Hunters focus on young talent for next Q-Cup campaign

YOUNG talent is the focus of the PNG Hunters and this year will see some exciting players striving to make the team.
Of 44 players initially named in the first train-on squad for the new season, the number was cut to 34 as the new faces were working hard to make the final team.
Coach Michael Marum was content with the new inclusions, praising them for giving their best each day.
“I am happy with the new players coming in, a lot of the new players that we have recruited were from the Digicel Cup and a few from the Hunters academy as well,” Marum said.
“Coming into pre-season camp, they now realise how much work you have to put in order to be a Hunter.
“In the first week we had a lot of fitness stuff and they were pushing very hard even though their times were slower, they still kept pushing so they understand that they have a lot of work to do in fitness.
“Next year we have a trial with the Brisbane Broncos, if we weren’t a good side, they wouldn’t pick us to have a trial with them so we have to be really prepared and do our best against them with our young and new players and some of our experienced boys.”
Some additions include Agmark Gurias hooker Stanley Olo. Olo was part of the camp last year and didn’t make the final cut and will have to push harder and compete for a spot against the Boas brothers, first choice hooker Wartovo Puara Jr and back up hooker Silas Gahuna.
Another Digicel Cup player was Lae Snax Tigers skipper and five-eighth Charlie Simon who had the honours to captain the Prime Minister’s 13 side.
Port Moresby Vipers’ Brendan Gotuno, who has had an impressive season this year, is also part of the train-on squad and will be vying for a spot as well as Junior Rau of Hela Wigmen.
Hunter’s academy players in the squad include Gong Morgan, Charlie Angu and Patrick Morea from Port Moresby.