The SP Papua New Guinea Hunters’ new intakes are adapting to the pre-season training as the first block season nears completion before a break on Dec 18.
Hunters assistant coach Wartovo Puara Jnr said training had been exciting with the new members, current and those existing returning for another shot in the 2025 pre-season training.
“Training has been really exciting, especially for our young players coming in during the first session and they’ve been doing well, adapting to our system,” Puara Jnr said.
He said following a top-four finish in the Hostplus Queensland Cup this year, with multiple debutants who went on to debut for the PNG Kumuls, was a huge success as they continue to head that direction for next season.
“This season, we made the top four. Next season, our target is to make the grand final and it's great working with head coach Paul Aiton, who is keen on working to develop our next crop of Hunters and PNG Kumuls,” Puara said.
Puara Jnr said talents were scouted not only in the Digicel-ExxonMobil (DEM) Cup but also from the Junior Kumuls, including other codes such as rugby union through their outstanding performances this year.
“Our pre-season squad this season looks big compared to what we had late last year or earlier this year,” the assistant coach said.
“Great to see fresh talents in the space of rugby league and for rugby union, we managed to bring the PNG Pukpuks flyer Derrick Voku on board to have a go in the pre-season.”
Meanwhile, the 2017 Queensland Cup premiership-winning hooker said they had a big task ahead to find new replacements for Judah Rimbu following his departure to the Castleford Tigers after a great season.
Rimbu’s performance earned him the 2024 QRL Hostplus Cup Player of the Year and PNG Kumuls hooker winning matches against the Fiji Bati and the Cook Islands Aitu.
“We are currently working to find new replacements for Judah and we have a couple who are showing what it takes during this pre-season camp. Having young players coming through is a boost and whoever meets that requirement will take on the role for the 2025 season,” he added.
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