Han relishes first game in PNG for the Hunters

SATURDAY was a dream come true for SP Hunters fullback Tyler Han when he played at the Santos National Football Stadium for the first time in his career.
The 21-year-old only joined the South Pacific Brewery-sponsored side this season after playing for Tweed Heads Seagulls’ Hastings Deering Colts (Under-20s) side last year.
From New Ireland’s Namatanai, East New Britain and China, Han was brought up in Queensland, but his dream this year was to play for the Hunters on home soil.
“It’s hard to describe this feeling,” he said after the Hunters’ 30-28 homecoming win over Mackay Cutters in the final round of the Queensland-based Hostplus Cup regular season.
“It’s a dream come true.
“I’ve always wanted to come up here and play in front of the home crowd.
“To play here for the first time and get the win is just awesome.
“I think this is the longest time I’ve been here in Port Moresby.
“The first time I came to Moresby was a few years back when I stayed for just three days.
“But my family are proud of me.
“Some of my family members here came to watch me play and I’m so happy to see them.” Han said he is planning on visiting Namatanai during the offseason.
“I’m planning to go to Namatanai during Christmas and spend some time with my family and friends,” he said.
“Hopefully, everything works out.
“I’m really looking forward to going home.”
Han scored three tries across 10 matches for the Hunters in his debut season in the Hostplus Cup.
He thanked the club management and coaching staff for giving him an opportunity to be part of the side.
Meanwhile, week one of the finals for the Hostplus Cup is set to kick off this weekend.
The elimination finals will be between Tweed Heads Seagulls who host Brisbane Tigers and Central Queensland Capras who will take on Northern Pride to see who will continue to fight another day.