Hunters need to find form, fan interest waning

HUNTERS coach Paul Aiton has just started his career in earnest but perhaps now knows the demands task of being a fulltime coach, especially in Australia’s competitive second-tier competition, the Hostplus Queensland Cup.
After two wins, three losses and a bye, which bag of magic does he turn to in order to get this side, his side, back into winning ways and more importantly being competitive and coming out on top in the crucial moments.
The coach and players have set a goal to make the National Football Stadium their fortress in the 2024 season, however, they fell short of defending their castle going down to a quality Redcliffe Dolphins 39-20 last week.
The Hunters match over the weekend didn’t attract much fanfare as it used to in previous years. The turnout was poor, barely over 3,000, if that, which may be a more a sign of economic times rather than disinterest.
It was surprising that the double-header Digicel ExxonMobil Cup the following day on Sunday registered more fans, doubling the figure that turned up for the Hunters match on Saturday.
This should ring some alarm bells for the organisers. Why are Hunters losing fans to the semi-professional domestic competition? Is interest in the Hunters waning?
Are fans not interested in the competition that is second to the world’s number one competition – National Rugby League?
Is there a need to aggressively market upcoming matches? Is it because of the price of tickets?
The Hunters winning, and doing so consistently, is sure to bring more bodies through the turnstiles and so the task, responsibility, duty lies with Aiton and his squad – they have to turn things around, string wins together and climb up the ladder to raise a pulse among PNG fandom it seems.
Fans anywhere are fickle by nature, and dare we say it the reason there might be more support and interest in the DE Cup could be that the fixtures are competitive if not of a high quality.
Then there is the parochial nature of fans who divide their support among their provincial lines. The Hunters seem to be everyone’s team and then no one’s team.
Whatever the reason, Hunters club management, PNGRFL and sponsors need to figure out how they can entice fans back to the fold.
With PNGNRL bid eyeing the NRL’s 18th licence in two years, having a three quarters empty stadium is not a good look. The fans turnout will also reflect the club’s membership, which we would think the Hunters should already have a loyal registered following after about a decade in the Q-Cup.
Aiton has a tough task turning his side around this week in the Anzac round at UAA Park, Gold Coast, facing third-placed Burleigh Bears.
The Hunters have been dealt with a blow with Aiton’s hooking stocks taking a hit. Finley Glare and Trevor Solu have been sidelined for this weekend’s match while all hopes are resting on Judah Rimbu’s speedy recovery from illness.
A win would restore some pride and lure fans back to supporting the team.

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‘Pilai Bilong Yumi’ is our commentary column which provides a perspective on important issues and matters in PNG sports.