The PNG Hunters were in a rebuilding phase for the 2019 Intrust Super Cup season after losing several key players to overseas clubs.
With the 2019 Intrust Super Cup season having drawn to a close, we take a look back through the year that was for all 14 clubs to see what went right, what went wrong, and what the clubs may focus on heading into the 2020 season.
The 2019 Year in Review series continues with PNG Hunters.
The season by the numbers
Final position on the ladder
13th
Regular season
- Won: 4
- Drawn: 1
- Lost: 18
Home and away record
- Home: 2-9
- Away: 2-9
Scoring
- Scored: 315
- Conceded: 750
- For and against: -435
Players in focus
Standout player
Moses Meninga was a standout for the Hunters. The Hunters captain led his side from the front, and was often the standout performer for the PNG side. Moses was rewarded for his form and was voted PNG Hunters' Players' Player at their recent awards night in Port Moresby.
Tries: 4
Tackle breaks: 23
Average run metres: 107 metres
Post contact metres: 813 metres
Tackles: 553
Tackle efficiency: 85 per cent
Best of 2019: PNG Hunters
Notable player achievements and milestones
- Ase Boas – PNG Hunters' highest points scorer, 500 Intrust Super Cup points and 100 Intrust Super Cup games
- Adex Wera – 100 Intrust Super Cup games
- Brendon Nima – PNG Hunters' top try scorer
- Junior Rau – PNG Hunters' best back
- Keven Appo – PNG Hunters' best forward
- Moses Meninga – PNG Hunters' Players' Player and 50 Intrust Super Cup games
- Terry Wapi – PNG Hunters Rookie of the Year
- McKenzie Yei – PNG Hunters Player of the Year
- Stanton Albert – 50 Intrust Super Cup games
Key factors to season result
Rebuilding phase
The 2019 season has been a rebuilding phase for the PNG Hunters who lost several key personnel to overseas and rival Intrust Super Cup clubs. In term, the Hunters lost several star players including Stargroth Amean, Wartovo Puara, Watson Boas, Thompson Teteh, Rahdly Brawa, Edene Gebbie and Nixon Putt.
Home form
In recent years Oil Search Stadium has been a fortress and has played a big role in the success of the Hunters in the Intrust Super Cup. In 2018 the Hunters won 83 per cent of their games at home, however, only won 18 per cent of games at home in 2019. Had the Hunters won a few more games at home this season, they would have been in a far better position to qualify for the finals series.
Looking ahead to 2020
The Hunters have unveiled some exciting young talent in the form of Terry Wapi, Keven Appo and Nick Hasu in 2019. If the Hunters are able to recruit some experience during the off season, they will put themselves in a good position to build into the 2020 season.
