The Papua New Guinea Hunters have announced an extended 60-man pre-season training squad to begin preparations for the 2019 season.
Only 15 players have been retained from last year's squad, which failed to make the Intrust Super Cup playoffs, while former Hunters players William Aquila, Junior Rop and Bland Abavu were also included.
The PNGRFL acknowledged the departure of a number of senior players, with Willie Minoga joining Wartovo Puara Jnr and Stargroth Amean at Barrow Raiders in England, and centre Thompson Teteh linking up with outgoing Hunters captain Ase Boas and brother Watson Boas at Featherstone Rovers.
Brothers Ase and Watson Boas have left the PNG Hunters for England. Photo: Supplied/Melvin Levongo
Nixon Putt has signed with Intrust Super Cup Norths Devils, following the path of Rahdly Brawa and Edene Gebbie who have switched allegience to the Wynnum Manly Seagulls, while Brendon Gotuno will trial and train with the Penrith Panthers.
12 players have been selected from the PNG Under 23 Residents team, including Brandon Nima, Edward Ipape and Woods Kawage who also featured in the PNG Kumuls squad during the recent England Knights tour.
Goroka Lahanis winger Brandon Nima is one of the new faces in the PNG Hunters squad, having starred for the PNG U23 Residents team and scored on debut for the Kumuls against England Knights. Photo: PNG Kumuls
The extended Hunters squad assembed for the first time in Port Moresby on Wednesday and will undergo medical and fitness tests and be put through intensive training until December 23.
The squad will then be slashed in half with the remaining 30 players to resume training on January 3.
The PNG Hunters announce an extended training squad for 2019. Photo: Facebook/SP PNG Hunters
PNG Hunters extended training squad:
(Returning from 2018)
Adex Wera, Wawa Paul, William Mone, Junior Rau, Stanton Albert, Mekenzie Yei, Baundo Aba, Illa Alu, Dilbert Issac, Enock Maki, Charlie Simon, Patrick Morea, Moses Meninga, Muka Peter Kalu, Butler Morris.
(New for 2019 - *former Hunter)
Gairo Kapana, William Aquila*, Epel Kapinias, Shane Haro, Kenedy Ben, Kevin Appo, Benton Leme, Joe Joshua, Edwin Ipape, Weser Tenza, Junior Rop*, JoeJoe Walamus, Messac Wellen, Daniel Tapol, Melvin Paul, Abel Rami, Dickson Pipi, Maya Clark, Emmanuel Waine, Joe Frank, Joshua Nani, Brandan Nima, Issac Patrick, Nick Hasu, Baddy Jack, John Stanley, John Okopila, Woods Kawage, Thompson Gallen, Damien Herod, Livai Andrew, Eddie Daffa,
Kong Mogan, Chris Gor, Raphael Robert, Rex Kaupa, Sani Wabo, Justin Yoka, Jordan Pat, Gilmo Paul, Kitron Laka, Jerome Mura, Bland Abavu*, Scwahzer Kandaki, Leeroy Kamau.