PNG Hunters in Queensland Cup

[DIEHARD]

Papua New Guinea takes first step towards an NRL team with Queensland Cup entrant

A PAPUA New Guinea team is set to join the Intrust Super Cup as a bold step in the rugby league-mad nation’s pursuit of an NRL franchise.

Security concerns for travelling teams remain a stumbling block for the entry of the ISC’s 13th club, especially in the wake of last week’s deadly attack on the Black Cat trail.

It is understood the PNG government will cover costs for private security teams to accompany Queensland-based players into Port Morseby, the club’s home.

A handful of ISC clubs are not in favour of PNG gaining admission, with Norths chief executive Mark Murray wanting financial stability for the established clubs to come first.

ISC general manager Jamie O’Connor said in-principle agreement had been given to the PNG group, headed by veteran league administration Brad Tassell, for a start next year.

"They have applied for entry and been given conditional support by the board, subject to some clauses that need to be agreed to,” O’Connor said.

"We are working through those conditions at the moment. Security is a major issue, as are details of travel and medical care.

"We are hoping to have things locked away by grand final week but nothing is in stone.

"One of the conditions is that this does not cost us, because quite simply we cannot afford to expand right now. PNG will pay their own way.

"There is a great opportunity over there to expand our brand through broadcasting in PNG."

The PNG team could even play curtainraisers to NRL matches, with the ARL Commission considering a dramatic revamp of the code’s second tier and relegating the under-20s competition to midweek.

The team, whose home ground will be Port Morseby’s Lloyd Robson Oval, will be able to recruit players from Australia but it is expected to be largely made up of local players.

Maroons coach and PNG Kumuls assistant Mal Meninga is a supporter of the club’s entry to the ISC.

"Having a PNG team playing in the ISC would just do wonders for the programs that they have in place up there," Meninga wrote in his Sunday Mail column earlier this year.

"It creates another pathway. They can play footy, earn money, and get recognised and go on to bigger and better things."

The Port Morseby Vipers played in the Queensland Cup in 1996 and 1997, but pulled out due to financial issues.

Murray said his club was not against the PNG team, but ensuring current clubs stayed afloat should be the priority.

"The club group want stability around the competition and the current clubs before any expansion takes place,” he said.

"We want to make sure the current clubs are looked after before we look at a PNG team. We aren’t against PNG at all, but our first priority is to stabilise the clubs and ensure their sustainability.”

The ISC will expand to 14 teams in 2015, with a Townsville Brothers team set to be included.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/

[DIEHARD]

PNG admistrators are hoping the inclusion will give their players valuable exposure and hopefully lead to careers in the NRL

Presenter: Geraldine Coutts

Speaker: Brad Tassell, chief executive of the PNG NRL Foundation


TASSELL: We've had to jump over quite a few hurdles and run through a few hoops, but we're very close now. We expect that hopefully that we'll be in line to make an announcement, official announcement about it within two weeks time.

COUTTS: Now some of those hurdles, of course, have been money and sponsorship, branding, team colours, all those sorts of things. So how much of that's finalised now?

TASSELL: A lot of that is actually finalised. I mean we've been working on this for two years now and the team will actually fall under the banner of the PNGRFSL, which is the governing body of rugby league in the country. So it's been two years of planning, it's been two years of sourcing funding and sponsorship and we've come up with the preliminary names and colours and the structure of the football operations, and how the players go into train, the whole triple operation structure and administration structure. So we're pretty ready to go once the button is pressed.

COUTTS: How likely are you to retain the PNG players in this actual team and not wind up as the feeder to the rest of the NRL Competition and do some scalping of these players?

TASSELL: Well, we've actually, one of the main reasons for it is we'd actually like to see players get picked up by NRL Clubs. We'd like to see more PNG players playing in the NRL, which obviously improves our potential international performances on the international scene. I think if you've seen recent games between Samoa and Tonga, it's made up of entirely NRL-based players for those teams and I think if you look at the World Cup squads, particularly for Fiji and Samoa, it's made up of all NRL players. So the formation of this team gives us an opportunity for locally-based players to show what they've got on a big stage and that's very important to us, very important for the nation, very important for those guys who are playing rugby league in PNG.

COUTTS: Are there enough players if you keep losing them to the NRL competition, are there enough players in PNG to keep the team on the pitch once the Queensland Cup gets underway?

TASSELL: Oh yeah, there's literally thousands of players out there that, a lot that we do know of, some that we haven't even seen, which have the potential to play at Kumul or NRL level, yeah. It's a rugby league-mad country, it's a sleeping giant of rugby league in the world and through this program, it's given an opportunity for these players to be able to show their wares and show the talent that they do have and I think people will be pretty surprised. It's likely to be a continuous production line of rugby league talent into the Australian competitions in the future.

COUTTS; How does the Queensland Cup work?

TASSELL: Ah well the Queensland Cup - I think it's a 24-round season, so it's 12 home games, 12 away games. We play right across the State, obviously teams based in Brisbane. There's Rockhampton, there's also the Sunshine Coast, there's Cairns, there's Mackay as well. So it will be a full home and away season for us, which is great, because we get the players used to travel and also get the players in front of talent scouts every second week in Australia as well.

And look, players will be drawn from right across the country. We recently had implemented a zone, a national championship for players who play outside of the NRL Digicel Cup national competition and we've scouted about four to six players from that championships to also take part in a Queensland Cup camp in November, plus Digicel players and current players who are playing for the Kumuls.

COUTTS: If this does actually eventuate and PNG gets a team into the NRL, the Queensland Cup. Where will they be based and will they get home games?

TASSELL: Ah yes, well that was one of the criteria that we had to work with the QRL. At the moment, the main venue, the Lloyd Robson Oval will be basically on ice come October and a brand new stadium will be built there in time for 2015. So for the first year, in 2014, we're looking at an option of either playing home games in Australia - so, say for instance, based in Cairns or the alternative venue is in Rabaul, in Kalabond Stadium, which is a venue that has been approved as a suitable playing venue by the QRL and also by the NRL, because the PM 13 game is being played there on the 29th of September. So we've got a couple of options there. Our preferred option would be to play all of our home games in year one in Rabaul, but it maybe a mixture of home games in Rabaul and Cairns as well.

COUTTS: All right, Brad. Now just once again, when will this be rubber stamped and finally get this up and running for PNG?

TASSELL: Ah, we're just working on a couple of final things with the Queensland Rugby League and as I said it's a fairly long process and it's not an easy task as most people can imagine. So working through a couple of final logistical issues. We hope to have the official announcement within two weeks time. So possibly just before or just after the Prime Minister's match in Rabaul.

http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/

[DIEHARD]

Confirmed on the radio today. PNG are in! Massive for Queensland Cup and international footy! Official announcement in the pipeline.

I wonder what they will be called?

[Steve]

Cassowaries!

That's what I'd go with anyhow, gotta represent the local wildlife. :D

[C-Whiz]

Confirmed on the radio today. PNG are in! Massive for Queensland Cup and international footy! Official announcement in the pipeline.

I wonder what they will be called?Highlanders?
This sounds really good on paper, hope it all works out in the long run for all the clubs. Just another way of growing the game and expanding the footprint. :thumbsup:

[Hail Sezer]

Can they be assigned to us pls? Meady could have some pull on that

[teke]

Can they be assigned to us pls? Meady could have some pull on that:laugh:

He has no pull on that stuff and thank goodness for that.

Maybe Team Kumul has all the pull which was set up by Lam to run pngRL

[TITAN PETE]

It will be fantastic for the game & PNG :thumbsup:

[DIEHARD]

Meninga to boost PNG rugby league team

with resurrecting Queensland's State of Origin team, Mal Meninga wants to also help boost Papua New Guinea rugby league by assisting their mooted entry in next year's second-tier Queensland Cup.

Meninga started a five-year deal as PNGRL high performance manager this year but confirmed he also wanted to assist their Queensland Cup entry - a small step toward their ultimate dream of earning an NRL licence.

Queensland Cup general manager Jamie O'Connor confirmed an in-principle agreement had been given to the PNG group, headed by their NRL bid group CEO Brad Tassell, for a start next year.

The PNG government have reportedly moved to address security fears sparked by the recent brutal attack on trekkers by covering the costs of private security teams to accompany Queensland-based players into their team's home Port Moresby.

Asked if he would assist the PNG Queensland Cup side, Meninga said: "A consultancy, advisory, mentoring role would be good".

"I think they will do very well in the competition."

Having inspired eight straight Origin series wins for Queensland, PNG will be hoping Meninga's Midas touch has not worn off ahead of this year's World Cup.

He has worked alongside PNG coach Adrian Lam in the countdown to the tournament.

"The game has receded there a little bit in recent times," Meninga said of PNG.

"I am trying to implement some development programs that is going to help them.

"We hope they get into the Queensland Cup next year which will aid their development.

"They are a rugby league mad country.

"They have so much talent up there any program or competition they get their hands on they will quickly develop.

"They will be a force in the future no doubt."

The Kumuls have been drawn alongside Samoa, France and defending champions New Zealand in group B of the 14-team World Cup tournament to be held in the United Kingdom and France.

http://www.nrl.com/meninga-to-boost-png-rugby-league-team/tabid/10874/newsid/75027/default.aspx?pid=nrlhome_featured

[DIEHARD]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/q71/s480x480/1377617_348437468635897_977374735_n.jpg

[DIEHARD]

This should also mean that PNG will enter Queensland's development system. Which is great for PNG and puts their young players in front of more NRL scouts.

[DIEHARD]

This new side will really give PNG a boost for the 2017 World Cup.

[DIEHARD]

PNG Super Coach Signs Three Year Deal as Head Coach of PNG Intrust Super Cup side

By RLSpotlight

It’s been revealed that Former Kumul, PNG Kumuls Assistant and multiple PNG Championship winning Agmark Gurias head coach Michael Marum has signed a three year deal to be the inaugural PNG Intrust Super (Queensland) Cup head coach from 2014. Under the Gurias as both a player and for a majority as coach Marum has participated in 10 PNG RFL Grand Finals, including wins in 2001, 03, 05, 09 and 12 under the Rabaul based franchise.

Agmark Gurias:

After 13 years with the Gurias we sadly say good bye to our super coach Michael Marum.

Congratulations however must go out to Michael after signing a 3 year contract to be the Head Coach for the PNG Intrust Super Cup side which kicks off in 2014.

Hoo Haa !!!

http://rugbyleaguespotlight.com

[Titanic]

good choice ... he'll go well and will go to show that along with John Wagambie (Sepik region) that the best coa ches come from outside of Port Moresby.

[DIEHARD]

PNG one step closer to NRL inclusion

A Papua New Guinea team has been added to next season's Queensland Intrust Super Cup.

A team from Papua New Guinea could be crowned winners of the newly-formed National Championship on NRL Grand Final day after their submission for inclusion into the Queensland Intrust Super Cup was formally accepted at a meeting of all 13 Intrust Super Cup clubs.

To play out of Kokopo north east of Port Moresby in the East New Britain islands, the PNG bid was required to meet strict criteria standards around facilities, security measures and the logistics of travel before it was accepted by the Queensland Rugby League.

The inclusion of a PNG team – whose colours and full name is still to be determined – in addition to the formation of the National Championship that will see the respective winners of the Intrust Super Cup and VB NSW Cup competitions face off on Grand Final day, opens the door for PNG to play on the NRL's greatest stage from 2014.

The PNG national team failed to record a win at Rugby League World Cup 2013 in their pool that included New Zealand, France and Samoa and QRL chief executive officer Robert Moore said their inclusion creates a new pathway for players from PNG to progress through to the NRL.

"It would be a wonderful story to see a home-grown PNG player rise from the junior ranks into the Intrust Super Cup and then the National Rugby League," Moore said.

"At the same time, it provides us with an opportunity to expand into a market with over seven million rugby league fans."

For full details of PNG's inclusion in the Intrust Super Cup and other key announcements visit qrl.com.au.

[DIEHARD]

Mal backs PNG to make impact in Intrust Super Cup

WHEN he’s not working on his plans to prepare the Queensland Maroons for another State of Origin campaign, Mal Meninga is the coaching director for Papua New Guinea – so he knows all about passionate rugby league fans.

Meninga welcomed today’s news confirming the entry of a PNG team into the Intrust Super Cup competition next season, saying it would further develop the sport in the country.

“(It’s) fantastic news,” Meninga said. “It’s really important for them; really important as far as their development in rugby league.

“It gives them great pathways for young kids to aspire to, to play in the Intrust Super Cup.

“It’s essential for them; they need that week-in, week-out footy to improve their standards up there.”

Most rugby league fans have a good understanding of the passion the PNG people feel for the game and as such, their inclusion has been universally acknowledged as a great thing for the game.

Their step up into what many observers call the country’s premier second-tier however will be a learning curve for those involved – but as Meninga pointed out – it will also help strengthen the game in the region.

“There are some talented football players up there (and) as everyone knows they are really passionate about the game – they just need to be educated more about the little things that make up a footy game,” he said.

“This is a major coup for Papua New Guinea rugby league, and to play in that competition is going to be good for them.”

While he won’t have a hands-on role with the club – Meninga will be keenly watching the progress and will take on a mentoring position with the team and is looking forward to seeing what they can do on the field.

“It’s going to be great,” Meninga said.

“I will have a mentoring, sort of overseeing role with the team and will probably get to see them play a little bit when they get to Australia, so I am looking forward to their entry into the Cup.

“I think they will be strong; personally I think they will be strong once they get used to the week-in, week-out.”

http://www.qrl.com.au/

[DIEHARD]

PNG Team in Camp – QLD Cup

The PNG QLD Cup team will begin preparations for entry into the Intrust Super Cup competition in 2014 with an off-season selection camp in Port Moresby.

The camp, to be held at the Bomana police College, will start on Tuesday 3rd December and continue until the 20th December 2013. Players arrive into camp today 2nd December.

53 players from across the nation have been invited to attend and will be under the watchful eye of Head Coach Michael Marum as the team begins its preparations in Ernest.

The players have been identified from the Digicel Cup, National Championships and schoolboys programs and will take part in the camp which will be reduced to a full time 25 man strong squad at the end of the camp, said PNGRFL CEO Brad Tassell.

[DIEHARD]

Q-Cup to cost about K7 million
Source: The National, Tuesday December 3rd, 2013

IT will cost between K6 to K7 million next year to have a Papua New Guinea team in the Queensland Rugby League’s Intrust Super Cup.

That’s the budget for the inaugural season in 2014, mostly to be propped up by corporate sponsorship, much of which has already been secured with major announcements on the naming rights, team name and logo, expected next week.

That figure, which is significantly more compared to what the Queensland-based clubs will spend on their operations, could fluctuate depending on various factors over the five-year period of the licence.

It is great opportunity to create a pathway for PNG players to develop and get contracted to an NRL club in Australia.

But for PNG Rugby Football League it is also a business venture which they hope to use to generate funds for the development of the game at home.

PNGRFL acting chief executive officer Brad Tassell (pictured) said yesterday trying to get a team into the ISC competition had been a challenging two-year period but now that the country was in – they wanted to maximise on the opportunities it presented.

He said these at a media conference in Port Moresby to confirm Michael Marum as head coach and other announcements related to the PNG franchise.

“Yes we want to make financial profits,” he said.

It is hoped that funds generated would give PNGRFL a more solid financial base to run development initiatives like building a more robust schoolboys programme, and basically linking up existing leagues and competitions like the Digicel Cup, national zone championships among others.

The recently revamped Kalabond oval in Kokopo has been chosen as the side’s home ground for now with an additional venue to be included later when it fulfilled the stringent requirements expected by QRL.

PNG plays its opening home game against reigning premiers Mackay Cutters on March 8 in Kokopo – venue issues including security, accommodation capacity – all cleared at last week’s visit to the East New Britain town by QRL general manager Jamie O’Connor and his delegation.

PNG’s season opener will be against competition heavyweights and hosts the Redcliffe Dolphins in Brisbane, which is a televised game, the week before on March 2.

The PNGRFL are yet to confirm the broadcaster of the PNG games however National Braodcasting Corporation’s Kundu2 service signed an agreement to show Q-Cup matches earlier year.

QRL has been apprehensive about a PNG team in its competition following past experiences with the Port Moresby Vipers in 1996 which left unpaid bills to service providers in Brisbane – and were cautious about including another PNG franchise.

Tassell admitted that PNG would be paying more than the other participating clubs with a financial guarantee, details of which he declined to disclose as it was a confidential matter PNGRFL and the naming rights sponsor.

PNG would also pick up costs of travel for teams visiting PNG – which were conditions they had to agree to gain entry into the Q-Cup, considered one of Australia’s two second-tier competitions – the being the local New South Wales competition (NSW Cup).

But Tassell assured supporters that PNGRFL would not pass the costs on to the paying public, explaining that gate fees charged would be affordable by PNG standards.

Spectators to Digicel Cup games pay K10 for adults to the outer stands and Tassell said it would not be a significant difference that despite the objective to make money, fans would not be subjected to inflated gate fees.

[DIEHARD]

Tsaka applauds coach’s tough stance

PAPUA New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) deputy chairman Sandis Tsaka has applauded the tough stance coach Michael Marum has taken on disciplining elite players.

Tsaka, while not making reference to any player currently in camp preparing for next year’s Intrust Super Cup in Queensland indicated that those penalised would now have to prove they deserve another chance.

Tsaka made the comments through a statement following the announcement of the 25-man squad that was picked following the two-week training camp held at the Bomana Police College.

“For the players that missed out I know they would have gained something out of the opportunity and will go back to their clubs better players and know what they have to work on to improve,” Tsaka said.

PNGRFL CEO Brad Tassell added that it was important to set the tone for developing a club culture from the start and he believed the players had responded under the direction of Marum.

He said that the chance to be part of a full-time professional structure would ensure the talent in PNG developed properly.
Tassell confirmed that the franchise would release their club name next week with the colours and naming rights sponsor.

The team will stay in camp until December 20 before taking a break for Christmas and New Year period and return for training on January 3.

The players will then prepare for two pre-season trial matches against the Northern Pride in Cairns on February 9 and against the Capras in Rockhampton on February 15.

The season launch will be on February 22 at the Dynasty Restaurant.

The opening matches are against Redcliffe in Brisbane on March 2 and then against the Mackay Cutters in Kokopo on March 8.

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/61269

[DIEHARD]

Side unnamed, deals done

The National

THE players named in the 25-man training squad preparing for the 2014 Intrust Super Queensland Cup competition in Australia have signed what appears to be ‘good’ contracts to be part of the Papua New Guinea franchise.

Coach Michael Marum yesterday confirmed that the players signed their contracts on Sunday, but was not able to divulge the content of how much each player would be earning in this professional competition.
“All I can say is that the players will be well looked after in terms of their welfare and yes it will be a range above what they get in the Digicel Cup competition,” Marum said. Marum said those details including the naming of the PNG franchise and naming rights sponsor will be announced next week by the management.

In terms of their preparation so far, Marum said from offset they were already four weeks behind in the off-season training, due to the return from the World Cup for a majority of the players.

“But the players are responding well, some more than others as it is quite a new scenario for most of them who normally take a break at this time of the year,” he said.

“We have pushed them and it has done some good to bring out some of the leadership qualities in the players,” Marum said.

Everything we are doing now is just basic drills, bettering techniques in the gym, footwork and agility type of training, he added.

Marum said the players end this period of their training with a test on Wednesday before they go on a break for Christmas and the New Year, and return on January 3.

“We may have Mal (Meninga) or Adrian (Lam) come up to see the players as well before the break,” he added. Marum said when they return the players will be tested again to see if they have been maintaining their fitness levels, as the tempo of the training program will lift with defensive, game patterns and more team work training to prepare for the trial matches in February.

He further said all the players have the spirit to be part of something new and it is exciting to see the enthusiasm growing.

[K2G]

QCup Jersey (https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/p403x403/1499457_253841271444849_967362000_n.jpg)

Pretty sweet.

[DIEHARD]

Big day on Monday. Brand launch for PNG QCUP. Name, colours, logo and sponsor. Sponsor is apparently SP Brewery.

[DIEHARD]

I have no clue what mascot they will choose. I do hope it is something a little different from the Kumuls though.

[DIEHARD]

PAPUA New Guinea's Intrust Super Cup team is set to be named the "Hunters" but their brightest talent has already been poached.

The Penrith Panthers have signed teenage PNG Test centre Wellington Albert on a two-year deal.

Albert shone for the Kumuls during the Rugby league World Cup and also had interest from the Gold Coast Titans and South Sydney.

He is the first PNG player to be recruited to an NRL club without coming through Australia's development system.

It is a great recognition of the talent level PNG will field next year in their debut season.

Playing out of quaint tourist town Kokopo, the Intrust Super Cup draw released yesterday revealed the first club to play them in PNG would be reigning champions Mackay Cutters.

Each team that travels to PNG will be given a bye the following week.

"After carefully considering a range of factors, we structured the draw this way to provide clubs and players with additional time to recover from the extra travel to PNG," QRL competitions manager Jamie O'Connor said.

"They will light up the competition and provide an element of surprise."

The new 13-team competition kicks off on the weekend of March 1-2, a week earlier than the NRL.

Gould said Albert had the same dimensions as a young Petero Civoniceva.

"Wellington will be groomed long term as a front row forward. At the moment he can play anywhere from wing to front row. Big, fast, strong," Gould wrote on Twitter.

"Wellington's physique reminds me very much of Petero Civoniceva at same age. Long way to go but he has great potential and is a wonderful attitude."
The official name of PNG's team will be announced on Monday but reports are it will be the Hunters.

http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/

[DIEHARD]

To be known as the SP PNG HUNTERS. I hope they hunt many a QCUP in 14!

[DIEHARD]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1/1604732_414503071986574_262805020_n.jpg

[DIEHARD]

THE KING AND JOEY JOHNS TO LAUNCH SP PNG HUNTERS SEASON

CLICK HERE (http://rugbyleaguespotlight.com/the-king-and-joey-johns-to-launch-sp-png-hunters-season/)

[DIEHARD]

We will also have raffles, other major auction pieces, as well as the launch of the new club song written and performed by PNG star Jokema

PNG Hunters have a club song... :eyebrows:

[shamus]

PNG Hunters have a club song... :eyebrows:

Shhh!!! Don't tell C-Whiz.. :D

[Titanic]

http://rugbyleaguespotlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Lewis-Johns.jpg

Classic pics ... look at the King (then with Wynnum) in full-flight with Meninga (then with Souths) chasing in full-fright ... and the referee obscured is ... ? C'mon Diehard :)

Oh yeah ... who's the drug-crazed specimen on the other side? Check his eyes out ... no don't do that, just keep your eyes on the ball.

[DIEHARD]

MRDC joins Hunters’ family of sponsors

MINERAL Resources Development Company has got on the Hunters’ bandwagon as a major sponsor.

MRDC will appear on the home and away team jersey and selected gear in its debut season in Queensland’s Intrust Super Cup this year.

PNG Rugby Football League chairman Sandis Tsaka made the announcement yesterday, also calling on other PNG businesses to take out the last remaining major sponsorship packages for the SP Brewery-sponsored team.

Tsaka said the response following PNG’s entry into the competition has been fantastic.

When thanking MRDC for the sponsorship, he said that they realised that the Hunters would be flying the PNG flag internationally “and are giving our youth and players a pathway and something to aspire to”

“We really appreciate the response from both the public and business community to date,” he said.

“It’s a mammoth task and extremely costly to participate in the competition and without corporate sponsorship we could not deliver the programme.”

He heaped praise on PNGRFL CEO Brad Tassell and his team who are “working extremely hard to provide a highly professional self-sufficient programme that PNG can be very proud of.”

However, crowd support at events, games and corporate sponsorship will ensure the long-term viability of the programme, he said.

Tsaka they were reaping the rewards of the programme with Wellington Albert securing a two-year contract with Penrith Panthers and another attracting interest from other NRL clubs.

He is optimistic that more interest on PNG players would be generated over the next 12 to 18 months.

“I went out to the training camp at Bomana last week and it is extraordinary how the programme has been set-up and is managed. It is highly professional and based on a full time NRL programme.”

He said there was a long way to go “but we have the right people in place and I’m extremely proud of the staff and the players and their preparations at this stage”.
“It’s going to be a tough season and we have had huge hurdles to overcome.”

http://www.thenational.com.pg

[DIEHARD]

Tickets to be in demand for PNG pre-season clash with Capras

IF YOU want to be among the first to see the Capras take on Intrust Super Cup newcomers Papua New Guinea Hunters, you had better get in quick.

Tickets went on sale yesterday to the Rockhampton Leagues Club Capras' first pre-season match at Browne Park against the Hunters on February 15 and against the Brisbane Broncos Holden Cup team on February 22.

Capras operations manager Walson Carlos said the wait was over for local fans, who had been trying for weeks to get their hands on tickets to the two matches.

"There is a real buzz around town particularly with the PNG Hunters game at Browne Park," Carlos said.

"We have been fielding a lot of calls on a daily basis chasing tickets to both the PNG and the Broncos games."

Tickets can be purchased from the Capras office, Ian Weigh Toyota and the Rockhampton Leagues Club or online at www.capras. com.au.

http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au

[DIEHARD]

Hunters key to PNG prospects


http://www.nrl.com/Portals/NRL/images/35/35676_20_1.jpg
Northern Pride star Blake Leary with representatives from the Cairns PNG Wantoks Association.

Papua New Guinea's chances of an improved showing at the 2017 World Cup rest with the success of the new PNG Hunters franchise and greater junior development according to Titans winger David Mead.

The Hunters play their first official trial as the newest member of Queensland's Intrust Super Cup against the Northern Pride in Cairns on Sunday evening with great anticipation surrounding how competitive they will be in their first season.

The Pride hosted the Rabaul Agmark Gurias in a trial last season and the visitors recorded a 29-22 win while the Pride went on to finish the Intrust Super Cup season as minor premiers.

It was a different story for PNG at the World Cup however, with the Kumuls failing to register a win for the third straight World Cup campaign having won the 2009 Pacific Cup against the Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji and Samoa.

Political disputes regarding the make-up of the Kumuls team for the 2010 Four Nations caused wide-ranging and lasting friction but Mead believes that the inclusion of the Hunters into one of the world's premier rugby league competitions will enhance their aspirations for 2017.

"I'll be going to watch them whatever chance I get when they come to Queensland. For PNG to move forward, I think it's a good step for the country," said Mead, who represented the Kumuls at the World Cup.

"That will show the quality of players that there are and how much they can improve. Things are looking good for the country and I think they'll do well in the Queensland Cup.


"A lot of people I've spoken to reckon the Digicel Cup (PNG's premier rugby league competition) has gone backwards 10 years so something's got to be done about that.

"There are junior systems being put in place and obviously a Queensland Cup team coming in which is a positive move for the country.

"Put the systems in place and get the local players a lot more experienced playing against high quality players, then the game will definitely move forward and PNG will perform a lot better at the World Cup."

Mead, Paul Aiton, Neville Costigan and Ray Thompson were the only players with NRL experience in the Kumuls squad for the World Cup with the Hunters sure to benefit from a number of their players being exposed to such a high standard of competition.

The Hunters will play Redcliffe in the opening round of the Intrust Super Cup on Sunday, March 2 and with three games at their home ground in Kokopo to follow, could find themselves in a lofty position after a month of football.

Queensland Origin coach and Team Kumul coaching director Mal Meninga has replaced Adrian Lam as the PNG national coach and Mead believes the adoration for which he is held will also enhance their prospects at the international level.

"Mal's such a huge influence in the country, everyone loves him," Mead told NRL.com. "A lot of people I've spoken to, my uncle and cousins, they all loved him when he was playing centre.

"He was the dominant centre in his era and he's such a huge influence. When he walks into the country everyone just listens to him and everything he has to say, players in the team listen to. I think that's such a huge influence for PNG to have him as a part of their system."

The first 1,000 spectators to enter 'The Jungle' – aka Barlow Park in Cairns – for Sunday's trial between the Pride and Hunters will receive a free PNG Hunters wristband. Gates open at 12.30pm with the main game to kick off at 5.30pm.

http://www.nrl.com/hunters-key-to-png-prospects/tabid/10874/newsid/76146/default.aspx

[DIEHARD]

http://www.pnghunters.com/ official website

[DIEHARD]

Journalist Chris Garry and photographer Adam Head bunk down with the PNG Hunters

http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2014/02/22/1226834/840821-c5c15874-9ba8-11e3-9a97-2ed07c1403ff.jpg
Team mates from the Papua New Guinea “Hunters” get ready for ice baths at their Bomana training base as the excitement builds as they are only 2 weeks away from playing their first game in the Queensland Cup. Source: The Sunday Mail (Qld)

IT IS the first month of the Papua New Guinea Hunters’ revolutionary rugby league experiment being conducted in a dilapidated police academy.

Their 25-man squad, all of whom arrived with talent but most without shoes, are about to discover how serious coaches are taking the team’s entry to the Intrust Super Cup.

The players inside this Big Brother-like compound of league devotion, a three story bricky dormitory called Hunter House, have returned from their inaugural “free day” and are surprised with breath tests.

One player, a star player, returns a low alcohol reading.

He is instantly dismissed from the camp, dreams evaporated, the celebrity status he earned stripped.

Welcome to the most intense and dedicated rugby league club in the world.

http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2014/02/22/1226834/841046-bc9b8eb2-9ba9-11e3-9a97-2ed07c1403ff.jpg
The team from the Papua New Guinea “Hunters” trains at Bomana as they are only 2 weeks away from playing their first game in the Queensland Cup. Pics Adam Head.Source: The Sunday Mail (Qld)

The Hunters are the first league side where players and coaching staff eat, drink and sleep together every day.

Their strength and conditioning coach Jason Tassell lives on the floor of the compound’s lounge room to act as a security guard.

In a river-bed town called Bomana where tourists occasionally visit the pacific’s largest war cemetery, housing 3,823 graves, the Hunters train three times a day, six days a week.

Their gym is across the road from the dormitory, inside a Chinese-built hall now loaded with $200,000 worth of equipment.

Open the back doors to the gym and you find their training field.

It is functionality NRL clubs dream of but few NRL players would submit to.

Each Hunter is paid exactly the same weekly wage, deposited into bank accounts set up by management.

http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2014/02/22/1226834/840909-bc4f2a4a-9ba9-11e3-9a97-2ed07c1403ff.jpg
The team from the Papua New Guinea “Hunters” trains at Bomana as they are only 2 weeks away from playing their first game in the Queensland Cup. Pics Adam HeadSource: The Sunday Mail (Qld)

From 20-year-old’s to the five Kumul Test players in the team, the pay-packets are identical.

It has been six weeks since the inaugural cull and every Hunters player understands NRL-level professionalism is the benchmark.

Despite their rookie status the Hunters will become the code’s most watched club this season, attracting television viewership numbers NRL clubs would never get close to outside of a grand final.

Performance expectations are tempered inside the camp, where players wash their own laundry and dry it on the pavement outside their six by three metre rooms.

As a stray cat leers at softly spoken Hunters captain Israel Eliab, he says the share house has already made them better players.

Eliab’s first kicking coach was infamous ex-Brisbane Bronco Julian O’Neill, who has been coaching rugby league while working in PNG’s mines.

http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2014/02/22/1226834/841075-41840866-9baa-11e3-9a97-2ed07c1403ff.jpg
The team from the Papua New Guinea “Hunters” at their Bomana training base get ready as they are only 2 weeks away from playing their first game in the Queensland Cup. Pics Adam HeadSource: CourierMail

Those who have watched five-eighth Eliab closely, including Kumuls coaches Mal Meninga and Adrian Lam, predict an NRL future.

“We are dedicated to rugby league now. We are cut off from our families and just send them money,” the 23-year-old says.

“We have been away for almost two months now.

“It is normal for us. We all have different cultures and languages and this helps us bond.

“This is about us coming together.

“There are so many different provinces so we all just speak pidgin english to communicate.

“We are still adapting to the new lifestyle. The food is different.

“There’s no rice anymore.”

The players need to be dedicated to the team to persevere through living conditions a German backpacker would hesitate to sleep in.

http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2014/02/22/1226834/841102-4135b814-9baa-11e3-9a97-2ed07c1403ff.jpg
Kalabond Stadium at Kokopo where the Papua New Guinea “Hunters” will be based and play their home games. They are only 2 weeks away from playing their first game in the Queensland Cup. Pics Adam HeadSource: The Sunday Mail (Qld)

While the gym is far removed from the Rocky-like cliches many predict, the rooms are everything you expect from a barely used PNG police academy.

Beyond the random dogs, cats and toads that meander through the dormitory there are single mattresses which cut into your back and paper-thin walls.

Yet the Hunters have a ball, playing guitar, singing, and wrestling.

Local children from the area have become part of the club.

Ten-year-olds finish school and rush to the ground to help set out cones for the coaching staff.

Those coaches predict consistent performances are 18 months away.

However, without their 24/7 league life, win streaks would be several years in the making.

In a rented office inside Port Moresby’s Holiday Inn, Hunters chief executive Brad Tassell says the reason for this fascinating Big Brother-style experiment is necessity.

http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2014/02/22/1226834/841131-bce6e6aa-9ba9-11e3-9a97-2ed07c1403ff.jpg
Captain Israel Eliab at Kalabond Stadium at Kokopo where the Papua New Guinea “Hunters” will be based and play their home games. They are only 2 weeks away from playing their first game in the Queensland Cup. Pics Adam HeadSource: The Sunday Mail (Qld)

Tassell has led the country’s rugby league administration out of the dark ages when officials wasted money attempting to win an NRL licence.

Tassell even has a league field in the remote village of Chimbu named after him because he was the first white person to visit since independence in 1975.

He loves this country and its people but said the bad habits of players had to be broken.

“We have to play catch up,” Tassell said.

“They began training in January and debut in the Intrust Super Cup at Redcliffe next Sunday.

“We had 12 weeks to train these guys before the first game and the first two weeks were teaching the technique of lifting weights.

“Most of these guys had never done a squat before. A gym in Papua New Guinea has 18 bench presses and that’s it.

“All players and coaches are drug tested and breath tested regularly.

http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2014/02/22/1226834/841158-bd2f39f0-9ba9-11e3-9a97-2ed07c1403ff.jpg
Tim Lomai, Israel Eliab and Mark Mexico from the Papua New Guinea “Hunters” at their Bomana training base with kids as the excitement builds as they are only 2 weeks away from playing their first game in the Queensland Cup. Pics Adam HeadSource: The Sunday Mail (Qld)

“No one is allowed to chew betel nut (a natural mild stimulant that paints teeth red) as it is an appetite suppressant.

“It had to be done this way because we have players from throughout very remote regions all coming to Moresby to play football.

“There are 800 languages and 16 provinces in this country.

“They live together and are a true team. They are great guys and have really bonded.

“This country has a real hunger for success. We think with the talent here, if managed correctly, we can be a success.”

The Bomana police academy is only a temporary base.

In April they move to “Hunter Village” in Kokopo, a collection of purpose-built rooms and halls that will be a more liveable camp.

http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2014/02/22/1226834/834271-c4070040-9b69-11e3-a5ad-5f99c6c437b4.jpg
Brandy Peter and the team from the Papua New Guinea "Hunters" trains at Bomana as they are only 2 weeks away from playing their first game in the Queensland Cup. Pics Adam HeadSource: News Corp Australia

Kokopo is an idyllic slice of pacific paradise on the edge of a volcano.

The team’s home games will be played their in an 8,000 seat stadium with volcano views.

The violent myths of Papua New Guinea have never rung true in Kokopo, a 90 minute flight from Moresby.

Visiting clubs will not want to leave.

In Kokopo, where the local league team is called the earthquakes, the streets are free of the burning rubbish that suffocates Port Moresby.

The region will be shown off this year as Hunters’ management and the Queensland Rugby League are poised to sign a broadcast deal with mobile network provider Digicel, which is using the Hunters to launch their own television channel.

The broadcast will reach five million people and network officials expect a minimum viewership of two million for all games.

The station is flying their own production crew to all Hunters games, from Kokopo to Ipswich, their cameras will be there.

Moving the team to Kokopo is a stake in the ground.

The politics, in-fighting and violence which plagued the sport will no longer be tolerated.

http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2014/02/22/1226834/834329-667a9bf8-9b69-11e3-a5ad-5f99c6c437b4.jpg
Noel Joel and team mates from the Papua New Guinea "Hunters" get ready for ice baths at their Bomana training base as the excitement builds as they are only 2 weeks away from playing their first game in the Queensland Cup. Pics Adam HeadSource: News Corp Australia

Rugby league is this country’s national pastime yet it is cloaked in a cultural cringe.

For 20 years the sport was banned in schools. The ban was lifted only recently when the Hunters began restructuring the way league was administered.

“Rugby league is thought of as a sport for people with brawn not brains,” newly instated Hunters chairman Sandis Tsaka said.

“This is like a Phoenix, we are building from the ashes.

“In the past, the organisation did not have, for a lack of a better word, competence.

“There was no institutional structure.

“The big task on my hand now is delivering pathways.

“The last six or seven years we had political infighting within rugby league.

“My challenge is creating a rugby league body that is competent and effectively delivering rugby league throughout the country.

“Only people’s passion for the game has kept it alive.

“This is the rebirth.”

Read more: http://www.foxsports.com.au/

[DIEHARD]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1/1970413_428809523889262_13684198_n.jpg

[DIEHARD]

Prepare to have your mind blown. Classy video promoting the Hunters! Showing most NRL clubs how it should be done!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/diehard2/sphunters_zps179b1a93.jpg (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=218094971724025)

[DIEHARD]

SP PNG HUNTERS OPEN FAN DAY - BRISBANE

The SP PNG Hunters will be holding an open fan day in Brisbane for all of our Brisbane based supporters this Saturday afternoon 1st March @ 4pm.

The team will have their captains run at 2.30pm followed by a fan meet and greet at 4pm including a sausage sizzle and drinks. All donations raised from the purchase of sausages and drinks will go towards Wests Arana Junior Rugby League. Full details are as follows:

Where: Wests Arana Junior Rugby League, Dawsons Parade, Keppera
Day: Saturday 1st March 2014
Captains Run Training Session: @ 2.30pm
Fan Meet and Greet: @ 4pm

We look forward to having a big crowd of supporters there to greet the team and thank Wests Arana Junior Rugby League for their support.

[Titanic]

Classic video but what's even more classic is the amount of crap being dealt out about it on their facebook ... personally, great video, average song but fantastic promotion particularly for any of those unlucky soles who have never been to PNG.

Also, notice Wests Arana are hosting them :-)

[DIEHARD]

People whinging about the vid on fb?

[Titanic]

People whinging about the vid on fb?
Classic PNG syndromes ... (1) if you are not from the Papuan region then you must knock anything that has Port Moresby on it ... in this case they are claiming that the basic village ramps in the background behind the singer are from Hanuabada in Moresby but in fact it was shot in Barakau some 20 k's east of Moresby, and (2) many PNG feel that they shouldn't show the real PNG to the world ... what a crock ... great video, excellent promotion of both team and country ... the song is pretty average but who cares? Loved it.

Predictions ... (1) they won't win many games this year but if they can keep the team under control then they will develop quickly. (2) when they lose a few games they will get more shouts o sack the players and sack the coach then Cartwright would if he stayed another ten seasons.

The old Vipers were generally better skilled than these guys because they came from a better development program when PNG really could compete which then died for over ten years due to the ARL withdrawing funding to Moresby at the end of the SL war and the PNGRFL who had backed SL also being left high and dry. A typical case of being thrown away like toilet paper and although both factions had been well-intentioned, Australia left them like shot ducks. Great to see them getting up again.

The Vipers had one very big problem and that was when they came to Australia all they did was break camp at every opportunity. There would be some reading this on the coast who could vouch for the Vipers penchant for Gold Coast nightclubs.

[DIEHARD]

I did notice that, people were saying that and others countering challenging them asking if they were ashamed.

I liked it. I wanna see the real PNG!

[DIEHARD]

I'm also part of this fb group.

NRL FANS (PNG) (https://www.facebook.com/groups/331275543590295/?fref=ts)

I find it interesting to hear their points of view.

[DIEHARD]

Its Official - Digicel will launch new free to air TV Channel with PNG Hunters

The region will be shown off this year as Hunters’ management and the Queensland Rugby League are poised to sign a broadcast deal with mobile network provider Digicel, which is using the Hunters to launch their own television channel.

The broadcast will reach five million people and network officials expect a minimum viewership of two million for all games. The station is flying their own production crew to all Hunters games, from Kokopo to Ipswich, their cameras will be there.

[DIEHARD]

Hopefully png will get the added benefit of the Hunters fielding U16 and U18 teams as well.

[Titanic]

sorry double post ... please delete :-(

[DIEHARD]

Inside the PNG Hunters camp

THE world's most dedicated rugby league team, a prototype NRL clubs could only dream of, is bizarrely found among packs of stray cats near the beginning of Papua New Guinea's Kokoda Track.

Journalist Chris Garry and photographer Adam Head travelled to Bomana to bunk down with the PNG Hunters.

IT IS the first month of the Papua New Guinea Hunters' revolutionary rugby league experiment being conducted in a dilapidated police academy.

Their 25-man squad, all of whom arrived with talent but most without shoes, are about to discover how serious coaches are taking the team's entry to the Intrust Super Cup.

The players inside this Big Brother-like compound of league devotion, a three storey brick dormitory called Hunter House, have returned from their inaugural "free day" and are surprised with breath tests.

One player, a star player, returns a low alcohol reading.

He is instantly dismissed from the camp, dreams evaporated, the celebrity status he earned stripped.

Welcome to the most intense and dedicated rugby league club in the world.
The Hunters are the first league side where players and coaching staff eat, drink and sleep together every day.

Their strength and conditioning coach Jason Tassell lives on the floor of the compound's lounge room to act as a security guard.

In a river-bed town called Bomana where tourists occasionally visit the pacific's largest war cemetery, housing 3,823 graves, the Hunters train three times a day, six days a week.

Their gym is across the road from the dormitory, inside a Chinese-built hall now loaded with $200,000 worth of equipment.

Open the back doors to the gym and you find their training field.

It is functionality NRL clubs dream of but few NRL players would submit to.

Each Hunter is paid exactly the same weekly wage, deposited into bank accounts set up by management.

From 20-year-old's to the five Kumul Test players in the team, the pay-packets are identical.

It has been six weeks since the inaugural cull and every Hunters player understands NRL-level professionalism is the benchmark.

Despite their rookie status the Hunters will become the code's most watched club this season, attracting television viewership numbers NRL clubs would never get close to outside of a grand final.

Performance expectations are tempered inside the camp, where players wash their own laundry and dry it on the pavement outside their six by three metre rooms.

As a stray cat leers at softly spoken Hunters captain Israel Eliab, he says the share house has already made them better players.

Eliab's first kicking coach was infamous ex-Brisbane Bronco Julian O'Neill, who has been coaching rugby league while working in PNG's mines.

Those who have watched five-eighth Eliab closely, including Kumuls coaches Mal Meninga and Adrian Lam, predict an NRL future.

"We are dedicated to rugby league now. We are cut off from our families and just send them money," the 23-year-old says.

"We have been away for almost two months now.

"It is normal for us. We all have different cultures and languages and this helps us bond.

"This is about us coming together.

"There are so many different provinces so we all just speak pigeon english to communicate.

"We are still adapting to the new lifestyle. The food is different.

"There's no rice anymore."

The players need to be dedicated to the team to persevere through living conditions a German backpacker would hesitate to sleep in.

While the gym is far removed from the Rocky-like cliches many predict, the rooms are everything you expect from a barely used PNG police academy.

Beyond the random dogs, cats and toads that meander through the dormitory there are single mattresses which cut into your back and paper-thin walls.

Yet the Hunters have a ball, playing guitar, singing, and wrestling.
Local children from the area have become part of the club.

Ten-year-olds finish school and rush to the ground to help set out cones for the coaching staff.

Those coaches predict consistent performances are 18 months away.

However, without their 24/7 league life, win streaks would be several years in the making.

In a rented office inside Port Moresby's Holiday Inn, Hunters chief executive Brad Tassell says the reason for this fascinating Big Brother-style experiment is necessity.

Tassell has led the country's rugby league administration out of the dark ages when officials wasted money attempting to win an NRL licence.

Tassell even has a league field in the remote village of Chimbu named after him because he was the first white person to visit since independence in 1975.

He loves this country and its people but said the bad habits of players had to be broken.

"We have to play catch up," Tassell said.

"They began training in January and debut in the Intrust Super Cup at Redcliffe next Sunday.

"We had 12 weeks to train these guys before the first game and the first two weeks were teaching the technique of lifting weights.

"Most of these guys had never done a squat before. A gym in Papua New Guinea has 18 bench presses and that's it.

"All players and coaches are drug tested and breath tested regularly.

"No one is allowed to chew betel nut (a natural mild stimulant that paints teeth red) as it is an appetite suppressant.

"It had to be done this way because we have players from throughout very remote regions all coming to Moresby to play football.

"There are 800 languages and 16 provinces in this country.

"They live together and are a true team. They are great guys and have really bonded.

"This country has a real hunger for success. We think with the talent here, if managed correctly, we can be a success."

The Bomana police academy is only a temporary base.

In April they move to "Hunter Village" in Kokopo, a collection of purpose-built rooms and halls that will be a more liveable camp.

Kokopo is an idyllic slice of pacific paradise on the edge of a volcano.
The team's home games will be played there, in an 8,000 seat stadium with volcano views.

The violent myths of Papua New Guinea have never rung true in Kokopo, a 90 minute flight from Moresby.

Visiting clubs will not want to leave.

In Kokopo, where the local league team is called the earthquakes, the streets are free of the burning rubbish that suffocates Port Moresby.

The region will be shown off this year as Hunters' management and the Queensland Rugby League are poised to sign a broadcast deal with mobile network provider Digicel, which is using the Hunters to launch their own television channel.

The broadcast will reach five million people and network officials expect a minimum viewership of two million for all games.

The station is flying their own production crew to all Hunters games, from Kokopo to Ipswich, their cameras will be there.

Moving the team to Kokopo is a stake in the ground.

The politics, in-fighting and violence which plagued the sport will no longer be tolerated.

Rugby league is this country's national pastime yet it is cloaked in a cultural cringe.

For 20 years the sport was banned in schools. The ban was lifted only recently when the Hunters began restructuring the way league was administered.

"Rugby league is thought of as a sport for people with brawn not brains," newly instated Hunters chairman Sandis Tsaka said.

"This is like a Phoenix, we are building from the ashes.

"In the past, the organisation did not have, for a lack of a better word, competence.

"There was no institutional structure.

"The big task on my hand now is delivering pathways.

"The last six or seven years we had political infighting within rugby league.

"My challenge is creating a rugby league body that is competent and effectively delivering rugby league throughout the country.

"Only people's passion for the game has kept it alive.

"This is the rebirth."

http://www.qrl.com.au/

[DIEHARD]

Anyone tried SP Beer?

[DIEHARD]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/1620532_433148340122047_1597706532_n.jpg

Hunters record a famous victory!

[DIEHARD]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/1979539_220119384854917_776159300_n.jpg

[DIEHARD]

NG score shock Round 1 win

The PNG Hunters have enjoyed a dream Intrust Super Cup debut, stunning the highly fancied Redcliffe Dolphins 24-18 in Round 1 action.

In other opening round fixtures Cowboys hopefuls Cameron King and Ricky Thorby each scored tries in the Northern Pride's 36-0 defeat of Sunshine Coast, Easts won the grand final rematch over Mackay 40-12, Norths defeated Ipswich in a gruelling encounter 22-16, Burleigh won at home 36-24 over the Capras and in the battle of the Seagulls, Wynnum Manly accounted for Tweed Heads 32-28.

At Redcliffe, all the pre-season excitement and anticipation surrounding the debut of rugby league’s latest experiment reached a crescendo at a packed Dolphin Oval. Curiosity had swept throughout the peninsula prior to kick-off as a healthy mixture of faithful Redcliffe supporters and a large contingent of PNG followers gathered on the surrounding hills.

What the crowd witnessed was a thoroughly professional and polished performance by the Hunters, who were physically imposing from kick-off.

One of the Dolphins forwards in the thick of the action was Brisbane Bronco David Hala, who was called from the bench in the 20th minute to throw his 109-kilogram frame at the enthusiastic PNG defence.

But even the 30-game NRL star struggled to deal with an imposing Hunters’ pack.

“It was a physical game out there. They came out firing and we couldn’t hold onto the ball or complete our sets,” Hala told NRL.com.

“It was a pretty good effort by the boys. We tried our best until the end, but credit to PNG who came out and got the win.”

PNG coach Michael Marum was obviously pleased with his side's first ISC outing, but hopes to keep the feet of his players firmly planted to the ground.

“I didn’t expect the boys to stand up like that for the first game,” Marum said.

“This is a good start to the competition and we will hope to build on that.”

The Hunters were greeted with a huge bipartisan roar from the fans as they took the field. They began the contest in enthusiastic fashion, dominating the opening five minutes and almost crossing the line, only to be held up on the last tackle.

The Hunters were unrelenting with their physical approach and slick ball movement, which soon paid dividends.

From a penalty the Hunters had Redcliffe backpedalling with fullback Adex Wera turning the ball back on the inside for PNG captain Israel Eliab to cross for the opener after 13 minutes.

The visitors doubled their lead to 12 less than five minutes later through Thompson Teteh. The PNG centre dashed down the left touchline, weaving his way infield and selling two beautiful dummies to the Redcliffe defence on his way to a 50-metre try under the posts.

The Dolphins managed a quick reply when winger Brett Coutts crossed out wide after being set up by skipper Marty Hatfield, Liam Georgetown nailing the sideline conversion to narrow the deficit to 12-6 after 20 minutes.

Redcliffe slowly began to claw their way back into the match and levelled the score on the half-hour mark when five-eighth Jake Marketo twisted his way over the line from close range.

A penalty adjacent to the posts inside the opening minute of the second half gifted PNG an easy two points, which they duly accepted to take the score to 14-12.

Two quick tries to the Hunters courtesy of winger Garry Lo and back-rower Lawrence Tu’u, both on the left edge, extended their lead to 22-12 with 30 minutes remaining.

The home side set up a nail-biting finish courtesy of a converted try to winger Monikura Tikinau and the contest ebbed and flowed throughout the next 15 minutes with Redcliffe often threatening the PNG line.

But in a positive indicator of their prospects in the competition, the Hunters' defence held strong and they soon bullocked their way down field, forcing the home side into conceding a penalty.

Man of the match Sebatian Pandia stepped forward to take the shot, hit the left upright and saw the ball ricochet over the posts and seal an historic 24-18 victory.

The Hunters will now enjoy the next three rounds of the Intrust Super Cup at their home ground on Kokopo Island and could very well be undefeated after four rounds if they carry on with the style and substance they displayed against Redcliffe.

PNG Hunters 24 (Israel Eliab, Thompson Teteh, Garry Lo, Lawrence Tu’u tries; Roger Laka 3, Sebastian Pandia goals) def. Redcliffe Dolphins 18 (Brett Coutts, Jake Marketo, Monikura Tikinau tries; Liam Georgetown 3 goals) at Dolphin Oval, Redcliffe. Half-time: 12-all. Channel Nine Man of the Match: Sebastian Pandia.

[Coaster]

They were paying $5.50
I got told last night to get money on them and forgot doh

[Titanic]

Anyone tried SP Beer?
Too many stories from drinking it hot in Hagen, very hot at Cape Rodney, boiling hot on Yule Island, stinking hot at Uiaku, freezing cold at Nondugl and everything in between ... good drop that goes well with mumu.

Hunters chop the Reddy whackers down, great stuff.

[DIEHARD]

Too many stories from drinking it hot in Hagen, very hot at Cape Rodney, boiling hot on Yule Island, stinking hot at Uiaku, freezing cold at Nondugl and everything in between ... good drop that goes well with mumu.

Hunters chop the Reddy whackers down, great stuff.

Deadcliffe. :laugh:

[DIEHARD]

<script height="349px" width="620px" src="http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#pbid=81bf83eab75d4bf3af515695a41e5b38&ec=B0OXZ4azr47-aHq0pI2Y6MXdPfN486ty"></script>

[Titanic]

Thanks for posting that DH, I must say it was a pretty good class of game, well at least the highlights were :) they'll benefit from that you'd have to think.

Deadcliffe ... I hated playing against them and particularly those slugs Pearce and Obst.

[DIEHARD]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/1904148_220387468161442_153168299_n.jpg

FIRST EVER HUNTERS TRY!

[DIEHARD]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/1982245_433752910061590_1561373070_n.jpg

[DIEHARD]

Mackay Cutters to travel to PNG to take on the Hunters

THE Absolute Enterprises Mackay Cutters will look to take their best game with them when they create history in Papua New Guinea this Saturday.

The defending Intrust Super Cup premiers were outplayed by last season's grand final opponents Easts Tigers in the opening round on the weekend, when new team PNG Hunters impressed with a win over Redcliffe Dolphins.

The Cutters will become the first Intrust Super Cup team to travel to the town of Kokopo on the island of New Britain in PNG's north-east corner for Saturday's match.

"Definitely, this is going to be a challenge," lock Dan Beasley said after watching the televised coverage of the Hunters winning their first match.

"We'll have to take our best game up there.

"They've got a lot of strength in their pack, they all seem to be big and strong."

Beasley came off the bench to inject some much-needed fire to the Cutters against Easts Tigers, and coach Kim Williams picked him out as the best on the night.

"There is no excuse for a loss like that," Beasley said.

"But it's the start of the season and we can bounce back from that one."

http://www.cqnews.com.au/

[DIEHARD]

Amazing scenes here at the airport as hundreds of people greet the Cutters upon arrival in PNG. The Cutters team bus received an escort to their beach resort with the roads and villages lined with well wishes. #PNGvMC

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1/1002662_836602876356317_1648209273_n.jpg

[DIEHARD]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/diehard2/cq5damweb12801280_zps8232913a.jpeg

Great pic from last week's game!

[DIEHARD]

Gallery from today's win over Mackay Cutters CLICK HERE (http://www.qrl.com.au/news/2014/03/08/gallery_png_v_cutters.html)

[DIEHARD]

Former Australian SAS soldiers will protect Mackay Cutters players and officials in PNG

FORMER Australian SAS soldiers will shadow the every move of Mackay Cutters players and Intrust Super Cup referees as the Queensland rugby league take an ultra-cautious plan for the debut game to be staged in Papua New Guinea today.

From the moment the Cutters and QRL officials hit the ground in Rabaul yesterday highly skilled security personnel were by their side to reduce the risks of staging a game in unfamiliar territory.

PNG might not have the greatest security record, but Rabaul and Kokopo are far safer travel destinations than the capital Port Moresby.

The QRL and PNG Hunters have mirrored the arrangements used by Australia’s Prime Minister’s XIII team when they play the Kumuls every year, with QRL Major Competitions General Manager Jamie O’Connor adamant player and official safety was paramount.

“From the minute they land to the minute they take off they will have 24-hour security with them,” O’Connor said.

“You’d rather overdo it and provide too much than to underdo it and kick ourselves if something happened.

“(The PNG Hunters) would rather go over the top and make sure we’ve got it right to make everybody, particularly initially, feel safe and secure and understand that when they come up here all they have to do is come up and focus on playing footy.

“You will be well looked after, you will be safe, you will enjoy your time no doubt about that, you might not get two points but you come up there and be well looked after and be sent home with some good memories.”

Among some of the logistical issues that have confronted the QRL in this PNG mission is organising a chartered flight direct to Rabaul, providing about 15 litres of bottled water per person, transport, first class beachside accommodation and visas.

It is a costly expensive exercise paid for entirely by the Hunters who cover all costs for visiting teams as part of the agreement for joining the competition.

With up to two million people expected to watch every Hunters game live on television, today marks the first home game of the year where more than 10,000 fans will pack the tiny stadium and search for any vantage point outside the ground to watch.

Tear gas and batons might be regular security measures at previous games in PNG, but that is more to control crowds outside the stadium than inside.

Still, referees and players are in for a unique experience of entering a small arena jam-packed with so much fanatical supporter against them.

Mackay coach Kim Williams said his men had spoken about the intimidating atmosphere, but would use the siege mentality that carried the team to last year’s premiership to help them feed off the energy.

“The last thing we need is guys going in feeling intimidated by it before we even get there,” Williams said.

“You can use the siege mentality, us versus them. It worked for us a bit last year when no-one was tipping us to win the comp. I might try and tap into that a bit.

“It’s an opportunity for all our guys to show some mental toughness.”

Getting two points today is the biggest challenge of all for the Cutters. The Hunters upset Redcliffe in Brisbane last week and many expect them to be far tougher to beat at home, with 10,000 fans on their side.
The Cutters must turn around from a deflating defeat to Easts.

“There were certainly some bruised egos (in our team) without a doubt and it was extremely disappointing last week and obviously we’re aiming to turn it around in a hurry,” Williams said.

“Skill wise I think (the Hunters) caught a few people by surprise. I certainly rate their two halves and their hooker. They have a very good spine.

“If we play somewhere near our best we’re sure we’ll be able to get over the top of them.”

Source: http://www.news.com.au

[DIEHARD]

ABSOLUTE ENTERPRISES MACKAY CUTTERS
PRESS RELEASE

10 March 2014

PNG Off Field Experiences

The 7th and 8th of March will forever be remembered by the young Absolute Mackay Cutters squad that travelled to Papua New Guinea as part of the Intrust Super Cup round two fixture.

Players boarded a charter flight in Mackay on Friday morning for Cairns. On clearing Customs they then reboarded the plane for the direct flight to Rabaul. Despite some ordinary weather on arrival, the spirits of the players lifted immediately as the hospitality and passion of the locals was on show from the very beginning. The touring party was greeted at the airport by traditional dancing and a group of more than a hundred locals who turned up for a glimpse of the team and a photo opportunity. The chance for a photo or video was not even passed in by the airport ground staff and customs officials who all had their phones at the ready as the group crossed the tarmac.

It quickly became evident that the police escort from the airport to the hotel was over kill as the locals lined the streets and stopped work to wave at the passing bus. Even the prison chain gangs who are used to clear bushland on the road sides (and who are seemingly loosely guarded) stopped work to wish the team well.

I was fortunate enough to make the trip from the airport in a private vehicle with Kevin (representative from the local team – Agmark Gurias) and his wife. We made a quick detour to the local school to pick up his kids. It was well worth the short stop as I hopped out and met with the school principal as we watched the kids playing while waiting to be picked up. Despite vastly different surroundings it was all very similar to what I experience when I pick my own son up from primary school.

We arrived at the Kokopo Beach Bungalows (KBB) at around 2:30pm and were ushered straight to lunch. The boys were very quick to comment on how the food and service was well above the usual standard. Donna and her staff at KBB catered for our every need. They could not do enough for us as a group and made us feel very welcome despite taking over most of the hotel. I definitely think our players will remember the people more than anything else.

At 4:15pm we again boarded our team bus for a training run and first look at Kalabond Oval. Our driver Lucas (former Kumul) was enthusiastic with his use of the horn and made it clear to locals that we had arrived and that he wanted right of way on the roads. Again the villagers lined the streets to greet the bus. Young children chased the bus up and down the street and as we neared the ground it did not stop once we were in the confines of Kalabond Oval. They simply climbed to stand on the fence or stood on the cross bar on the neighbouring field to get a look in.

On return it was dinner and for most a night watching the Broncos v Bulldogs game. With the rain continuing to fall it was hoped that there would be some relief for us to get out and about and to also dry out the already sodden playing surface.

A group of fifteen players made the trip on Saturday morning to the local markets. Locals meet in this central location to sell hand-made artefacts and fresh produce. The market vendors seemed to have little interest in selling us their product as long as we stopped for photos, handshakes or to simply say good morning. Some of the boys were keen to buy a Bilam Bag, a woven over the shoulder bag used by locals. Two unnamed players returned to the bus proud of their purchase. However, like in any local market around the world it pays to do your homework as on close inspection we found the ‘Made in China’ label.

It was an unusual preparation for game-day. Again, the hospitality of the staff at KBB was evident as they allowed us to take over the hotel function room and create a make shift dressing room. The bus trip to the ground was also unusual as we had to travel in full playing kit as there were no dressing shed facilities at Kalabond Oval. It was straight from the bus to the field for warm-up.

The final leg on our homeward journey was without fault. The staff at KBB graciously washed the boys boots and jersey’s to avoid issues with quarantine and the Customs officials and ground staff at Rabaul airport did not miss a final opportunity to get photos with the players.

Although we did not get the on field result we were after, the whole experience was extremely rewarding for our group. It would be fair to say that most players indicated it was the best life experience the game has given them.

The community of which we were a part of for a very short period of time was filled with friendly, beautiful people. They are very passionate and enthusiastic about life in general and fully appreciate the small things that we probably take for granted every day. On behalf of the Mackay Cutters I would like to sincerely thank all those that made it possible for us to have our young men experience what they did.

Glenn Ottaway
CEO Absolute Enterprises Mackay Cutters

[TITAN PETE]

Culture shock of footy in PNG

NRL.com
7:00am Tue 11th March, 2014



The Intrust Super Cup broke new ground last weekend when the PNG Hunters hosted their first game at Kalabond Oval in Kokopo.

They defeated the Mackay Cutters 24-16 to maintain their unbeaten start to the season and while they may have finished on the wrong side of the scoreboard, it was an experience those members of the Cutters who travelled will never forget.

Here, Mackay Cutters Executive Officer Glenn Ottaway takes us behind the scenes of how the Intrust Super Cup is being received in PNG and the reception other visiting teams to Kokopo can expect during the course of the season:

Despite some ordinary weather on arrival, the spirits of the players lifted immediately as the hospitality and passion of the locals was on show from the very beginning. The touring party was greeted at the airport by traditional dancing and a group of more than 100 locals who turned up for a glimpse of the team and a photo opportunity. The chance for a photo or video was not even passed in by the airport ground staff and customs officials who all had their phones at the ready as the group crossed the tarmac.

It quickly became evident that the police escort from the airport to the hotel was overkill as the locals lined the streets and stopped work to wave at the passing bus. Even the prison chain gangs who are used to clear bushland on the road sides (and who are seemingly loosely guarded) stopped work to wish the team well.

We arrived at the Kokopo Beach Bungalows (KBB) at around 2.30pm and were ushered straight to lunch. The boys were very quick to comment on how the food and service was well above the usual standard. Donna and her staff at KBB catered for our every need. They could not do enough for us and made us feel very welcome despite taking over most of the hotel. I definitely think our players will remember the people more than anything else.

A group of 15 players made the trip on Saturday morning to the local markets. The market vendors seemed to have little interest in selling us their product as long as we stopped for photos, handshakes or to simply say good morning. Some of the boys were keen to buy a Bilam bag, a woven over-the-shoulder bag used by locals. Two unnamed players returned to the bus proud of their purchase, however, like in any local market around the world, it pays to do your homework as on close inspection we found the ‘Made in China’ label.

It was an unusual preparation for game-day. Again, the hospitality of the staff at KBB was evident as they allowed us to take over the hotel function room and create a makeshift dressing room. The bus trip to the ground was also unusual as we had to travel in full playing kit as there were no dressing shed facilities at Kalabond Oval. It was straight from the bus to the field for warm-up.

Although we did not get the on-field result we were after, the whole experience was extremely rewarding for our group. It would be fair to say that most players indicated it was the best life experience the game has given them. The community of which we were a part of for a very short period of time was filled with friendly, beautiful people. They are very passionate and enthusiastic about life in general and fully appreciate the small things that we probably take for granted every day.

On behalf of the Mackay Cutters I would like to sincerely thank all those that made it possible for us to have our young men experience what they did.

[DIEHARD]

Steve Mascord reports on the PNG Hunters first game - CLICK HERE (http://stevemascord.com/2014/03/11/history-as-png-hunters-score-first-win/)

[DIEHARD]

http://www.blksport.com/Pro_Teams/SP_PNG_Hunters_.htm

[DIEHARD]

PNG HUNTERS HOME and AWAY jerseys for sale

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/diehard2/6424_11134_426_zpsf93c12c0.jpg

CLICK HERE (http://www.blksport.com/Pro_Teams/SP_PNG_Hunters_.htm)

[DIEHARD]

Another victory for the Hunters at home! 3 on the trot!

[DIEHARD]

46-14 to Hunters over Central Capras.

[DIEHARD]

SP PNG HUNTERS RELEASE REVISED HOME GAME TICKET PRICES

PNGRFL

The SP PNG Hunters Board & Management have reviewed the clubs home game ticket prices after the first two matches and have released revised prices for the remainder of the season.

Chairman Sandis Tsaka said while the Hunters appreciated the home game support they recognize the economic climate in the region and have taken steps for home games to be made more affordable to the public;

“It was difficult to asses after the first home game due to the weather at the time, however after the second home game and consultation with various people the club has taken the necessary steps to look after our fans in the region and fans travelling to games from outside ENB. We have a management team that meets weekly to discuss issues and come up with recommendations and suggestions to implement to continue to improve on our operation. This is part of good governance. As this is our first year, adjustments will be made during the course of the season on various things we do to constantly improve and continue to lift our professionalism both on and off the field.”

Tsaka said the weekend’s game was a massive one for the club:

“This Saturdays clash against the Northern Pride is 1 v 2 on the ladder so you can’t get any bigger than that. It’s a massive game for us against a team many consider to be the premiership favourites. We hope that supporters flock to the game on Saturday, fill the ground and give our boys the vocal support we need against the Northern Pride.”

REVISED HOME GAME PRICES – 2014 SP PNG HUNTERS INTRUST SUPER CUP SEASON

Outer Adult K15
Outer Child K5
Eastern Grandstand Adult K25 Eastern Grandstand Child K10
Main Grandstand K50
Main Premium Grandstand K75

[DIEHARD]

SP PNG HUNTERS MATCHES TO BE TELECAST ON EMTV

THE SP PNG Hunters and Digicel has confirmed that Saturdays top of the table clash against the Northern Pride will be telecast live on EMTV @ 2.30pm

PNGRFL CEO Brad Tassell said that full credit should be given to Digicel for providing the telecast to EMTV;

“Its fantastic that Digicel have provided the rights to telecast the match to EMTV this weekend and for the remainder of the season. Without Digicels investment in the rights to secure the telecast, fans across the nation would not get to see the Hunters play and they should be applauded for giving this gift to the people of PNG.

PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka also said:

“The PNGRFL and the SP PNG Hunters are very appreciative of Digicels efforts. We would also like to commend EMTV for recognizing the value of the telecast to fans across the country. I’m sure there will be a lot of happy people across the nation when they hear the news.”

Digicel Managing Director John Mangos said the network was dedicated to bringing not only SP PNG Hunters home games to viewers but also away games;

“From my understanding this has never been done in the Intrust Super Cup competition and is up there on par with the coverage NRL clubs enjoy. We have over 7 million fanatical fans in PNG who will; be glued to their television sets on Saturday and I thank EMTV for joining the party with us to get the coverage to as many fans as possible. Digicel are committed to the Hunters and the people of PNG and this is our way of saying thank you.”

“We are also working hard on initiatives such as live streaming and improving the quality of the broadcast. We believe the Hunters are the dawning of a new era in Rugby League in PNG and we are very happy to be a part of that as a foundation sponsor and telecast partner to the competition.”

The match will also be broadcast on Hitron channel 102 and Ch8 on Channel 21. Kick-off is at 2.30pm, with tickets available from Agmark Hardware in Kokopo or at the gate on game day.

[DIEHARD]

NRL CEO joins PM's business delegation to PNG

NRL CEO, Mr Dave Smith, said he was pleased to be joining Prime Minister Mr Tony Abbott’s business delegation to Papua New Guinea.

Mr Smith said the NRL is forging closer links with Papua New Guinea both on and off the field.

He said a PNG League team had been admitted to the Queenslan's Intrust Super Cup competition this year and was performing extremely well.

Mr Smith said the NRL had combined with the Australian Sports Commission and the PNG Department of Education for the League for Life program which helps young people improve their football and life skills.

“I am looking forward to seeing the way this program is using Rugby League to encourage young people to undertake education and improve their classroom skills,” Mr Smith said.

“The program encourages healthy lifestyles for boys and girls in PNG while boosting their physical, social, literacy and maths skills.”

Mr Smith said he would visit a primary school and a mission to see the program first-hand while in PNG.

Source: http://www.nrl.com

[DIEHARD]

Pride all business for PNG trip

It shapes as the greatest test of the Northern Pride to date in 2014 and coach Jason Demetriou insists his side won't be distracted by the exotic location of playing in Papua New Guinea until after they get the result they are after.

Heading into Round 4 of the Intrust Super Cup the Pride and PNG Hunters are two of just four undefeated teams with Norths Devils and South Logan also enjoying unblemished records to start the 2014 season.

The Pride were the first team to get a close-up look at the Hunters when they were defeated 26-18 in a trial at Cairns in February and Demetriou is determined to keep his players focused despite the novelty of an international trip for a game of footy.

"Obviously it's a different experience for the players in terms of going international instead of domestic flight but we're going to embrace the cultural experience but we're going there to do a job and that's our focus," Demetriou told NRL.com.

"We don't fly out until late Sunday afternoon and we play at 2 o'clock Saturday so by the time we leave this morning until after the game it's all about the game and then after that we'll worry about what the players want to do.

"It's a good time to go and good experience for the boys but it's a better experience if you get the result."

Having been given a sneak peek at the squad the Hunters had assembled before their first Intrust Super Cup competition game against Redcliffe, Demetriou is not surprised to see them occupying such a lofty position on the competition table.

This will be the Hunters' third game in a row at their home base in Kokopo and Demetriou believes if they can cope with a heavy travel schedule later in the season, they will be a dangerous proposition come finals time.

"They're a dangerous attacking footy side. If you sit back on them and let them play their broken-field runners are as good as any in the competition and they're showing that," said Demetriou, who guided the Pride to the minor premiership in 2013.

"They're scoring a lot of points and they're defending probably better than we expected. It's a big challenge for us going over there because we're not only going to have to match them in the physical side of things but we're going to have to match their speed as well.

"The travel is probably going to get to them at the back-end f the year but if they can stay in the top five with the passion that they play with and the support that they're getting, they'll be dangerous if they get into the playoffs."

In other Round 4 games defending premiers Mackay will be looking to post their first win when they host Wynnum Manly, Burleigh will be without hooker Matt Keating for their clash with in-form Ipswich, Souths Logan face a Tweed Heads bolstered by the inclusion of dumped Titan Maurice Blair, Redcliffe face a tough assignment to break their duck when they host Easts and Norths should have little trouble accounting for Sunshine Coast at Bishop Park.

Source: http://www.nrl.com

[DIEHARD]

PNG $1.55
Pride $2.45

For today's game. Go Hunters!

[DIEHARD]

I think we can watch Easts Tigers vs Hunters on http://tigertv.net/

A very impressive website.

[Smakked]

That website is better then any NRL teams website

[DIEHARD]

Hunters drew with Easts Tigers!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/x_ycBzTNLBU?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[DIEHARD]

Ipswich promo video for clash with Hunters

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/io1uMlZRngM?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[DIEHARD]

Hunters to stay on in Australia with short turn around

THE Papua New Guinea Hunters have maintained their usual practice of naming an extended squad of 20 to be reduced by two by travel time.

Hunters CEO Brad Tassell, pictured, said this was despite some slight adjustments in practice with the team to remain in Australia instead of returning home after this weekend’s Round 8 Queensland Cup game against the Sunshine Coast Falcons on Sunday.

The next two back-*to-*back away games are closer in turn around times and the Hunters management decided it was a more sensible option to keep the team in Australia for both games.

There are four days in between games and it has been decided that setting up camp temporarily in Australia would be a much better option to ease the strain of jet-*lag and interruptions forced by travelling.

Currently in sixth position on 9 points following last week’s 36-*26 victory Tweed Heads Seagulls, the Hunters’ next two games are crucial to catapult them back into the top bracket of the points table.

This Sunday they travel to play the Sunshine Coast Falcons at Stockland Park at 2pm, a game that the Hunters are taking very seriously. The game is the Channel 9 televised game of the week and will be shown live in PNG on Imparja, EMTV, Hitron and Channel 8.

The Hunters follow that up with a Friday Anzac Day game against the Burleigh Bears on April 25 at 3.30pm. Following those games is a bye, which is an automatic two points, so effectively the Hunters are guaranteed two points already.

As usual the Hunters will take away 18 players with one to be omitted before kick-*off.

Should there be a need for additional replacements after the Sunshine Coast match, measures would be taken to address that ahead of the Burleigh match on Anzac Day.

Hunters: 1. Adex Wera 2. Garry Lo 3. Thompson Teteh 4. Albert Patak 5. George Benson 6. Israel Eliab (c) 7. Roger Laka 8. Timothy Lomai 9. Wartovo Puara 10. Gonzela Urakusie 11. David Loko 12. Sebastian Pandia 13. Dion Aiye 14. Noel Zeming 15. Willie Minoga 16. Lawrence Tu’u 17. Brandy Peter 18. Adam Korave 19. Edward Goma 20. Esau Siune

http://www.thenational.com.pg

[DIEHARD]

SP Hunters v Sunshine Coast Falcons

CAPTAIN Israel Eliab is treating Sunshine Coast Falcons with plenty of respect despite the fact that Sunday’s opponent is languished at the bottom of the Intrust Super Cup points table.

Eliab, in second place behind Norths Devils Todd Murphy for the Courier Mail player of the year award, said the Hunters’ preparations for the Round Eight match has been focused on areas that have let them down in recent games.

“In this competition you cannot underestimate anybody, let alone a team that is sitting at the bottom of the points table,” Eliab said.

“Sometimes where a team sits on the table is not a true indication of their playing ability and every team is tough in this competition.”

He said coach Michael Marum has been reminding the team at training the whole week to shut that out of their minds because the last thing “we want to do is underestimate our opposition because that’s when complacency sets in ”.

And when that happens a team’s preparations can be affected as these factors can play up with the players’ minds and smart opposition revel in such conditions.

Eliab said the Falcons are coached by Ivan Henjak, a former Brisbane Broncos coach, whose NRL experience would give him plenty of insight into how to get the best possible preparation for his team.

The Falcons are also playing at home at Stockland Stadium in their first televised game so they will be and teams lift under conditions, which are mostly suited to them than the visitors.

“We have areas of our own that need fixing and improvement upon, that we need to focus on rather than worry about the opposition.”
Eliab knows he also needs another solid game this weekend to help the Hunters overcome the Falcons.

Both halves were outstanding in last weekends 36-26 win over Tweed Heads Seagulls with half Roger Laka taking out the on ground man of the match award and Eliab picking up the maximum 3 points from the match referee.

The match referees award points on a 3-2-1 basis which counts towards the Courier Mail award and Eliab’s all-round performance since the season opener has been impressive wit the Hunters Captain sitting in second spot.

[DIEHARD]

Hunters currently on nine. Go PNG!

[TITAN PETE]

I'm watching the match ball security seems to be the biggest problems for the Hunters

[DIEHARD]

AFL PNG get invite from Queensland comp

AFL PNG is on the verge of inclusion in the AFL Queensland competition.
In what will be an historical move for the Papua New Guinean Aussie rules, from 2016 onwards AFL PNG will have a team in the Queensland state competition.

This would be the second foray of a PNG side in an Australian competition with the PNG Hunters inclusion in the Queensland Cup being the first.

This was revealed at a media conference with AFL Queensland’s chief executive officer Michael Conlan.

Conlan’s visit to PNG was to hold talks with the AFL PNG and the national government through its Sports Ministry to broker a way for the state to assist in Queensland AFL plans. “We want to include a Papua New Guinea team in the QAFL restructure. This means that by 2016, PNG will host nine home games of the 18 matches of the competition in a home and away arrangement,” Conlan said.

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/68238

Friggin copy cats.

[DIEHARD]

Half time. SP PNG Hunters up 12 to 6 vs Capras

[DIEHARD]

David Loko good footwork near the line. Scores in the first 3 min. Conversion unsuccessful 16 to 6

[DIEHARD]

PNG HUnters on Sunday Footy Show

<script height="349px" width="620px" src="http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#pbid=fd5fc71d2bcc4b60a622cf8d3348d605&ec=4ya24xbjrg35m41j9vEizQaiLw8wg9OJ"></script>

[DIEHARD]

PNG Hunters, the sleeping giants of international rugby league
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/caBk-v8LkB4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[DIEHARD]

Hunters beat Souths 42 - 12

[DIEHARD]

PNG entertains in big wet

THE PNG Hunters scored a comprehensive 42-12 win over Souths Logan Magpies in their round 14 Intrust Super Cup clash at Kalabond, Kokopo, on Saturday.

When the skies opened up prior to kick off it seemed the heavy downpour was going to force both teams to struggle to score points due to the wet conditions.

However, the opposite unfolded as an avalanche of points became the order of the day for the Hunters, particularly in the second stanza, with winger Garry Lo picking up the man of the match award for his four tries.

The Hunters piled on eight tries to the Magpies’ two to centre Brenko Lee and Dallas Anderson, the second highest number of points the newcomers to the Queensland Rugby League competition have posted against opposing teams.

The highest is a 46-14 boilover against Central Queensland Capras in round 3 at the same venue.

At half-time the Hunters enjoyed a slim but handy 10-0 lead following tries to Lo and centre Noel Zemming, one of which was converted.

Then the floodgates started to slowly open in the second half with Lo starting the try-fest with his second and former winger turned second-rower George Benson crossing for his own contribution before Brenko put the visitors on the scoreboard with his effort.

At that stage the score was 18-4 and the Magpies stayed in the contest with powerful runs from their big forwards Patrick Mago, Sam Mataora, Zac Lamberg and equally big backs Ramon Filipine and Lee.

Halves Jack Ahearn and Rys Jacks and hooker Kurt Baptise continued with their scheming plays, probing for openings or trying to put their runners through the Hunters defence.

But the Hunters were ruthless in defence, continually repelling any ascendency the Magpies tried to build with their attacking raids.

“I was very happy with the performance especially our defence, which is an area we have been working very hard on in the last few weeks,” a jubilant Hunters coach Michael Marum said after the match.

Fullback Albert Patak didn’t share in the try spoils but his contribution with kick returns were quite impressive with winger Edward Goma not far behind with his efforts.

Interchange players Dion Aiye, Willie Minoga, Timothy Lomai and Lawrence Tu’u were equally effective when they came on with Marum rotating his players effectively in the slogging conditions.

“They were just having fun and enjoying it so much because they wanted to play and I found it hard taking them off,” Marum explained.

When Lo picked up his hat-trick after a mistake by the Magpies off a bomb to open up a sizeable 28-6 lead, the Hunters switched into entertainment mode.

Captain Isael Eliab got in on the act when he picked up a loose ball from a broken down Magpies play in the Hunters’ red zone, to score a length of the field runaway try.

Then Lo closed the try-fest entertainment in stylish fashion when he latched onto a no-look pass from Minoga after a great break on the left flanks, to send their rain-soaked fans home with great satisfaction that it was worth braving the atrocious conditions to witness an entertaining brand of Hunters football.

PNG HUNTERS 42 (Garry Lo 4, Noel Zemming, Israel Eliab, George Benson, Willie Minoga tries; Noel Zemming 5 goals) def SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES 12 (Brenko Lee, Dallas Anderson tries; Patrick Mago 2 goals) at Kalabond Oval, Kokopo.

Final teams

PNG Hunters: 1. Albert Patak 2. Garry Lo 3. Noel Zemming 4. Tiger Emere 5. Edward Goma 6. Israel Eliab (c) 7. Roger Laka 8. Joe Bruno 9. Wartovo Puara 10. Esau Siune 11. George Benson 12. David Loko 13. Adam Korave 14. Dion Aiye 15. Willie Minoga 16. Lawrence Tu'u 17. Timothy Lomai

Souths Logan Magpies: 1. Luke Archer 2. Ramon Filipine 3. Grant Cooke 4. Brenko Lee 5. Dallas Anderson 6. Jack Ahearn 7. Rhys Jacks 8. Luke Page 9. Kurt Baptiste 10. Sam Mataora 11. Andrew Edwards 12. Patrick Mago 13. Zac Lemberg 14. Mitch Cronin 15. Shane Duck 16. Rez Phillips 17. Darcy Wright

http://www.qrl.com.au/

[DIEHARD]

The teams will today play for the Stan Joyce Cup which will be an annual cup to commemorate the historic first ever match for the SP PNG Hunters against Redcliffe. The cup will be presented to the winning team at full time by the redcliffe Lord Mayor Allan Sutherland

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10345852_244624402404415_6156828519223429748_n.jpg

[DIEHARD]

Incredible. Israel eliab kicks the field goal to put the hunters up by one point. Short kickoff gathered by Garry lo to race 60 meters to score. Conversion successful. Hunters win 43 to 36

What a never say die effort. They were at one stage 18-0 down!!!

I got to see this match. Wow.

[DIEHARD]

Cutters ground PNG Hunters

A hard onslaught was expected for the Cutters this week as the PNG Hunters headed to Stadium Mackay for the very first time.

The wet weather forced both sides to gruel through the mud and rain, with the Cutters aiming to climb out of their third last position in the Intrust Super Cup.

Despite the determination of Mackay, the Hunters were not about to sacrifice their reputation without a fight. Putting immense pressure on their opponents, the physical size and power of PNG's front liners – Sebastian Pandia, Wartovo Puara and Esau Siune – easily matched that of the Cutters front three of Sam Hoare, Anthony Mitchell and Karl Davies.

With physical strength looking equal, it was the Cutters ability to out-think their opponents that resulted in their roaring 20- 4 victory.

Stepping off the plane just two hours before the game was due to start, the PNG Hunters had to take this disadvantage in their stride.

Only three minutes into the first half however, their winger Garry Lo limped off the field, a shaky beginning for a team that usually powers off the start line. Fifteen minutes later, the Hunters lost Pandia to injury.

The rest of the half only went further downhill for PNG, with Cutters winger and captain Liam Taylor scoring the first four pointer of the game after being on the end of swift offloads from Chris Gesch and Doug Hewitt.

Wrapping up the first half for the Cutters, Mitch Day slipped through the gap scoring another four pointer for the defending premiers to lead 10- at the break.

The second half went off with a bang with both sides showing even more brutality than the first half. The Cutters proved they were on their game with Taylor scoring his second try of the match out wide. The score sat at 14-0 with just half an hour of play left.

Determined not to leave without making a mark on the scoreboard, Hunter George Benson was able to force his way through Mackay's seemingly rock solid defence, scoring with 16 minutes left in the game - but this would not be the last try of the night.

Four minutes remained on the clock when the Cutters truly claimed the victory. Mackay's hooker Anthony Mitchell scored out of dummy half, diving beneath the goalposts and leaving the final score at 20-4.

Cutters Coach Kim Williams was impressed with his team's defensive effort.

"It was one of the best defensive efforts I've seen in my time here. Most teams play the Hunters and expect to come out second best in the physical side of it, but I think we muscled up and dominated them very strongly," Williams said.

The PNG Hunters Coach Michael Marum was disappointed with the loss but thought Mackay's win was well deserved.

"We lost three or four players in the first half, which I think changed the game around, our guys still defended well though, but full credit to the Cutters," Marum said.

MACKAY CUTTERS 20 (Liam Taylor 2, Anthony Mitchell, Mitch Day tries; Liam Taylor 2 goals) def PNG HUNTERS 4 (George Benson try) at Stadium Mackay.

Final teams

Mackay Cutters: 1. Zac Santo 2. Liam Taylor (c) 3. Curtis Rona 4. Josh Benjamin 5. Justin Tavae 6. Doug Hewitt 7. Brent Warr 8. Sam Hoare 9. Anthony Mitchell 10. Karl Davies 11. Rohan Ahern 12. Chris Gesch 13. Jason Schirnack 14. Kelvin Nielsen 15. John Asiata 16. Josh Osborne 17. Mitch Day

PNG Hunters: 1. Adex Wera 2. Garry Lo 3. Noel Zemming 4. Thompson Teteh 5. Edward Goma 6. Israel Eliab (c) 7. Roger Laka 8. Sebastian Pandia 9. Wartovo Puara 10. Esau Siune 11. George Benson 12. David Loko 13. Adam Korave 14. Timothy Lomai 15. Willie Minoga 16. Lawrence Tu'u 17. Brandy Peter

http://www.qrl.com.au/

[DIEHARD]

Rd15 Highlights - PNG v Dolphins

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[DIEHARD]

Northern Pride v PNG Hunters at Barlow Park on Sunday, June 29 - 2pm* (Live on Channel 9/ NBN / WIN)

Northern Pride

1. Hezron Murgha 22. Kyle Feldt 3. Davin Crampton 4. Javid Bowen 5. Semi Tadulala 6. Shaun Nona 7. Sam Obst 8. Ben Spina 9. Jason Roos (c) 10. Alex Starmer 11. Blake Leary 12. Tyrone McCarthy 13. Jack Svendsen 14. Ryan Ghietti 15. Ricky Thorby 16. Sheldon Powe-Hobbs 21. Latu Fifita 17. Tom Hancock 2. Justin Castellaro

Coach: Jason Demetriou

PNG Hunters

1. Adex Wera 2. Garry Lo 3. Noel Zemming 4. Israel Eliab (c) 5. Edward Goma 6. Dion Aiye 7. Roger Laka 8. Willie Minoga 9. Wartovo Puara 10. Esau Siune 11. George Benson 12. David Loko 13. Adam Korave 14. Lawrence Tu'u 15. Buiku Tiger Emere 16. Sebastian Pandia 17. Jason Tali 18. Brandy Peter

Coach: Michael Marum

Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PRIDEvPNG

[Titanic]

Their 9 Wartovo Puara Jnr has NRL written all over him.

[Mexican titan]

Heard on 4BC driving home early this evening that they are expecting a record crowd in Cairns this weekend.

[DIEHARD]

PNG sneaks home with field goal

THE PNG Hunters have returned to the winners circle following a hard-fought 25-24 victory over the Sunshine Coast Falcons at Kalabond Oval, Kokopo, yesterday.

It was a decisive field goal from captain Israel Eliab – his second of the season – with just under two minutes left on the game clock to break the deadlock and the hearts of the Falcons in their Round 20 clash.

The Hunters put an 18-6 lead on the Falcons in the first half which was reduced to 18-12 at half-time.

Captain Eliab, who took over the kicking duties slotted all four goals and played an important role in the Adex Wera try by throwing the last pass when he turned the ball inside to send his winger racing away for a 40m try.

Then he broke the stalemate with his field goal following an earlier unsuccessful attempt by five-eighth Dion Aiye to put the smiles back on the faces of their many passionate fans.

Aiye scored one of the four Hunters tries while centre Jason Tali, recently drafted into the squad, proved he is cut out for this level of Australia’s second-tier competition with a double.

The victory put the Hunters back to the winners’ list after dropping their last four games and keeps them in touch for a top five spot as they move to 23 points on the Intrust Super Cup points table.

The Falcons also scored four tries following on from last week’s 26-24 upset win over the Redcliffe Dolphins.

Tries to fullback Sam Wright, winger Paul McKewin, second rower Rueben Baillie and interchange player Jay Lobwein, and three goals from captain Ryan Hansen and another two points from five-eighth Brett Doherty, almost gave the Falcons a drawn match.

The Hunters now have three matches in a row at Kalabond Stadium and are certain to gain much needed confidence from the win as they head into next Saturday’s important match against the Burleigh Bears.

PNG HUNTERS 25 (Jason Tali 2, Adex Wera, Dion Aiye tries; Israel Eliab 4 goals; Israel Eliab field goal) def SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS 24 (Sam Wright, Paul McKewin, Rueben Baillie, Jay Lobwein tries; Ryan Hansen 3, Brett Doherty goals) at Kalabond Oval, Kokopo.

Final teams

PNG Hunters: 1. Israel Eliab (c) 2. Garry Lo 3. Thompson Teteh 4. Jason Tali 5. Adex Wera 6. Dion Aiye 7. Roger Laka 8. Timothy Lomai 9. Wartovo Puara 10. Esau Siune 11. David Loko 12. Sebastian Pandia 13. Adam Korave 14. Noel Zemming 15. Willie Minoga 16. Albert Patak 17. Stanton Albert

Sunshine Coast Falcons: 1. Sam Wright 2. Joe Meninga 3. Rowan Klein 4. Callum Klein 5. Paul McKewin 6. Brett Doherty 7. Tom Murphy 8. Mboya Adams 9. Matt Gilliman 10. Ryan Hansen (c) 11. Jaz Nahu-Main 12. Rueben Baillie 13. Jacob Samoa 14. Jay Lobwein 15. James Leavai 16. Kyle Van Klaveren 17. Mitch Ebdon

Source: http://www.qrl.com.au

[DIEHARD]

Rd 23 Highlights: Hunters v Jets

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[DIEHARD]

PNG Hunters v Ipswich Jets at Kalabond Oval, Kokopo on Saturday, August 9 - 2.30pm

PNG HUNTERS 40 (Jason Tali 3, Garry Lo, Adex Wera, Wartovo Puara, Willie Minoga tries; Noel Zemming 5, Israel Eliab goals) def IPSWICH JETS 22 (Brendon Marshall 2, Marmin Barba 2 tries; Marmin Barba 3 goals) at Kalabond Oval, Kokopo.

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[DIEHARD]

Noel Zemming became the first ever PNG Hunters player to pass 100 points scored in a season – and he did it mostly coming of the bench. He scored 9 Tries and kicked 50 Conversions for a total of 136 For the season.

Garry Lo in his first season in the Intrust Super Cup took out the competitions top try scorer of the year award with 25 tries for the season, which included a 4 try haul against Souths Logan and the Northern Pride

The SP PNG Hunters had a winning season missing out on the final 5 by 1 point. The club had 14 wins, 1 draw, 2 byes and 9 losses.

The Hunters only lost 2 games at home all year – to Minor Premiers the Northern Pride and second placed Easts Tigers.

The only team the SP PNG hunters have not beaten in a regular season game is the Northern Pride (2 losses) & Easts Tigers (1 loss and 1 draw)

The Highest winning margin for the Hunters this year was 44 points against the Burleigh Bears in Round 21 at Kokopo

The most points scored in a game by the Hunters was 56 points against the Burleigh Bears in Round 21 at Kokopo

The Hunters were the 4th Highest point scoring team of the competition amassing 648 points at an average of 27 points scored per match.

The club in its first season has been nominated for a host of competition awards including:
Coach of the Year – Michael Marum
Top Try Scorer of the Year – Garry Lo
Rookie of the Year – Garry Lo
Player of the Year – Israel Eliab
People Choice Player of the Year – Willie Minoga

The club had two (2) players signed to NRL contracts in 2014 – Wellington Albert & Mark Mexico

The SP PNG Hunters travel the furtherest of any team in the competition clocking up 81,746 km per person during the season or a combined total of 1,961,904 km in total team travel this year.

The Hunters are the ONLY club whose players are full time professionals and live together in camp full-time

Roger Laka is the ONLY Hunters player to have played in every match for the club this year

The Hunters played the entire season with ONLY a 23 man roster – an incredible feat considering most clubs will use between 28 to 35 players in a season.

The Hunters are the cleanest playing team in the competition with only 2 players suspended this year Timothy Lomai (twice) & Dion Aiye (once)

The SP PNG Hunters are the ONLY team where all home and away matches during the season are televised nationally on free to air. In fact the Hunters and the NRL are the ONLY teams that have ALL home and away games televised nationally on free to air television in PNG, however the Hunters have a wider coverage through EMTV, Hitron and Channel 8 so we are unique in the world of rugby league.

[DIEHARD]

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Maroons coach Mal Meninga reflects on the glory days of the Brisbane Rugby League and shares his thoughts on the current Intrust Super Cup competition, which culminates with the grand final on Sunday, September 28.

The premiership decider will cap off a sizzling month of finals footy.

Fans will have ’20 Good Reasons’ to be at Suncorp Stadium with acclaimed Australian band Thirsty Merc to fire up the entertainment.

Grand Final details; tickets, kick off times

[DIEHARD]

Can't wait to see what becomes of the Hunters after a season in the comp.

See what they have learnt and go into a second pre-season.

[DIEHARD]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pMyEiE6owRM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
SP Hunters 2015 Let the hunt begin

[DIEHARD]

Hunters' inclusion shaping a nation

Their expansive, no-holds-barred style of play lit up the Intrust Super Cup in 2014 but the inclusion of the PNG Hunters into Queensland Rugby League's premier competition is having its greatest influence back home.

The addition of the Hunters for the first time last season not only gave the Intrust Super Cup a new flavour that was feverishly feasted upon by thousands of footy fans at Queensland grounds and those watching on Channel Nine but gave Papua New Guinea's national sport a previously unimagined pathway to the big time.

The Hunters will open their second Intrust Super Cup campaign against Souths Logan at Davies Park on Sunday with Round 1 to be highlighted by the grand final rematch between Easts and the Northern Pride and the debut of the Townsville Blackhawks at home against Mackay.

In their inaugural season in 2014 the Hunters won 14 of their 24 games and missed out on a finals berth by a single competition point but the QRL's head of competitions, Jamie O'Connor, says their impact has been felt greatest in PNG.

O'Connor was one of the key figures from the QRL in ensuring the inclusion of a team from PNG went from dream to reality and said the greatest satisfaction he has drawn ahead of their second season is how it is impacting youth in PNG.

O'Connor's first foray into the possibility of a Hunters team came in May 2013 and said to return to Kokopo in March last year for the team's first home game at Kalabond Oval was a moment of great satisfaction.

"The first emotion for me was that I was extremely proud," O'Connor told NRL.com.

"There had been a lot of people internally (at the QRL) and in PNG who had worked really, really hard to get to the point where we could have a game over there so first and foremost I was extremely proud to know that we had been involved and to know we were making a huge difference to an entire country to be honest.

"It was an opportunity for us to give the people of PNG access to a level of football that would see their whole national program from kids to Kumuls advance. They saw it as vital to their Kumuls program and the development of that but also vitally important to their junior and schools programs.

"It gives kids all across the country that vision that they can push through a junior or school program, come into the talent ID programs of the Hunters and the Kumuls and gives them access to be able to progress.

"It goes into social welfare as well and giving the people of PNG something to look forward to on a week-to-week basis from a rugby league perspective."

NRL legend Scott Sattler is a member of the Channel Nine commentary team that broadcasts the Intrust Super Cup match of the round every Sunday throughout Queensland and said their inclusion was "a breath of fresh air".

The Hunters' clash with the Bears in Burleigh on Anzac Day was one of the great rugby league experiences of 2014 and Sattler said it was an atmosphere that followed them everywhere they went.

"It's a festival. The crowd brought a carnival-type atmosphere to whatever ground it was," said Sattler.

"Even the dullest game, it makes the game more exciting when you've got that atmosphere in the stands and you talk to some of the players that played in some of those days when they had the bigger crowds and it was one of the highlights in their short careers to play in front of such a patriotic crowd.

"The amount of support that the Hunters generated, not only by their own countrymen and families but rugby league purists who wanted to come along and see how rugby league used to be played, which was free and easy, was fantastic.

"I think Channel Nine should cover a game [in PNG] so people in Australia can also experience on the screen what it's like over there in regards to their patriotic support of their team.

"I've been over there for a couple of charity matches and I was blown away by the people and how much the game is a religion over there."

The Hunters' first game of the 2015 season is against Souths Logan in Brisbane and will host Redcliffe in Round 2 in Kokopo.

The Hunters will continue to play their home games at Kokopo through until after the completion of the South Pacific Games in Port Moresby on July 18 at which point O'Connor is hopeful they will move to the nation's capital.

"Whether we get to Moresby before July or not I'm not too sure but if things work out with the South Pacific Games and the Hunters get access to those stadiums post South Pacific Games then we would expect that Moresby would host games at some point this year," O'Connor said.

http://www.qrl.com.au/news/2015/03/03/hunters_inclusion_sh.html

[Titanic]

I wonder if they'll change the name of Port Moresby Rugby League's venue from Lloyd Robson Oval after the renovations? For those who don't know, Lloyd Robson was the original groundsman at the Boroko field when it was opened. A lovely unassuming bloke who was humbled by such an honour. He retired to his home town of Toowoomba.

Forgot to add that the field opened in the late 50's after they had originally played at the 'triangle' near the Aviat Club at Konedobu starting in '49 where Sir Hubert Murray Stadium is now. My dad who flew fighters out of there during WW2 said he played on the old airfield in between flying missions just about where the current airport is.

[DIEHARD]

PNG HUNTERS MATCH TO TEST PACIFIC GAMES VENUE
http://news.pngfacts.com/

The Intrust Super Cup round 14 match between PNG Hunters and Souths Logan Magpies on June 14 will be played at Pacific Games Venue (Sir John Guise Stadium) in Port Moresby. The match is scheduled to test the venue before the Pacific Games begin in July.

A large crowd well over 20,000 is expected to watch this game.

The Hunters are on high flying note after their consecutive five wins in a row. In last week's game, they held off the competition leaders Mendi Townsville Blackhawks by beating them 22 - 16 .

They have a bye this week and will take on second placed Ipswich Jets in round 13 at the Kalabond oval next week.

In round 14, the Hunters will host Souths Logan Magpies at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby.

[DIEHARD]

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