PNG Hunters Banking on Next Man Up Mentality

After a two-month break, the SP PNG Hunters commenced their 2026 preseason training in early November and will continue until mid-December 2025. 

A 46-man squad was announced last month, comprising old faces and newcomers from the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup and National Youth Competition.

The 46-man squad will be having a grueling preseason training camp to fight for their spots in the top-30 list. 

After the departures of around 10 players to Australia and the UK, it has created opportunities for emerging talents to fill the gap.

Coach Paul Aiton said losing a quarter of the team to overseas competitions is both a headache and a blessing in disguise.

“Everything has changed a lot this preseason, but I’m happy with how everything is going at the moment,” he stressed.

“It’s a big loss for us with the departures of about 8 players, but it’s really exciting, and I hope the boys see that it’s possible to further their careers abroad. 

“We have a lot of new boys this preseason, and we are trying to upskill them as quickly as we can. We are a pathway club, and I hope the boys see that.”

Aiton added that it would be an insurmountable task to reach the finals next season, but he remains hopeful with the squad he has at his disposal. 

PC: SP PNG Hunters Media