AS ANZAC Round approaches, the SP PNG Hunters are preparing for a deeply significant match against the Burleigh Bears this Saturday, 26 April, at Santos National Football Stadium.
This will mark the Hunters’ first ANZAC Round at home since joining the Queensland Cup, and the occasion holds special meaning for both Australia and Papua New Guinea.
To commemorate the round and pay tribute to the brave soldiers who served in World War I and World War II, the Hunters team visited Bomana War Cemetery on Wednesday, 23th of April, 2025.
The players and staff were warmly welcomed by the cemetery’s staff, who shared insights into Papua New Guinea’s pivotal role in wartime history.
A highlight of the tour was viewing the commemoration of the Australian soldier Private George C. “Dick” Whittington who was injured during the Battle of Buna.
The players will wear a special one-o commemorative jersey that features this iconic image of Whittington.
He was being helped along a track through the kunai grass towards a field hospital at Dobodura.
The Papua New Guinea assisting him is Raphael Oimbari. Whittington was with the 2/10th battalion at the time and had been wounded the previous day in the battle for Buna airstrip.
He recovered from his wounds but unfortunately passed away from scrub typus in Port Moresby on the 12th of February 1943.
He is commemorated and buried alongside over three thousand fallen at Bomana War Cemetery.
“It was a humbling experience for all of us,” said team captain Ila Alu.
“We are grateful for the tour and the opportunity to learn about the sacrifices made by our ancestors. The staff were incredibly kind and informative, and we are honoured to carry this knowledge with us into ANZAC Round.”
Rowan Foster of the O ice of Australian War Graves said “It was especially poignant for our war cemetery team, sharing history between Papua New Guinea and Australia. It was a powerful reminder that the freedoms enjoyed today were hard-won through unity, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds between our nations. For the PNG Hunter players, young men are navigating their own paths of discipline, teamwork, and service and this experience serves as a reminder that greatness is not only measured on the field, but also in respect for history, legacy, and those who came before us.”
This year’s ANZAC Round serves not only as a competitive fixture but as a heartfelt reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom.
The SP PNG Hunters are proud to stand in remembrance, unity, and respect as they take to the field. There will be a ceremony to be held at Santos NFS before the match begins on Saturday, 26th April.