By GABRIEL KATUHO
THE SP PNG Hunters are gearing up for their last home game of the QLD Hostplus cup competition season 2026 against the Western Clydesdales on Saturday 15th of August 2026 at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
Head Coach Paul Aiton in an interview today expressed his gratitude towards the players who have shown great commitment and perseverance throughout the season despite the results.
“It is an unfortunate season for us but it’s definitely special for us to finish the season with the remaining games,” Aiton said.
Coach Aiton praised the players for their commitment despite the results, stating that it would be hard to see players turning up on training after losing games, however the players have stayed loyal till the end of fight.
Coach Aiton acknowledged the ‘Old Boys Round’ stating, it would be good to see some of the old boys turning up for the game.
Hunters had the worst season so far with several players succumbing to injuries during the season that affected the team formation and combination in every round.
“For some time we had 14 injured for some weeks, but now we are starting to have an option to choose teams, it’s been pretty good,” he said.
While most players have been cleared from injuries Hunters formidable forward, Sylvester Namo is likely to miss out on the weekends game due to injury sustained during Hostplus Cup round 20 against the Redcliff Dolphins in Port Moresby.
While this was a loss for the Hunters, the return of electrifying fullback, Sanny Wabo would light up the last home game in front of the home fans in Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
Coach Aiton while welcoming Wabo said he (Wabo) not only brings his footy abilities but also has great energy, and really sticks the players together during the game.
“He has been working very hard off the field and I am sure he is happy to get out of that rehab,” he said.
Coach Aiton is confident that the Hunters will put up a good fight against the quality Western Clydesdales side who had some of the best players in the team.
Aiton further stated that Hunters would try to minimize the record of 18 errors caused during the game last weekend and end the home game on a high note.