SP PNG Hunters

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.

The break have given the Hunters enough room for more work outs to maintain the momentum they built over their last five fixtures. Hunters will look to return to the winner’s circle when they face the Brisbane Tigers on Sunday, 30^th July at Totally Workwear Stadium, Brisbane. 

Education and work opportunities become crucial for the players to pursue further studies. The recent tour of the Lihir Gold mine and the training centre was a learning experience, and an introduction to learning opportunities for the players.

PNG Hunters CEO Scott Barker, when summing up the Hunters Lihir trip, reemphasized the importance of what the Hunters program is all about, including opportunities to study after football.

The trip, sponsored by Newcrest Mining, will be a first for the Hunters, presenting an opportunity to visit one of the world’s largest tier-one gold mining operations. The Hunters are on bye the following weekend.

Whilst at Lihir the team will tour the geothermally active mine site and processing plant, witness a blasting operation at the mine pit and meet the workforce.

The Hunters will also participate in safety and leadership sessions with the workforce and the Lihir Rugby Football League Association, and run on-field coaching sessions with local students.