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SP PNG Hunters Ready for Round Six

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SP PNG Hunters

After five rounds the SP PNG Hunters are two from two and a bye, this puts them at 10th spot on the Hotplus Cup Ladder.

The Hunters have only two wins at home, with two loses away in Queensland Australia, they have the opportunity to keep the wining streak going at home, but it wont be easy this weekend in round 6 of the Hotplus Cup.

The Hunters face the Redcliff Dolphins at the Santos National Football Stadium on Saturday the 20th of March 2024.

The Dolphins have been on a roll with a four from one record placing them on 2nd place after 5 rounds.

The Hunters poor defense and discipline has been a concern, but Coach Paul Aiton says the team is looking to keep a clean record at home.

The Hunters were hard at training this week perfecting their techniques in defense, Aiton said it was all about mindset for the team to get themselves in order.

“We have a good tackling technique we worked on it at preseason, we haven’t been disciplined on our technique.

“We have reduced our penalty count every week, the technique is alright I think it is all about mindset, As Coach Enock Maki says defense is about effort I think it is all about our effort,” Aiton said.

Saturday will also see the return of Jamie Mavoko who replaces Sakias Komati, Mavoko has been nursing an injury and as an experienced half-back is a welcome addition to the team, Valentine Richard and Robert Mathias both make their return to the side also.

For the Hunters that are not in the team this week, those that are signed to Digicel ExxonMobil Cup teams will play for their respective clubs.

But Paul Aiton says there are a couple of injuries that players are nursing and not all players are expected to play in the Digicel Cup, he added that priority should be the Hunters and not all players will be allowed to play in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup.

“We are very selective and cant let everyone play, even though we want them to get match fitness, because its the best fitness you can get, we got to be very selective on who gets to play.

“We would like for them all to go back and play to get match fitness on timing and defense but its quite risky, we have to hold back on some players,” Aiton said

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Hunters Win in Round 3

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Hunters Round 3

Robert Mathias and Valentine Richard stood out for the SP PNG Hunters, in the team’s 22 to 10 victory over the Sunshine Coast Falcons at the Santos National Football Stadium.

The Duo scored a try each in the round three fixture of the 2024 Hotplus Cup season. Robert Mathias even helped to set up a try to Clent Lama after he made the initial break that led to the try. The Hunters didn’t have the services of Valentine and Robert last week. The two are still having issues with their Visas and are not able to travel to Australia. Possibly miss more away games before the issues are sorted.

Hunters Coach Paul Aiton did admit that the duo was missed during the second-round loss to the Capras in Central Queensland last weekend. But added that there are players who are capable of filling the spots of the two players.

“Valentine Richard is a Kumul and Robert Mathias is impressive. It was a very big loss for us last week without them in the team. But their not being in the team allows us to put in other players that can fill in their spots, and them missing the away games is going to happen again because of their Visas not being granted,” Aiton said.

Paul Aiton did not specify what the reason was for the duo’s visa troubles. Adding that it was not serious but it was a matter of the two players sorting themselves out. Confirming it was a personal issue and would be sorted out eventually.

The match against the Falcons started off slow for both teams. The Hunters suffering a sin bin in the 6th minute to winger Solo Wane.

The Hunters and Falcons played in overcast conditions. It was suitable for a great day of rugby league, but the crowds were kept disappointed by the home side. Countless errors especially poor ball security plagued the Hunters. The Falcons were also victims of poor ball handling, causing a meager flow in the opening exchanges of the half.

The Falcons had an opportunity to get an early two-point lead but were left disappointed when half-back Cody Hunter failed to convert the penalty conversion.

Hunters were camped in the Falcon’s half and finally cracked their defense in the 25th minute. A simply set play leading to a string of passes found fullback Sonny Wabo on the sidelines. Wabo giving an inside ball to Winger Brendon Nima to crash over for the Hunters first try.

A successful conversion by Clent Lama took the Hunters to a 6-0 lead. The Falcons responded with a try 4 minutes later. A cross-field bomb by halfback Cody Hunter from the left side of the field to the right, was caught in mid-air by the Falcons second rower Thallon Peters, who then scored the Falcons opening try.

Falcons Zacariah Miles missed the Conversion to trail 6-4 in favor of the Hunters, the scores remained 6-4 at halftime.

The Falcons scored first in the second half. A converted try to Falcons Kane Jackson pushing the visitors to a 10-6 lead.

But the Hunters managed to get themselves back in the game. A late surge in the final 20 minutes set in motion three tries for the classy win. Clent Lama crossed over in the 65th minute, followed by Robert Mathias in the 75th minute. Finally the win was sealed by Valentine Richard who muscled his way onto the try line in the 78th minute, ending the match 22 points to 10 for a Hunters second win on home soil.

Coach Aiton was happy with the result. Despite a slow start the team managed to turn things around in the final 20 minutes to surge home for the big win.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/glare-talin-and-kai-to-debut-for-hunters/

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Glare, Talin and Kai to Debut for Hunters

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Three to Debut

Three players will make their SP PNG Hunters debut on Saturday. This is after a thrilling win on home soil last weekend. The Hunters will travel to Browne Park, Rockhampton for round two of the 2024 Hotplus Cup, where they will take on the Central Queensland Capras on Saturday the 16th of March.

The PNG Hunters off the field share a bond with the Capras. But friendships aside, Paul Aitons men are determined to secure the valuable 2 points on offer.

“I got a good relationship with the Coach down at the Capras. We get on really well. We also had our video sessions and kind of predicted what they would do. I think for us we just play how we want to play. I’m comfortable with the team we have. The boys, they can score anywhere.” Aiton said.

The Hunters beat the Wynnum Manly Seagulls 36 Points to 22 in round one last weekend. But despite the win, Coach Aiton sees that there is more room for improvement.

It was a 14 point win but the Hunters were scrappy in patches of the match. With a total of 23 missed tackles and 12 errors, the team also gave away 13 penalties, to the Seagulls who gave the Hunters only 5.

Aiton said consistency is important. He added that despite the team being gifted with try scorers they still needed to get the little things right, and discipline was important.

“There was a high completion rate between the two teams. It’s not always good for us despite the win. We gave away a lot of penalties. First half of the season we focus on completing our sets and discipline,” Aiton said.

The Hunters are forced to drop two players due to Visa issues. Robert Mathias and Valentine Richard, will have to stay back in PNG while their Visa issues get sorted out before they are able to travel to Australia.

“Valentine Richard and Robert Mathias are unable to fly. So Junior Talin will step in for Robert and we have Manase Kai takes over Valentines spot. Tapia Solu was charged with a crusher tackle but we took an early plea so he will be out for a week only. So Finlay Glare will also make his debut. So in all three players will make their debut in tomorrows match,” Aiton said.

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Rugby League

Women’s Rugby Sports Development

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Womens Rugby League

Australia has announced more support for Papua New Guinea’s Women’s rugby league development through an investment of a $9.7 million.

Belinda Gwasamun a rugby player with PNG Orchids said she was privileged to travel and play in Australia and at a World Cup and had more dedicated consistency to the high-performance training through similar development program.

“I am excited to see more female athletes playing rugby league and to have more opportunities and exposure
through the support of our own domestic national competition. This is the way forward for the Orchids to be more competitive at the international level,” said Gwasamun.

PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina signs a document as Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea John Feakes looks on.

PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina said the investment is welcoming for the enhancement Women’s rugby league development in country.

“The last two years have started the phase for long term improvement in the game in PNG. Our female game is in its initial professional competition stage, and we are looking forward to getting it off the ground for the first time,” said Hondina.

The Australian support will see the establishment of a national women’s competition in PNG and support towards a women’s talent identification program.

The partnership expands to building the capacity and credentials of PNG Rugby League coaches, support staff and administrators, benefitting both the women’s and men’s game.

Australian High Commissioner to PNG John Feakes said Australia remains committed to promoting greater inclusion of women and girls in sport.

“Women’s rugby league in PNG has come a long way in a few short years. PNG Orchids’ debut performance in the 2017 World Cup and PNG now establishing a women’s national competition shows that barriers to gender equality are being broken down. I am excited to see where the game goes in PNG, there is so much
untapped potential in this country,” Feakes said.

“The QRL prides itself on being an experienced and responsible steward of the game in Queensland and we’re happy to share our knowledge and expertise with trusted partners,” said Ikin.

QRL Chief Executive officer Ben Ikin said it’s a privilege to partner with the Australian Government, PNGRFL and the PNG Hunters to help support the growth of rugby league in PNG.

L-R QRL CEO Ben Ikin, PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina and Australian High Commissioner to PNG John Feakes.

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SP PNG Hunters Ready for Season Opener

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Hunters Season Opener

Its crunch time again for the SP PNG Hunters, the 2024 Hotplus Cup season opener for the Hunters is on Saturday the 9th of March at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

The Hunters with Head Coach Paul Aiton said they had a grueling and eventful preseason, the team named their final 30 men squad last week, the team had two trial matches against the Ipswitch Jets and the Central Queensland Capras, this ensured the team had ample time to work on possible combinations and structures for their season opener.

Ila Alu remains the captain of the team as he looks forward for his 7th season with the club since joining in 2018.

Coach Paul Aiton said Ila Alu continues to prove his leadership prowess on and off the field.

“Ila is the most consistent player in training and a leader outside of the game as well,” Aiton remarked

Hunters finished 10th in 2023 wining just nine and losing 10 matches, the team hasn’t been in the finals since 2017 the year of their maiden premiership win.

Captain Ila Alu says since joining the team in 2018 the level of football in the Hotplus Cup has greatly evolved, and with the addition of Paul Aiton as Head Coach their focus is on consistency in defense and attack.

“The finals are a long stretch away, Coach has bought in a lot of new ideas that fit into our game style, we know we can tackle hard and run hard, but there are some components that we have worked on especially for efficiency for longer periods in attack and defense.

“The game has evolved, especially the speed and technicality, if we can implement what we worked hard for in preseason, we can start off well in our hunt, the finals are a long way away, and we take each game as it comes and work towards the best outcome,” Alu said

Coach Paul Aiton started off with 50 plus players during preseason, among those players were promising talent from the Junior Kumuls that proved their worth against the Australian School Boys side during the Prime Ministers 13 weekend, three players from that side made the final cut for the 2024 Hunters side, Bruce Bawase, Finlay Glare and Gairo Voro, the three were standouts during preseason and Aiton at first didn’t think he would select these players for the final side but, they impressed him and wholeheartedly earned their spot in the team.

“I know these three are talented, they share similar qualities that the current players have and this can push these players as well to improve, I didn’t think I would select these players at the start of preseason but their efforts and humility was impressive and overall they are just great people”, Aiton said

Ila Alu was also impressed with the three young players, he said it was a tough competition among players during preseason, and it really pushed all the current contracted players to fight for their place in the side as well.

“Its good to have the young players coming in at preseason, they push us hard during preseason, its great to have competition amongst us players, these young players are talented and eager to learn, they have earned the trust of the majority,” Alu said

The Hunters have also involved former players in the side, with Wartovo Puara Junior and Enock Maki as assistant Coaches and Butler Morris as a trainer in the team as well.

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PNG Kumuls are Pacific Championship Bowl Champions

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Kumuls Win Final

The PNG Kumuls have done it, they are the Bowl Champions in the Pacific Championship.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo was there to witness the triumph of the Kumuls. He along with the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape watched closely as the Kumuls redeemed themselves of last weeks flogging.

Picture by NRL

The presence of CEO Andrew Abdo being here is a positive for PNG’s NRL Bid.

Picture by NRL

PNG Kumuls

Picture by NRL

PNG managed a 32 points to 12 Victory over the Fiji Bati side.

PNG managed five tries in total to redeem themselves of last weeks devastating loss to Fiji Bati.

Edwin Ipape was awarded the man of the match. He made a complete turn around from last weeks performance for the Kumuls.

Robert Derby the 21 year old Kumuls winger also grabbed a double, two tries as PNG leaped into the lead at 26-0 at halftime.

Fiji came back in the second half determined to score. They did score two tries but PNG managed to defend their try line for majority of the match with Epel Kapinias scoring the only try in the second half to close the score 32 points to 12.

Kumuls Coach Justin Holbrook was impressed with the turnaround from the Kumuls and it showed the passion from the side.

Picture by NRL

Big Dan Russell taking a hit up as Fiji Bati’s Kurt Donoghoe attempts the tackle.

“Obviously we did a good job early in the match. We turned them back and managed to score big in the first half. We conceded in the seconded half but we hung in there quite a bit in the second half and we managed to win,” Holbrook said

PNG Kumuls Captain Kyle Laybutt raises the Pacific Championship Bowl as PNG Prime Minister James Marape looks on.
(Picture by NRL)

The Captain of the Kumuls, Kyle Laybutt, was also impressed with the team.

“Extremely happy for the boys we turned it around from last week to this week a massive improvement,” Kyle Laybutt said.

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Putt, Horne and Rop Back Against Fiji Bati

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Kumuls Final

PNG Kumuls Coach Justin Holbrook has picked his strongest side to take on the Fiji Bati in the Pacific Championship Bowl final.

Holbrook is looking for aggression and versatility off the bench. Opting to bring back Nixon Putt, Liam Horne and Junior Rop back into the side.

“Junior Rop is strong and aggressive, Nixon Putt has a tireless work rate and Liam Horne has the versatility. And he can gain meters up the ruck and is also great at lock,” Holbrook said

Holbrook said he wasn’t at all disappointed with individuals in the team. But these three deserved their spot in the final side.

“I wanted to give everyone a game. Especially to the guys that came down from England. I have been impressed by Nixon Putt, Junior Rop and Liam Horne. [I} wasn’t really unhappy with any individual performance, I was just unhappy with how collectively the team played. But these players, they deserve a call up. They were pretty good in the games they played in,” Holbrook said.

PNG Kumuls Coach Justin Holbrook admitted that the team needs to discipline themselves in defense. One area of concern was PNG allowing Fiji to pick up speed off the ruck.

Edwin Ipape was poised to be a game changer for the Kumuls but it turned out to be quite different. The Coach said Ipape needed to familiarize himself with conditions and hopes this week he can make a difference.

“Edwin needed a run to be honest. He didn’t play for a month and he was on the other side of the world in different conditions, and Fiji didn’t give us any real opportunity.

“We have had a look at the video. And we have a number of areas we have to work on and improve on them and execute them this weekend,” Holbrook said.

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Kumuls have Second Chance

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Kumuls Second Chance

The PNG Kumuls have a second chance to make good on their mistakes against the Fiji Bati.

This Sunday the 5th of November will see the final of the Pacific Championship Bowl Challenge between PNG and Fiji.

It was a wake up call for the PNG Kumuls after a dismal performance against Fiji Bati, a 43 points to 16 flogging, a seven tries to three victory over the home side as PNG fans were left devastated.

Kumuls Coach Justin Holbrook had nothing much to say but apologised to fans that turned up in droves.

A crowd of 14,300 plus filled the stadium but as the game progressed it was the Fijians in the crowd that were in a frenzy with blue flags flying high amongst the crowd.

The Kumuls fans even started leaving with 20 minutes to go before full time.

On the field it was a team in turmoil with the Kumuls on the back foot with the Fijians hightailing it up the middle. The fast play off the ruck proved too quick for PNG as they struggled to keep up with the Fijians pace.

Despite the Fijians surge up the middle, Kumuls lock forward Jack Dibelin was a machine in defense.

Judah Rimbu offered a spark of flare in the last 30minutes when he came on even setting up a try for Epel Kapinias.

There was no one to be blamed but themselves and the Kumuls learnt that the hard way. Fiji were better prepared with Captain Tui Kamikamica praising the teams effort during the week.

He said they were focused on controlling the game off the ruck and managed to subdue the PNG attack and keep them on the back foot.

Fiji Coach Waisake Kativerata says he knows what the team is capable of and the Fiji Bati side is a wealth of talent. The Coach pointed out that with a combination of skill, natural born talent and hard work, they have a strong side that will make sure they give their best in the final on Sunday.

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Fiji Bati Anticipating a Forwards Battle

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Fiji Bati

Fiji Boasts a star studded NRL backline and a forward pack that devastated the Cook Islands last week. The Batis blooded 9 players in the team against the Cooks and Coach Waisake Kativerata says they are not here to make the numbers but to score points.

Fiji Bati captain Tui Kamikamica says to win they need to put pressure on the PNG forwards and use offloads to create scoring opportunities.

Fiji’s backline of Maika Sivo, Mikaele Ravalawa, Sunia Turuva, Waqa Blake and Jahream Bula last week combined a total run meters of 869 meters amongst themselves and a total of 19 tackle breaks.

Considering the Cook Islanders were short of few players down with injury, the Fijians young forward pack managed to out muscle the Cooks up the middle.

In the end Fiji Bati were left with minor bruises while the Cooks were winded by the Fijians.

Fiji Bati were slow to gel as a team, with the coach attributing to the fact that the team was only in camp for a week. But the team did manage to pick up in the second half. It was 6-4 in favor of Cook Islands at half time, but it was Fiji who pulled together in the second half and with five minutes on the clock.

Panthers premiership winning winger Sunia Turuva scored the match winner to snatch the win 22-18.

Fiji Coach Waisake Kativerata said that it’s a privilege to make his coaching debut in PNG where the crowds are mad rugby league supporters. He praised the fans for knowing the players well and he added the support was immense for the Fiji players.

But he knows PNG has a strong support at home and they always lift the team to go above and beyond and that goes for the teams forward pack as well. Kativerata commended PNG for having depth up the middle.

“PNG has a good power play up the middle. If we can control the ruck properly it will be to our advantage. We have a lot of Fijian supporters in PNG. They know Sivo and the other NRL players.
“It’s a young team, and this game will help us a lot we are not here to make up the numbers we can score points to win,” Kativerata said.

It’s no secret that PNG have a strong defense and Captain Tui Kamikamica is no stranger to the Kumuls defense and knows the only way to win is to control the game at the rucks and up the middle.

“We just need to be physical in the ruck, we get a bit of momentum in the middle we can lead to offloads, it’s a learning curve. A lot of young guys playing in the team. We need to learn from our mistakes and to play with PNG we have to be physical,” Kamikamica said.

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Edwin Ipape: Every time I wear the Kumul Jersey I Do Not Take it for Granted

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Edwin Ipape

Edwin Ipape headlines a number of key changes to the Kumuls side that will take on Fiji Bati this weekend. Edwin was passionate during an interview and says he never takes the Kumuls jumper for granted.

“Every time I wear the Kumuls Jersey I do not take it for granted and I play to the best of my ability to get the win,” Edwin Ipape said.

He has the passion for the Kumuls and remembers always longing to be in that jumper as a young Papua New Guinean playing backyard footy.

“It means everything as a young man growing up I always dreamed of being a Kumul it is the pinnacle of Papua New Guinea rugby league. I always picked up the ball and commentated myself running a play.

“I remember watching all the Kumuls legends during my time, Larsen Marabe, Dion Aiye and the list goes on. When Kumuls lose I get very disappointed but we love the Kumuls, and we strive to produce the best.”

Justin Holbrook, PNG Kumuls Coach has confirmed that Ipape will be the starting hooker against the Fiji Bati. This pushes Judah Rimbu to the bench and Liam Horne to the extended bench. Edwin forms a very strong spine, with Lachlan Lam and Kyle Laybutt in the halves and Alex Johnston at fullback. The Kumuls spine will be of great importance in keeping the game in control, against a Fiji side that has a NRL star-studded backline and a forward pack that looks to dominate up the middle.

Ipapes team mate at Leigh Leopards Lachlan Lam will be instrumental with Edwin to rekindle their collaboration at their club.

“We all know what Lachlan Lam is like when he puts on the Kumuls Jersey. He is a very competitive young man when he puts on the jersey,” Ipape said.

The inclusion of Rhys Martin, Wellington Albert, and Kevin Appo has caused changes to the side. With Nixon Putt, Junior Rop and Liam Horn moved to the extended bench.

Benji Kot will replace Rodrick Tai at center; Tai has suffered a knee injury and has been sidelined. While Mekenzie Yei is also with injury.

Despite Fiji boasting a heavier pack and a NRL star studded line up in the backs, PNG continues to excel at home with a more that rousing home crowd. No doubt PNG will lift in their performance.

Wellington Albert is coming off a Betfred Championship win with the London Broncos and is not going to take the Fijians lightly. He is pumped and was very feisty and upbeat at training on Monday. He acknowledged the long standing Melanesian rivalry in rugby league. Adding that PNG has the size and tenacity to match the Fijians.

“Fijians are big and strong, same as the Kumuls. They have more NRL based players unlike us. They got big boys and we also have big boys,” Albert said with smile.

Coach Justin Holbrook says he will be re-assessing the team after the game and picking the best team for the final.

“Fiji is really strong on the outside backs, they got speed. We played very well against the Cook Islanders this time around. We just need to make sure we get our game right. The combinations are coming out well. Kyle and Lam in the halves combination doing well. Hope everyone can get behind us this Sunday in front of a sellout crowd,” Holbrook said.

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