Here are a few players to watch

Sports

Hello everyone, welcome to the third edition of Churchie’s comments for the year in your favourite rugby league newspaper — The National.
While we await for the approval of the relocation to Queensland, I thought I’d tell you about some of the exciting new players we have in the SP Hunters for 2021.
Edwin Ipape needs no introduction, after a stellar performance for the Papua New Guinea LNG Kumuls versus Great Britain in 2019.
Coming on at hooker before halftime, Edwin lit up the Oil Search National Football Stadium with an amazing solo try to put the momentum squarely in the Kumuls’ favour.
Edwin has since had a preseason with the Manly Sea Eagles and comes to the Hunters after an impressive season with the Lae Snax Tigers.
I feel Edwin needs a season of Intrust Super Cup to further unlock his potential. He brings energy to the Hunters and is often seen on his day off at the training field, working on his game.
Judah Rimbu and Solomon Pokare both had great seasons for the premiership winning Kroton Hela Wigmen.
Both young halves with a fair amount of composure, are not afraid to direct their team-mates around the field. Judah has some ingrained skills that are hard to coach, like counting numbers on the short side or scanning the ruck for opportunities.
What struck me most about this 19 year old, was his calmness. Most kids his age, playing against men, can get flustered easily. In camp, what impresses me about Judah is his work ethic and willingness to learn, especially off our more seasoned halves.
Kimbe Cutters centre Benji Kot had a good season in the Digicel Cup and Coach Michael Marum was also keen for his inclusion in the Hunters 2021 squad. Benji has the skill set to play wing and centre whilst also having enough size and power to play in the backrow. He has a good vertical leap, evasion and space awareness, which you need in finding the try line against a rushing defence.
Samuel Yegip off the back of an outstanding year, where he was named Front rower of the year in Digicel Cup demanded selection in the squad. A powerful and quick middle forward, he has the power to skittle defenders, as we all saw on the way to scoring the premiership winning try.
Sylvester Namo is another powerful middle forward. I was impressed on how he would come on for the Snax Tigers and really lift the intensity. The Tigers in 2020 contained a lot of experienced players and for a young front rower to up the level was impressive.
One such player that’s sure to draw comparison with our very own Justin Olam, is Jokadi Bire. It’s easy to see this alignment. They are from the same province, same position, have similar playing style, both have university degrees and both played at the Tigers. So while he may draw comparisons, it’s about him being the best Jokadi Bire he can be. He’s an impressive young man and I feel this step in challenge will be great for Jokadi.
The other new players, Norman Brown, Solo Wane, Gilmo Paul and Jeffery Robert have all come into the squad with plenty of energy and have trained hard. These 11 new faces all have put themselves in a position to become a Hunter. What I like most about this group is that out of the 11, 10 are under the age of 23 years old.
I have made no secret that the Hunters are a pathway to the elite level. What NRL clubs look for is someone that has a long future ahead of them.
When they leave the Hunters, as we’ve seen with Justin, is that it’s still going to take time to develop into an NRL player.
So with that in mind as a pathway, we have to serve up what the elite clubs will want. Hence why we have gone young with these recruits.
Until next week, stay safe, play safe and let’s all respect and be kind to each other.

Cheers,
Matt

6 comments

  • Thanks, Coach Church!
    You are the Man to bring the SP PNG Hunters to the next level and beyond.
    All the best to you, your Coaching and Management Team, and all the players in the 2021 season.

  • We have a new team with a new coach. Both must work together to bring results. Players LiSTEN and execute plans. Coach constantly guide on and off field. We are behind you Church. Go for premiership 2.

  • Under Church mentorship, I believe NRL clubs will scout some Hunters players..

  • Thank you Church.

    All the best to the team, the coaching staff and management. PNG is behind you. Our hearts are beating faster, as
    the day of first game approaches.

  • We are so excited to have Hunters Rugby League team members based in Brisbane. We will give them full support standby them. Blessings and Welcome to Australia.

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