Updated: Due to the weather, the game was cancelled but the function went ahead.
Preparations are in full swing for a massive day at Runaway Bay's Bycroft Oval this Saturday with the staging of the inaugural PacificAus Sports Melanesian Bowl.
The PNG Hunters will host the Fiji Kava Kaiviti Silktails in what will be a hard-fought match that will test both teams.
As well as being a great game of rugby league, the occasion will be a celebration, with Melanesian, Pacifika and Indigenous culture set to be on show as part of the pre-game formalities and throughout the day.
The event will also help raise fund for the Tonga Recovery Appeal in the wake of the devastation caused by the eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha‘apai and the resulting tsunami. Merchandise will be on sale for fans eager to contribute to the fundraising endeavours.
This will be the first pre-season match for the Hunters who have brought a youthful side to Australia to play in the 2022 Hostplus Cup season, having lost a number of experienced players to retirement.
However, players from the leadership group including captain Ila Alu and vice-captains Keven Appo and Brandon Nima bring a good knowledge of the competition with them this year as some of the top performers for the club last season.
All three have been named to take on the Silktails side who had a good hit-out against the Burleigh Bears in a trial match last weekend.
PNG Hunters are back and ready for season ahead
PacificAus Sports Melanesian Bowl
PacificAus Sports Melanesian Bowl
Papua New Guinea Hunters versus Fiji Kava Kaiviti Silktails
When
Saturday, February 26 at 4.30pm
Where
Bycroft Oval, Runaway Bay
Entry
Free* (merchandise will be on sale at the event with funds going towards the Tonga Recovery Appeal)
Squad lists
PNG Hunters
1. Terry Wapi, 2. Brandon Nima, 3. Giliimo Paul, 4. Rodrick Tai, 5. Solo Wane, 6. Judah Rimbu, 7. Mark Tony, 8. Casey Dickson, 9. Wesa Tensa, 10. Junior Rop, 11. Keven Appo, 12. Emmanuel Waine, 13. Ila Alu, 14. Kingstimer Paraia, 15. Samuel Yegip, 16. Sylvester Namo, 17. Dilbert Isaac, 18. Jordan Pat, 19. Benji Kot, 20. Matthew Jesse, 21. Liam Joseph, 22. Kitron Laka, 23. Francis Kembis, 24. Tyler Han, 25. Jordan Paiyo, 26. Emmanuel Kiddie, 27. Thane Kellermeyer, 28. Trevor Monaei, 29. Shaun Hoerler
Coach: Matt Church
Kaiviti Silktails
2. Timoci Bola, 4. Paula Walisoliso, 5. Osea Natoga, 6. Sunia Naruma, 8. Apakuki Tavodi, 9. Penaia Leveleve, 10. Meli Nasau, 12. Inoke Vasuturaga, 13. Manasa Kalou, 14. Joshua Khan,15. Simone Cakauniqio, 16. Samuela Yalisaya, 17. Ponipate Komai, 19. Manoa Satala, 20. Watisoni Waqanisaravi, 21. Manoa Vilikesa, 22. Manueli Lewaqai, 23. Sirilo Lovokuro, 24. Kilione Cagilevu, 25. Rusiate Baleitamavua, 26. Jonathan Roseman, 27. Iobe Taukeisalili, 28. Viliame Tutuvili, 29. Stitiveni Ravono, 30. Mosese Qionimacawa
Coach: Wes Naiqama
Match officials: Jarrod Cole, Zac Schwass, Mark Bohan
Broadcast
For those who are unable to get to the game at Bycroft Oval, the match will be livestreamed via QPlus.tv and on the Hostplus Cup Facebook page.
Supported by
PacificAus Sports, DFAT, PNG Hunters, Kava Kaiviti Silktails, Tongan Mission Canberra, QRL, NRL, NSWRL.
Extra detail
This is a COVIDSafe event and social distancing is required for the health and safety of all supporters at the ground.
