Papua New Guinea Hunters rugby league coach Michael Marum expects to be back in the hot-seat next season, despite the team's failure to qualify for the Intrust Super Cup playoffs.
The defending champions missed out on the top six on points differential after losing their final regular season match away to the Central Queensland Capras.
The PNG Hunters were unable to defend their Intrust Super Cup title. Photo: Courtesy of www.qrl.com.au
Michael Marum has been in charge of the PNG club since their competition debut in 2014 and despite being off-contract he is expected to return for a sixth season at the helm.
"I've been told I'll be coaching again but we're just confirming signing a contract and that's just really important for me," he said.
"I've been thinking about it for the past two or three months and keep asking the question but I'll have to go again and talk to the Chairman and CEO.
"Hopefully they come up with a good answer so I can also see what I can do for the team again and plan to have the team for next year."
PNG Hunters coach Michael Marum. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Melvin Levongo
All PNG Hunters players are now off-contract and Michael Marum says there are likely to be a number of changes to the squad if he returns in 2019.
"There will be a number of new faces again next year," he said.
"The selection with the group that we got this year was just all boys from Digicel Cup - there was a few local talent there but just getting them to play in the top level football week-in, week-out...the lower competitions where we select from the competition is very low.
"The players have got one year contracts only so there could be some players that are dropped or left out for next year - we usually have to help promote our young players coming through."
Michael Marum plans to talk with PNG Rugby League CEO Reatau Rau. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Melvin Levongo