Hunters shed 11 players

PROMISING playmaker Edwin Ipape is one of 11 who have left the PNG Hunters pre-season training squad.
In a brief media statement, the PNGRFL said the players had been released for personal reasons, failing medical and fitness tests and ruled out with injuries after the opening week of pre-season training in Port Moresby.
Ipape, 22, was seen as a likely replacement for former captain Ase Boas in the No.6 jersey but has withdrawn for personal reasons.
The Lae Tigers pivot shone for the PNG Kumuls against the touring England Knights last month scoring a try and setting one up in their 16-12 loss. Before that Ipape scored two tries in his national debut for the PNG Resident U23s against the NSW Country U23s.
Among the other omissions rangy recruits in forwards Kennedy Ben (194cm) and Kallen Thompson (190cm) for medical and fitness reasons.
Hunters 2018 recruit Muka Peter Kulu who was also dropped for medical/fitness issues.
Coach Michael Marum has added Jack Oii from the Magani club in the Port Moresby Rugby League to the squad.
Fifty players remain from the original 60 announced last week.
The squad are undergoing intensive sessions in the gym and field at the Oil Search National Football Stadium.
The final 30-man squad for the 2019 Intrust Super Cup season will be named on Dec 23.
Players released: Muka Peter Kulu (medical/fitness), William Aquila (personal), Kennedy Ben (medical / fitness), Edwin Ipape (personal), Wesser Tenza (injuries), Joejoe Walamus (injuries), Dickson Pipi (medical/fitness), Baddy Jack (medical/fitness), Kallen Thompson (medical/fitness), Livai Andrew (injuries), Chris Gor (medical/fitness).