Hunters to Host Historic ANZAC Round

The SP PNG Hunters will host the visiting Burleigh Bears on Saturday, April 26th, 2025, at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. This marks the first time for the Hunters to stage the ANZAC Round (Q-Cup round 7) at home since joining the competition, with the occasion holding a special meaning for both Australia and Papua  New Guinea. 

In commemoration of the event for the brave soldiers who served in World War I and World War II, the Hunters team visited the Bomana War Cemetery on Tuesday, April 22nd, where the staff of the cemetery shared insights with the players regarding Papua New Guinea’s pivotal role during the two wars. 

The highlight of the tour was viewing the commemoration of the Australian soldier, Private George C. ‘Dick’ Whittington, who was injured during the Battle of Buna. The players will wear a special commemorative jersey that features the iconic image of Whittington. He was being helped along a track through the kunai grass towards a field hospital at Dobodura. 

A Papua New Guinea assistant was Raphael Oimbari. Whittington was with the 2/10th battalion at the time and had been wounded the previous day in the battle for Buna airstrip. He recovered from his wounds but unfortunately, passed away from scrub typhus on February 12th, 1943, in Port Moresby. He is commemorated and buried alongside over three thousand fallen soldiers at the Bomana War Cemetery.

Captain Ila Alu paid tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during the two wars and acknowledged the staff of Bomana War Cemetery for hosting the team and sharing a brief history with the players. 

“It was a humbling experience for all of us. We are grateful for the tour and the opportunity to learn about the sacrifices made by our ancestors,” Alu stated.

“The staff were incredibly kind and informative, and we are honored to carry this knowledge with us into the ANZAC round.” 

Rowan Foster, an officer from the Australian War Graves said: “It was especially poignant for our war cemetery team, sharing history between Papua New Guinea and Australia. It was a powerful reminder that the freedom enjoyed today was hard-won through unity, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds between our nations. 

“For the PNG Hunter players, young men are navigating their paths of discipline, teamwork, and service - and this experience serves as a reminder that greatness is not only measured on the field - but also in respect for history, legacy, and those who came before us.”

Meanwhile, coach Paul Aiton highlighted that they had prepared well and are stoked to host the Burleigh Bears in tomorrow’s historic ANZAC clash, where the Hunters will wear a new ANZAC jersey to commemorate the significant event.  

“We’ve had a pretty good preparation. Though we've had a couple of tough losses, I know the boys are ready to go, especially with the commemoration of ANZAC,” Aiton said.

“This will be the first time for us to host the ANZAC game on home soil. It’s a special occasion for the club, so the boys are excited to get out on the field and hopefully, our fans will come and support us.”  

This year’s ANZAC Round serves not only as a competitive fixture but as a heartfelt reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom. The SP PNG Hunters are proud to stand in remembrance, unity, and respect, as they meet the Bears tomorrow. There will be a ceremony held at the stadium before the kickoff.

PC: Hunters Media