SP PNG HUNTERS PATHWAY BEGINS TO SHINE BRIGHT

The SP PNG Hunters can now finally announce their pre-season training squad after an exciting period, which saw 4 current players join a former Hunters team mate to be signed by UK Championship side the London Broncos. The 4 players, Robert Mathias, Epel Kapinias, Gairo Voro and Finley Glare will join 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 this two more former Hunters, Solo Wane and Judah Rimbu who have recently signed to play 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 for the 2026 Hostplus Cup Season. And while the loss of these players may be seen as a setback in the short term, it also opens up a number of spots for some of the exciting young players to come through and showcase their talents from the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup competition.

This increase in overseas opportunities is a testament to Head Coach Paul Aiton, his coaching and performance staff and 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.

Finally, to highlight the Hunters’ influence beyond the club level. In the most recent PNG Kumuls Test Match, 10 of the 17 players selected in the match-day squad were products of the SP PNG Hunters system at some point in their Rugby League Journeys. 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 in 2028.

Some notable inclusions in this year’s squad are Lae Snax Tigers Grand Final Winning Trio of Carlos Lung, Kevin Yako and Jarran Pitten. Exciting young halves Felix Beki and Joel Gena who will be pushing veterans Jamie Mavoko and Josh Lau for spots in the final 30. Veterans Benji Kot, Koso Bandi and Elijah Roltinga are also progressing well in their rehabilitation from long term injuries and should return to the main squad and provide Coach Aiton some experience and depth.

Once again 6 Junior Kumuls will be offered the opportunity to train with the squad full time and improve their skills and fitness, further strengthening the pathways below.

The Board, Management and Staff 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: