SP PNG Hunters

Captain Ila credits team for the win

It was a remarkable turnaround for Hunters captain Ila Alu and his boys to bounce back with a close win 22-10 against Sunshine Coast Falcons last Saturday at the Santos National Football Stadium after their second-half mediocre performance against CQ Capras in Round 2 of the Hosplus Cup the week before.

Ila admitted it was not an easy win as they had to fight it out till the end to win but again credited the boys for having faith in each other, though they didn’t get the start they wanted. They however showed resilience in the second half to get the two points.

Hunters host Falcons in Round 3 of Hostplus Cup

The Hunters had their work cut out for them, when they succumbed to a strong Capras outfit going down 36-18 in Rockhampton last week. While it’s still early days, Hunters Coach Paul Aiton said it was reality check for the boys to regroup and bounce back at home.

Both teams will be looking to bounce back after their Round 2 losses to CQ Capras and the Mackay Cutters respectively.

To be played this Saturday at 3pm, the Hunters are looking to improve on effort areas in their game, especially execution, defense and discipline which were their main downfall last week.

Hunters ready for Capras clash

The Central-Queensland-based side made light work of the Western Clydesdales in QRL Round 1, winning 28-10 thanks largely to the work of their back five. This makes for an epic clash scheduled for 6pm kick-off tomorrow.

To pile on 36 points from seven tries in their first game of the season is a big confidence booster for Paul Aiton’s men but it was their improvements without the ball that should be most encouraging for the PNG Hunters faithful. 

NEWMONT GOLD PARTNER TO PNG HUNTERS

Newmont’s ‘Gold Partner’ sponsorship of the Hunters is the first for the company in PNG following the successful acquisition of Newcrest Mining in November last year, reflecting its strong commitment to safety, health, wellness, sustainability and respectful behaviours.

Newmont commends every player for their hard-earned selection in the strong 30-man squad and congratulates Paul Aiton on his appointment as the head coach for this season.

ALU HAPPY WITH NEW BOYS

The Hunters are off to a flying start in their 2024 Hostplus Cup campaign after convincingly outplaying their more fancied Wynnum Manly Seagulls opponents 36-22. Captain Ila spoke proudly of the debutants who did well, which he said is a positive sign for the team moving into the new season.

The PNG Hunters new kid on the block, Clent Lama could have asked for a better start to his QRL Cup debut with a man-of-the-match performance on Saturday. Lama made the occasion even more memorable scoring a hat-trick that blew the star-studded Wynnum side out of the park on Saturday.

LAMA SCORES HAT-TRICK ON DEBUT

Lama contributes to Hunters first win in Round 1 of the 2024 QRL Hostplus Cup season in Port Moresby on Saturday. 

Fellow debutant Weiyah Koi also scored in the second half after coming off the bench. The win marks a promising start for new Hunters Coach Paul Aiton, who commended his full 17 for staying in the grind despite a late surge from the Seagulls.

Both teams were guilty of a comedy of errors earlier in the opening exchanges while they settled into their nerves before the points started coming.

New Hunters centre combo

Mendi Muruks bulky gun centre Clent Lama and Kimbe Cutters top centre of 2023 Elizah Rotinga have been named in the centres as part of Coach Paul Aiton’s final 17 man for round 1.

With another bumper footy season upon us again, only two sleeps to go before we see the new look SP PNG Hunters outfit kick start their 2024 Hostplus Cup campaign when they take on Wynnum Manly Seagulls 3pm Saturday, at the Santos National Football stadium.

Hunters Coach Paul Aiton has named four debutants in his first 17 ahead of Saturday’s Round One.

Hunters 30-man squad named

Aiton, after navigating his inaugural preseason said he was proud of how the players and staff navigated a tough and enduring pre-season period. He’s extremely pleased with how the squad has come together and is looking forward to round one next weekend.

The SP PNG Hunters for 2024:

KAPINIAS RULED OUT FOR THE SEASON

Epel has rejoined the Hunters camp since arriving back from Brisbane on Thursday while he continues his second week of rehab process under PNG Hunters rehab trainer.

Epel is in good spirits saying the surgery went well and thanked the Dolphins club for providing all the necessary assistance to make sure his wellbeing was being taken care of. He said the focus at the moment is getting blood circulation and some mobility back to his knee with light exercises and physiotherapy.

Hunters on the right track with wins

The SP PNG Hunters make a healthy start to the year under rookie head coach Paul Aiton, in a promising sign heading into season proper.

The Hunters team comprises a mixed playing group with experienced hands in the likes of Brandon Nima and Junior Rop leading the team with some possible bolters of the season, Jordan Pat, Manasseh Kai and Weiyah Koi making the team.

They took out the win in the close finish 18-14 against Ipswich Jets in the previous weekend before backing it up with a convincing win against the Capras yesterday.