The coach of the Papua New Guinea Hunters rugby league team says he's confident his side can defend their title despite a boost to the competition's Australian teams.
The PNG Hunters celebrate winning the Intrust Super Cup. Photo: Courtesy of www.qrl.com.au
With the scrapping of Australia's under-20 competition, teams in the Super Cup are expected to hire some of Australia's up and coming players.
The Hunters coach Michael Marum said he while his opposition may select some impressive youngsters that's no substitute for the experience in his side.
"That's one thing that's going to benefit the other teams in the competition. We don't have NRL experience but we've got players that put together have probably played 1000 games. So with that experience over the past four years we can do well for team again to defend the cup."
Michael Marum said he was also picked some exciting, home-grown young players in his pre-season squad.
The Super Cup starts in March.