Hunters announce squad

PAPUA New Guinea SP Hunters head coach Paul Aiton has announced his 30-man squad on Saturday, omitting PNG internationals Sherwin Tanabi and Benji Kot.
Aiton named a youthful side which will see 12 new players breaking into the side while retaining 18 players from last year.
The coach never gave any reasons for Tanabi and Kot’s omission but said players who were dropped would still have a chance to return to the side during the season depending on injuries and suspensions that may occur.
Other notable omissions include Junior Igila (center) and Siki Konden (winger); both of them made their debut with the Hunters last year but could not retain their spot in 2024.
Aiton said it was a tough decision for him to let go of some players but said he was satisfied with the selected team.
“It was a tough decision for me especially when you’ve spent so much time with the players and you know them well,” Aiton said.
“But you know I had to make tough calls which I did and it is what it is and I’m satisfied with the team we have. But most definitely, they will get their chance to come back if we need them.” Aiton said he had hope for junior Kumuls such as Gairo Voro and Finley Glare.
“The young players in the team are talented and they give their best every time and it’s always important to have young players in the team,” he said during the squad’s 2024 season launch in Port Moresby on the weekend.
“I’m impressed with the young players, especially the junior Kumuls that’s why I included them in the squad.”
Hunters 2024 Squad: Morea Morea, Sanny Wabo, Solo Wane, Brendon Nima, Elijah Roltinga, Robert Mathias, Clent Lama, Gairo Voro, Zechariah Selu, Jamie Mavoko, Joshua Lau, Sakias Komati, Judah Rimbu, Tapia Solu, Finlay Glare, Whallen Tau-Loi, Junior Talin, Seal Kalo, Junior Rop, Jordan Pat, Anthony Worrot, Koso Bandi, Manase Kai, Weiyah Koi, Valentine Culligan, Joshua Mire, Ila Alu, Wendle Kipsy, Bruce Bawase, Alex Max.