PNG Hunters in Queensland Cup

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Great pic from last week's game!

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Gallery from today's win over Mackay Cutters CLICK HERE

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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

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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

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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.

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Steve Mascord reports on the PNG Hunters first game - CLICK HERE

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

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PNG HUNTERS HOME and AWAY jerseys for sale



CLICK HERE

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

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46-14 to Hunters over Central Capras.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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PNG $1.55
Pride $2.45

For today's game. Go Hunters!