The SWG Enterprise Valley Hunters have secured their first finals appearance since 2008 following a nail-biting 24-22 win over the Ruswin Crusaders during round 18 (final round of regular season) of the Pepsi Moni Plus Capital Rugby Union (CRU) competition on Saturday, August 24th, 2024, at Bava Park in Port Moresby.
Since the Valley Hunters’ inception in the CRU competition from 2008 until the 2023 season, they have never played in the finals. Though the Hunters have struggled over the years to compete in the finals, through hard work, team spirit and sheer determination, they’ve finally broken the drought this season.
The valley men have been a surprise package in the 2024 CRU competition. With the recruitment of quality players and a new coach, the struggling club have made their presence felt this year, finishing third on the ladder and earning a spot in the playoffs for the first time in the club’s history.
The inclusion of coach Frank Genia and brother Will Genia (former Wallabies great) was a masterstroke move. The Genias have played an instrumental role in the sudden rise of the SWG Enterprise-sponsored outfit, turning the tide around for the club from pretenders to contenders.
Rookie coach Frank Genia has brought in a winning culture to the club, with the assistance of his brother, Will Genia. The incredible resurgence of the Valley Hunters under the watch of coach Frank and his brother Will has been nothing short of amazing to watch.
Coach Frank Genia emphasizes the importance of team spirit, the culture of the club, and work ethic. These were the building blocks to Valley Hunters’ meteoric rise this season. So much has happened for the Hunters in the last seven or eight months.
Mr. Genia acknowledged the club founder, including the foundation players for sticking with the club over the years, and credited the players for their hard work, which has finally paid off for the club to secure its first finals.
“It’s a huge achievement for the club. Credit to Max Katal and his family for holding the club together, as well as the core of the playing group for staying loyal and connected,” Genia commented.
“It’s a good reward for the men who have worked hard all season. I’m proud of their efforts. We came together late, had a slow start but we’ve been toiling away and got some good reward along the journey, which has been pleasing.”
Coach Genia mentioned that the preparation leading up to this weekend’s playoffs has been good, with the team working hard to improve in some areas and be prepared on game day.
“Firstly, we haven’t looked past this weekend. Our sole focus has been the challenge ahead and our preparations have been good. I think if we can improve our set-piece, then we can set the game up for a good contest,” Genia said.
“We have enjoyed our first finals week for the club, and we are absolutely looking forward to the game this weekend.”
With so much at stake, the Frank Genia-coached side are refreshed and hungrier to give their best, when they face off the Fincorp University Piggies in the sudden death elimination final on Saturday, August 31st, at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.
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