Category

Rugby League

Category
News

Glare in for Mavoko

By
Rugby player wearing orange and white SP PNG Hunters Jersey

Finley Glare is set to come into the SP PNG Hunters side as the replacement for Jamie Mavoko for this Saturday’s clash against the Northern Pride.

Finley is the younger brother of former SP PNG Hunter Warren Glare; the Lae City junior was the captain of the Junior Kumuls that played the Australian School boys last year in Port Moresby.

The young utility is a promising dummy half and has been at rake for the Hunters off the interchange bench.

The inclusion of Glare at halfback is a show of trust by Coach Paul Aiton who is currently short on halve pairings, with both Sakias Komati and Jamie Mavoko unable to take the field due to injury and concussion.

Glares inclusion comes after recently returned halfback Jamie Mavoko was stood down this weekend, after a failed category one (1) Head Injury Assessment (HIA), this happened during the team’s 52 to 16 win over the Townsville Blackhawks in round eight (8) last week.

Glare will partner fellow Lae Snax Tigers team mate, Joshua Lau in the halves.

The young duo will have a tough task ahead this weekend, however, Coach Paul Aiton says his side is preparing well for the clash this Saturday.

Coach Paul Aiton commended the teams dominating performance against the Blackhawks in Townsville last week which saw the Hunters score nine tries and Jamie Mavoko with the boot nailing eight out of nine conversions.

The performance by the SP PNG Hunters to dominate the Blackhawks has sparked new life into the team.

All along Coach Paul Aiton has been talking about sticking to their game plan and having trust in the players, but this weekend they face their biggest opponent yet.

For the Hunter, taking on competition leaders the Northern Pride at home is a huge contrast and challenge for the Hunters who are 10th out of 15 teams.

Coach Aiton added that the team are starting to grasp the systems and processes in their game plan and with the teams performance last weekend they look to maintain that consistency as they take on the competition leaders on Saturday.

“We were individually prepared, we are understanding our systems and processes a lot more, and the reduction of our errors and penalties we reduced that quite a lot, its about having faith in what we’re doing, don’t stray away from what we are doing, even though it looks like its not working it will work, we just have to stay with it.

“I am looking forward to it, I know the guys are looking forward to it as well, it will be a good measure for us the Northern Pride are right in front at the top of the ladder,” Aiton said.

(PHOTO FILE: Provided by SP PNG Hunters)

Keep Reading
By
Sport

First ever Women’s National Rugby League Competition to kick-off in July

By
PNG Women's National Rugby League players wearing red black and gold team attire

To ensure the growth of rugby league in Papua New Guinea, the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition or PNGNRLC is introducing a women’s national competition.

The competition will be led by six participating franchises.

Taking a page out of the Women’s National Rugby League Competition in Australia, the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League with funding support from Kumul Mineral Holdings and other stakeholders are ensuring a strong and vibrant women’s competition takes place in Papua New Guinea.

The expansion of the Competition to include the women and juniors is part of the PNGNRLC five-year plan (2023 to 2027).

An ecstatic Chief Executive Officer of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League, Stanley Hondina after making the announcement said the first premier women’s competition in PNG will be launched soon.

“We will for the first time have a women’s national rugby league competition, we are starting with six teams and the competition will be for seven weeks,” Hondina said.

The competition is slated for kickoff in July this year.

Out of the current 12 franchises in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup; six franchises have been selected to field teams in the Women’s competition, and these franchises were selected following a Club audit of the 12 franchises in line with the Club Professionalism Pillar of the PNGRFL’s PNGNRLC five-year strategic plan (2023 – 2027).

In supporting the realization of the Women’s Competition the Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited has committed to giving K15 million over five years to the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League.

The funding package will run from 2024 through to 2028 and part of this funding will go towards boosting the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and the new Women’s Competition.

KMHL made a cheque presentation of the first K3 million to the CEO and Directors of the PNGRFL in Port Moresby last week Friday; Chairman of KPHL Dr Ila Temu said KPHL was more than happy to make the commitment.

“We are committed to and excited to partner with the PNGRFL for the first time as it continues to build the domestic competition, this provides a great opportunity for our women and girls,” said Dr Ila Temu.

CEO of PNGRFL Stanley Hondina says that the funding was timely and would provide the seed funding for the Women’s Competition to get off the ground.

“We actually set 2025 to start the National women’s Competition but we’ve managed to bring it in a year early due to the great cooperation with the franchises and among other factors this support from KMHL will really assist us,” Hondina added

The PNGNRLC is responsible for the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup, which is the men’s premier rugby league competition in Papua New Guinea.

Keep Reading
By
Sport

SP PNG Hunters Ready for Round Six

By
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

Keep Reading
By
Rugby League

Hunters Win in Round 3

By
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/

Keep Reading
By
Rugby League

Glare, Talin and Kai to Debut for Hunters

By
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.

Keep Reading
By
Rugby League

Women’s Rugby Sports Development

By
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.

Keep Reading
By
Rugby League

SP PNG Hunters Ready for Season Opener

By
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.

Keep Reading
By
Rugby League

PNG Kumuls are Pacific Championship Bowl Champions

By
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.

Keep Reading
By
Rugby League

Putt, Horne and Rop Back Against Fiji Bati

By
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.

Keep Reading
By
Rugby League

Kumuls have Second Chance

By
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.

Keep Reading
By
Pin It