Hunters named Preseason Squad

The SP PNG Hunters announced its preseason 42-man squad today (24th November 2025) in preparation ahead of the Queensland Hostplus Cup 2026 season that is set to kick off in March.

After a two-month break following a mixed 2025 campaign, the Hunters will resume their grueling preseason training this week in the nation’s capital. 

The SP-sponsored franchise ended its seven-year finals' drought last season and reached the preliminary round, but bowed out. They also made it to the finals this season but were eliminated in the first round.

The Hunters' board and management released a media statement, highlighting the club’s success for this season, especially regarding the departures of a few players overseas.

“The board, management, and staff of the SP PNG Hunters are pleased to announce the next generation of young talent vying for positions in the SP PNG Hunters side to compete in the 2026 Hostplus Cup,” the statement read.

“The SP PNG Hunters can now finally announce its pre-season training squad after an exciting period, which saw 4 current players join a former Hunters’ teammate and sign with the UK championship side, the London Broncos. 

“The 4 players are Robert Mathias, Epel Kapinias, Gairo Voro, and Finley Glare, who will join the PNG Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou and former Hunter Morea Morea Jnr at the London club in their bid to win the championship division and progress through to the top-flight UK Super League competition. 

“Along with these former Hunters, Solo Wane and Judah Rimbu have recently signed with the Brisbane Tigers. This brings a total of 4 ex-Hunters at the Brisbane Tigers, as well as 4 ex-Hunters currently at the Central Capras, ready to compete for the Hostplus Cup 2026 season.” 

While the departures of these players abroad may be seen as a setback in the short term, it also opens up a couple of spots for emerging players from the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup to come through the system and showcase their talents at an elite level. 

This increase in overseas opportunities is a testament to coach Paul Aiton, his coaching staff, and team management. The development pathways they are implementing within the Hunters' football department, along with the hard work that all the staff have put into the team, both on and off the field, over the last few years, have paid off.

“Beyond the club level, the most recent PNG Kumuls Test Match saw 10 of the 17 players get selected in the match-day squad, who were products of the SP PNG Hunters system at some point in their rugby league journeys,” the statement added. 

“This underscores the Hunters’ central role in the national high-performance pathway and the development of PNG’s elite rugby league talent in the lead up to the historic inclusion of the PNG Chiefs in the NRL by 2028.” 

Some notable inclusions in this year’s squad are the Lae Snax Tigers’ grand final-winning trio - Carlos Lung, Kevin Yako, and Jarran Pitten. Exciting young halves, Felix Beki and Joel Gena, will be pushing veterans Jamie Mavoko and Josh Lau for spots in the final 30. 

Injured players, Benji Kot, Koso Bandi, and Elijah Roltinga, are also progressing well in their rehabilitation. They should return to the main squad and provide coach Aiton with some experience and depth. 

Among the players selected from the DEM Cup, six Junior Kumuls were offered an opportunity to train with the squad on a full-time basis to improve their skills and fitness level, further strengthening the pathway system.

The following list is the confirmed 42-man squad for the preseason training: 

1. Alex Max 

2. Benji Kot 

3. Bruce Bawase 

4. Clent Lama 

5. Carlos Lung 

6. David Issac 

7. Chris Culligan 

8. Douglas David 

9. Doa Tapako 

10. Elijah Roltinga 

11. Emmanuel Anis 

12. Felix Beki 

13. Gregan Formet 

14. Graham Rex 

15. Himson Ulalom 

16. Hercules Kondo 

17. Ila Alu 

18. Jamie Mavoko 

19.Jacob Lot 

20. Joshua Lau

21. Joel Gena 

22. Kevin Yako

23. Khaiya Waiembi

24. Koso Bandi

25. Lynchill Kiap

26. Limbi Henry

27. McWin Worinu

28. Miles Banam

29. Manisa Kai

30. Murray Fige Connors

31. Norman Akunai

32. Noah Yongomina

33. Robert Gigmai

34. Samuel Wak

35. Sanny Wabo

36. Seal Kalo

37. Steven Bruno

38. Trevor Solu

39. Vane Manuma

40. Wari Rex

41. Whallan Tau-Loi

42. Zebedy Kip