The SP PNG Hunters hosted their first in-house pre-season trial match against the Gas Resources Central Dabaris last Friday, February 7th, 2025, at the National Football Stadium, showcasing an exhilarating and highly entertaining game to dust off the cobwebs.
Both sides delivered an impressive display of speed, skill, and determination, with fast-paced play and some massive hits throughout the game. It was a great showcase of both the current and future talent in the PNG rugby league, setting the tone for the upcoming Hostplus and Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup seasons, respectively.
The match itself was a true arm wrestle, with each player fighting hard for spots in their respective squads. The Dabaris used their entire squad in the four quarters of the game, as it was their first hit out of the year, while the Hunters used some of their younger and more fringe players to give coach Paul Aiton a look at what the future holds for the team this season.
With no spots guaranteed for both sides, the players rose to the challenge and played their hearts out. The energy on the field was noticeable from start to finish. It’s clear that both teams are gearing up for a competitive 2025 season, and the clash on Friday was a testament to the preparation and dedication of the players and coaching staff.
Meanwhile, the PNG Hunters will travel to Cairns this week to face the Northern Pride in what promises to be another exciting trial match for the Paul Aiton-coached men.
PC: SP PNG Hunters
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