PNG Hunters chase strong finish as Manuma nears debut

The SP PNG Hunters will farewell their home fans for the 2026 season on Saturday, taking on the Western Clydesdales in what shapes as an emotional round 21 clash at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

It is also a week that could produce a milestone story for Papua New Guinea rugby league, with Junior Kumuls prospect Vene Manuma on the verge of pulling on a Hunters jersey for the first time.

Head coach Paul Aiton confirmed this week that Manuma, a promising rookie forward, has been included in the extended 18-man squad for the visit of the Clydesdales. His path to a debut, however, has not been straightforward. Aiton explained that Manuma had gone without game time for the Central Dabaris in the recent Digicel ExxonMobil Cup, a gap that complicated his case for selection at Hostplus Cup level.

Whether Manuma gets his chance this weekend may come down to the fitness of forward Sylvester Namo, who picked up an injury during last week’s clash with the Redcliffe Dolphins and remains a doubt.

Off the field, Aiton has used the build-up to thank his squad for staying committed through a difficult campaign, one badly disrupted by an injury toll that at one stage left the club with 14 players sidelined. He also welcomed back livewire fullback Sanny Wabo, whose return adds spark to the side ahead of the final home outing, and acknowledged the club’s Old Boys Round, inviting former players to be part of the occasion.

The Hunters will be looking to tidy up their execution after a costly 18-error performance last round, with Aiton confident his side can push a strong Clydesdales outfit all the way.

“Dabaris did not want to play him so, it pushed us in a bit of a hard situation as well because we need him playing so that we can select him,” Aiton said of Manuma’s situation.