A raft of new faces from the PNG local league and Digicel Cup teams have been included in the Hunters squad for season 2018.
Coming into the new season as defending premiers; the Hunters will have plenty of motivation to try and replicate the success of last season.
Key performers Wellington Albert and Stanton Albert have been rewarded for their efforts not only for the Hunters last year, but also with the Kumuls at the recent Rugby League World Cup, signing contracts with Super League club Widnes Vikings.
The brothers will leave big shoes to fill, but coach Michael Marum is used bringing in local league players into his Intrust Super Cup squad and pushing them to produce at this higher standard.
The full list of gains and losses is below. *
PNG Hunters gains and losses
Gains: Adam Korave (Ipswich League), Junior Rau (Hela Wigmen), Mekenzie Yei (Hela Wigmen), Kennedy Ben (Mendi Muruks), Julius Yakopa (Mendi Muruks), Stanley Olo (Rabaul Gurias), Illa Alu (Rabaul Gurias), Dilbert Isaac (Rabaul Gurias), Junior Bobby (Enga Mioks), Baunda Aba (Enga Mioks), Brendon Gutuno (NCDC Vipers), John Andy (Lae Tigers), Charlie Simon (Lae Tigers), Patrick Morea (POM Academy)
Losses: Wellington Albert (Widnes Vikings), Stanton Albert (Widnes Vikings), Israel Eliab (released), Bland Abavu (released), David Loko (released), Brandy Peter (released), Karo Kauna Jnr (released), Esau Siune (retired)
Where they finished in 2017: 1st (ladder position) (premiers)
2018 coach: Michael Marum
*Submissions made by clubs and correct at the time.
QRL Media have been featuring the Gains and Losses for the 2018 season for each of the Intrust Super Cup clubs in coming weeks. Stay tuned to QRL.com.au to see all the player movement.
2018 Intrust Super Cup Gains and Losses
Mackay Cutters
Burleigh Bears
Easts Tigers
Wynnum Manly Seagulls
Redcliffe Dolphins
Souths Logan Magpies
Northern Pride
Ipswich Jets
Townsville Blackhawks
Tweed Heads Seagulls
Norths Devils
CQ Capras
Sunshine Coast Falcons
