Stronger Hunters season tipped

Sports
SP Hunters skipper Ila Alu in action last season in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup. – QRLpic

SCOTT Barker says he is optimistic about a better Queensland Intrust Super Cup (ISC) campaign following his re-appointment as chief executive of the SP Hunters for next season.
“I am genuinely honoured and excited to be re-appointed to this role and to continue the work we started this year,” he said.
“I thoroughly enjoyed working closely with (Hunters) chairman Stan Joyce, Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League chief executive Stanley Hondina and Jeremy Edwards.
“This has been a very challenging year for many reasons, but also a very enjoyable and rewarding one for me.
“I can’t speak highly enough of the commitment shown by the Hunters players and staff to be away from home for eight months.
“I’d also like to sincerely thank our sponsors and fans back home who made a tough year a lot more enjoyable through their continuous and passionate support.
“We’re very much looking forward to a bigger and better 2022 season.”
Barker completed his first ISC season as general manager, guiding the Hunters through a challenging year which saw them move operations to Queensland because of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) restrictions.
Joyce said he was pleased that Barker would remain at the helm, noting that his work during the 2021 season positioned the Hunters well for a strong 2022 campaign.
“We are delighted to re-appoint Scott Barker after working closely with him through the 2021 season,” he said.
“I congratulate him on the appointment.
“It wasn’t an easy year due to the Covid-19 challenges.
“But Scott and his team ensured that the Hunters took a positive step forward, leaving us well placed to continue that journey next year.
“With coach Matthew Church already re-appointed along with Scott, we now look forward to next season.”
Hunters board member and Asia-Pacific Rugby League chief operating officer Edwards also welcomed the re-appointment.
“I was fortunate to work closely with Scott throughout 2021, and saw his professionalism and dedication towards the Hunters,” he said.
“Scott has a very strong rugby league background.
“We are fortunate that he brings that expertise to the Hunters.
“It has been great to watch the development of the Hunters all year and we look forward to that continuing next season.”
Barker has spent just over two decades working in professional rugby league at all levels of the game.
This has included time with the Brisbane Broncos, St George Illawarra Dragons, Newcastle Knights, Queensland Maroons, France, Australian Kangaroos and England.
Before Barker joined the Hunters, he consulted to the National Rugby League, analysing emerging trends in the game.