The PNG Hunters coach, Michael Marum, has announced he will be stepping down at the end of this season.
Marum has coached the Hunters since their 2014 debut season in Queensland Rugby League's Intrust Super Cup.
In 2017 the team made history winning the cup for the first time, but they have struggled this year, languishing just one place off the bottom of the table.
PNG Kumuls coach Michael Marum (L), assistant coach Marcus Bai (2L) and the Hunters bench watch on from the sideline, during their cup winning 2017 campaign. Photo: NRL Photos
With a host of new players Marum and company have only managed three wins from 15 games so far.
Michael Marum said his plan is to move to a new role with PNG Rugby League.
"It is actually moving away to a coaching director's role...my focus probably going back down to the junior levels. I have seen there is a big problem there and if we dont fix it then the results won't come in the top teams," said Michael Marum.
Marum says Hunters assistant coaches Glen Nami and Roderick Puname have taken on a larger role this season and he has been trying to give them more opportunities to develop as they will probably take over the team next year.
But he says he will remain in charge of the national side, the PNG Kumuls, until the 2021 World Cup.