Duo in Dolphins camp

The National Sports

PAPUA New Guinea Hunters pair Judah Rimbu and Epel Kapinias have joined the National Rugby League’s Dolphins for preseason training with the possibility of making the extended squad for the 2024 season.
According to the Hunters, the collaboration is an integral part of the strategic partnership between the club and the Dolphins, with the overarching goal of facilitating the entry of more local players from Papua New Guinea into the NRL.
Under the guidance of Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett, rake Rimbu and middle forward Kapinias commenced their training this week. “Over the next eight weeks of preseason, they will be diligently working towards securing a full-time NRL contract,” the club said in statement.
The opportunity comes after both men impressed in the end-of-year internationals for the PNG Kumuls as well as having consistently good performances in the 2023 Hostplus Cup season.
Kapinias, who has previously played for the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls, returned to the Hunters in 2021 and has been one of their best front-rowers.
The Rabaul native enjoyed a stellar Pacific Championship Bowl tournament in October-November scoring a try in each of Kumuls three matches while hooker Rimbu’s dummy-half work throughout 2023 was of a high standard.
Expressing his enthusiasm, SP PNG Hunters chief executive officer Scott Barker stated, “I am genuinely pleased to continue our strategic pathway partnership with the Dolphins NRL franchise. This platform once again allows our players to demonstrate their talents within a NRL system, playing a crucial role in the broader PNG rugby league eco-system. We witnessed the direct benefits last year when former Hunters centre Rodrick Tai received multiple offers after emerging from this pathway.”
Bennett shared his delight, saying, “I’m extremely pleased to be able to offer this opportunity again to the Hunters players.
“I know how important it is for not just them personally, but PNG rugby league itself. I look forward to seeing them train with us again,” the veteran coach said recently.
– Hunters Media