with the Dolphins in Brisbane.

With 8 weeks remaining  before the Hostplus Cup season kicks off on the weekend of March 11 and 12 -2023,the PNG Hunters have finalized their 30 man squad with the inclusion of returning Hunters and  a number of exciting young talents from the Digicel Cup who have earned their spots on merit.

Hunters Squad Trimmed

From the initial 40-man squad, 30 players are returning to camp this weekend before preseason training resumes, while 10 have been released back to their respective clubs.

From 48 players named in the original train-on squad, nine were invited with own logistics and accommodation between November and December 2022, however eight players did not complete their stint for various reasons.