Hunters start pre-season training with 41-man squad

Tuesday, 12 November 2024, 5:30 pm

Hunter's recruits going through preseason training in Port Moresby (Image: Hunters media)

PNG Hunters have started their pre-season training with a wider squad selected from the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and retained players from the 2024 roster, who are gearing up for a powerful comeback in the 2025 Host Plus Cup.

Following a successful 2024 season which saw Hunters reach the preliminary finals, head coach Paul Aiton is eager to lead the team to new heights with an invigorated squad.

The Hunters' first training phase which is currently underway has been scheduled from November 3rd to December 18th.

During this period, the coaching team, including two dedicated assistant coaches Wartovo Puara Jnr and Enoch Maki, will rigorously test the fitness and skills of both returning players and the newly selected recruits.

The pre-season is critical as the coaching staff looks to refine the squad’s strengths and address areas for improvement ahead of the new season.

Some of the notable players that have been retained include skipper Ila Alu, Koso Bandi, Elijah Roltinga, Robert Mathias, Alex Max, and Brandon Nima amongst others.

Epel Kapinias and Seal Kalo have also made their way back into the squad after ACL injury impaired their season.

Hela Wigmen duo Murray Fige Connors and Jacob Lot, winger of the year Jade Puk, and emerging talent Vane Manuma are some of the noteworthy inclusions from the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup.

The Hunters will end the first pre-season next month and will head into the festive season break before commencing the second segment in early 2025.

Hunters center Alex Max (L) and assistant coach Enoch Maki during preseason training this week (Image: Hunters media)

Preseason squad:

  1. Alex Max
  2. Anthony Worot
  3. Benji Kot
  4. Bradley Orosambo
  5. Brandon Nima
  6. Cedrick Kuli
  7. Clent Lama
  8. Elijah Roltinga
  9. Emmanuel Balio
  10. Epel Kapinias
  11. Fabian Kari
  12. Finley Glare
  13. Finley Muno
  14. Gairo Voro
  15. Himson Ulalom
  16. Ila Alu
  17. Jacob Lot
  18. Jade Puk
  19. Jetro James
  20. Jordan Pat
  21. Joshua Mire
  22. Koso Bandi
  23. Limbi Henry
  24. Lynchill Kiap
  25. Manase Kai
  26. Manuel Anis
  27. Murray Fige Connors
  28. Norman Akunai
  29. Reynolds Tai
  30. Robert Mathias
  31. Sakias Komati
  32. Sanny Wabo
  33. Seal Kalo
  34. Shane Kunjil
  35. Smith Pamundi
  36. Steven Bruno
  37. Trevor Solu
  38. Vane Manuma
  39. Whallan Tau Loi
  40. Zacheriah Selu
  41. Zebedy Kip