Thank you Stan for your support

HeLLO to our rugby league families around Papua New Guinea and overseas. Welcome to the 22nd edition of Coach’s Corner in your favourite rugby league newspaper — The National.
It’s the end of an era on Sunday when South Pacific Brewery managing director Stan Joyce attends the final Intrust Super Cup home game for the SP Hunters at the Oil Search National Football Stadium.
He retires from this position. And fittingly, the draw is against defending champions Redcliffe Dolphins.
Both clubs have a long history. Stan is from Redcliffe, a suburb just outside Brisbane.
And Stan was there from the start when the Hunters first took part in the competition in 2014.
Our first game was at the Dolphins Stadium on March 6. We won that game 24-18 in a packed stadium mostly by Papua New Guineans living in and around Brisbane. They bought all the pies and soft drinks at the ground.
After that win, Stan put up the Stan Joyce Cup for both clubs to play for annually. Our record against the Dolphins over the past 11 meeting since 2014 is five wins (four at home and one away), five losses (four away and one at home) and one draw (away).
In 2017, the Hunters won the Intrust Super Cup minor and major trophies. We achieved that goal in four years.
On Sunday, we play our last home game for the year. The Stan Joyce Cup, now with the Dolphins, is on the line.
I am the first to admit that we have had a woeful season. But as the saying goes, ‘save the best for last’, we will put on a performance of which our number one supporter and every loyal Hunters follower will be proud.
Stan will speak to the team in the dressing room and kick off the game. At fulltime, look forward to him presenting the Stan Joyce Cup to his beloved Hunters.
Stan is a down-to-earth person. A real Papua New Guinean who has everybody at heart. His support to rugby league at all levels is immeasurable. He has stood by the Hunters through our highs and lows.
On behalf of all past and present Hunters players and coaching staff, I sincerely thank Stan for all your support since day one.
Now is the time to hang up your boots and we wish you happy retirement. On the same note, we welcome new boss Ed Weggemans to the Hunters and rugby league family.
The Hunters haven’t done well this year but I urge everyone to come to the Oil Search National Football Stadium on Sunday to farewell and thank Stan.
The Digicel Cup elimination finals saw Kroton Hela Wigmen and Bintangor Goroka Lahanis end the season of the Agamark Rabaul Gurias and Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles respectively.
This weekend, minor premiers Lae Snax Tigers face JPG Waghi Tumbes where the winners go straight to the grand final in two weeks’ time.
The minor semifinal will see defending premiers Lahanis take on Hela Wigmen. The losers bow out while the winners advance to the preliminary final on Sunday week to meet the losers of the major semifinal.
Like last weekend, let’s continue that spirit of good sportsmanship on and off the field, and good public behaviour.
The Brisbane Broncos women’s and legends teams have been announced. Some big names in the Allan Langer-coached legends team include former Kumul Neville Costigan.
Neville will be up against Marcus Bai, John Wilshire and company. More on this next week.
In the meantime, tickets are on sale now so get some quickly for the game on Aug 31.
The Oceania Rugby Cup starts tomorrow at the PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby. We wish the PNG Pukpuks all the best in the tournament. To all the spectators and supporters, cheer on your nation passionately.
Until next week, play hard, play safe and play by the rules in whatever sport you are taking part in.
To all the spectators and supporters, please remember that there is no room for violence in every sport.

Cheers Mikz