Hunters hail rugby league programme

THE SP Hunters have praised an innovative programme that has helped ensure they remained in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup and set up the possibility for future growth.
The Growing and Supporting Rugby League in Papua New Guinea programme assisted the Hunters in relocating to Queensland this year when Coronavirus restrictions threatened the team’s participation in the competition.
The programme has been developed and supported by PacificAus Sports, backed by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) and other supporters determined to help sports in the region.
The programme, which runs until 2023, aims to develop pathways for Pacific teams to play in high-level Australian competitions and for emerging PNG athletes to benefit from high-performance coaching and training.
“The Hunters thank all of the wonderful supporters of the Growing and Supporting Rugby League in Papua New Guinea programme for their hard work during a season that proved to be challenging for all involved,” Hunters chairman Stan Joyce said.
“We’re also excited to see where this partnership can take us over the next couple of years.
“The resources provided as a part of the partnership have helped strengthen the Hunters off the field and provided opportunities that will benefit many people.”
The QRL said it was pleased to continue working closely with the Hunters to deliver further outcomes.
“The QRL is looking forward to again working closely with the Hunters in 2022 to deliver outcomes under the PacificAus Sports programme,” a QRL spokesperson said.
“The programme has been responsible for delivering two key roles to support the Hunters, assisted in their relocation to Queensland to compete in 2021 and has been busy developing a high-performance initiative for rugby league in PNG.
“Having a dedicated wellbeing and education manager and a commercial manager mean the Hunters are now aligned to other clubs in the competition.
“In a first for rugby league in PNG, the wellbeing and education manager’s role is filled by a woman, Nellie Pabulu, who is the first in PNG to have attained NRL/QRL accreditation in this field.”
“The participation of women in all elements of sport is one of the focuses of the programme.”