By GABRIEL KATUHO
HUNTERS fullback Sanny Wabo has capped off an outstanding 2026 Queensland Hostplus Cup season by collecting three major awards at the SP PNG Hunters’ annual awards presentation.
Wabo was recognised as Best Back of the Year, Player of the Year 2026, and Players’ Player, highlighting his consistency and commitment throughout a challenging season for the Hunters.
While several Hunters players secured opportunities overseas, Wabo and a number of other senior players remained with the team for the 2026 Hostplus Cup season.
Among those who earned overseas opportunities were Finley Glare, Gairo Voro, Robert Mathias, Epel Kapinias, Judah Rimbu, Solomon Wane, Brandon Nima, Valentine Richard, Junior Rop and Morea Morea Jnr.
Former Hunters five-eighth Joshua Lau also left the club to join the Lae Snax Tigers.
The departure of several established players created a significant gap in the Hunters’ squad and contributed to a difficult 2026 Hostplus Cup campaign.
The Hunters recorded just three wins for the season and finished at the bottom of the Queensland Hostplus Cup ladder.
Despite the team’s struggles, Wabo, along with Ila Alu and several other senior players, provided leadership and became role models for the younger players coming through the Hunters system.
Wabo was one of the Hunters’ most consistent performers throughout the season, producing strong attacking and defensive displays week after week.
Playing at fullback, he regularly found himself as the last line of defence and proved to be a dynamic attacking player capable of creating opportunities for his team.
His individual style, determination and consistency earned him recognition from both his teammates and coaching staff.
Hunters head coach Paul Aiton has repeatedly pointed to the lack of game time among the new players, as well as injuries suffered by several members of the squad, as factors that affected the team’s overall performance this season.
Despite the difficult campaign, Aiton has praised the commitment and sacrifices made by the players, saying their efforts should be rewarded with opportunities to represent Papua New Guinea at the international level.
With Wabo’s strong form throughout the season, his performances could put him in contention for selection in the Prime Minister’s XIII and the Papua New Guinea Kumuls ahead of upcoming international fixtures and the Rugby League World Cup.