The SP PNG Hunters are back in training with Coach Michael Marum to name his final squad by next week.
The squad was reduced from 44 players to 31, with three more players to be cut from the final 28-member team.
This year’s 2018 Hunters team will be lacking many experienced players in the front row. Only a few have been retained, and some have been contracted to play overseas.
The Albert brothers were strong in the front row last season. They will be missing from this year’s squad after being offered contracts to play in the English Super League.
Another duo that will be missing from the team is Esau Siune and David Loko, who have hung up their boots after last season. Coach Michael Marum will be relying on Kumuls forwards, Moses Meninga, Nixon Put and Adam Korave to take the lead in front.
The team stopped training after the untimely passing of Kato Ottio.
Marum suspended the Hunters’ pre-season training until the team is focussed and ready for preparations. Following the burial last week, they resumed preseason training, where the final 28 member team will be named.
