Hunters Gearing for Round 2

The SP PNG Hunters officially launched and announced their 30-man squad last Sunday, March 2nd, at Nature Park in Port Moresby to participate in the 2025 Queensland Rugby League (QRL) Hostplus Cup competition.

The PNG Hunters were supposed to face the Mackay Cutters last weekend (March 8) in the season opener. However, due to Cyclone Alfred hitting a large part of southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, all round 1 matches have been postponed to a later date.

With the bulk of last year’s squad retaining their spots, a couple of new faces were added to the pack this season, adding flexibility and flair to the team, and priming the rejuvenated Hunters to stake their claim on the top honors. 

After winning their maiden premiership in 2017, the Hunters struggled to play in the finals for seven years until they broke the drought last season and reached the finals, but bowed out in the preliminary final, capping off their campaign on a positive note. 

The SP Brewery-backed side started their 2025 preseason strongly, registering a 24-20 win against the Northern Pride in the first trial (February 14) and drawing with the Central Queensland Capras at 20 points apiece in the final trial two weekends ago (February 22).

Coming off two strong preseason trials, the renewed Hunters are poised and ready to begin round 2 positively by fancying their chances for the premiership trophy, despite the hiccup in the opening round.      

Coach Paul Aiton said he was happy with the squad who were selected to play in round 2, emphasizing teamwork and reiterating a simple message to the players by sticking to the basics. 

“The main message to the players is to keep things very simple, like what we did last season, especially in the early stages of the season,” Aiton explained.

“We don’t want to overcomplicate things. We want to keep it simple and we have individuals who can create brilliance by themselves.”

The starting lineup is made up of last year’s core playing group, with three new players to make their debut - Murray Connors, Zebedy Kip, and Gairo Voro. 

Coach Aiton is confident with the squad who were named, both the experienced and the debutantes, putting his faith in the players to prove their worth. 

The Paul Aiton-coached men will travel to the Sunshine Coast to meet the Falcons in round 2 of the QRL Hostplus Cup match this weekend (March 15th), with round 1 games rescheduled to be played during the season.