The SP PNG Hunters currently have four players undergoing fulltime pre-season training with the Dolphins NRL squad in preparation for the 2023 season.
This arrangement is part of a strategic partnership between the SP PNG Hunters and the Dolphins NRL club, which aims to get more local players of Papua New Guinean heritage into the NRL competition.
The four Hunters players – Judah Rimbu, Rodrick Tai, Sherwin Tanabi and Emmanuel Waine – began training with the Wayne Bennett-coached Dolphins this week and will be working towards earning a fulltime NRL contract over the next eight weeks of pre-season.
SP PNG Hunters CEO Scott Barker is genuinely excited by the opportunity afforded to the Hunters players.
“This is a unique and exciting opportunity for some of our players to get elite level coaching and take their game to the next level,” Barker said.
“We’re extremely thankful to be working so closely with the Dolphins NRL team and hopefully this is the first step to seeing more Papua New Guineans competing in the NRL.”
Dolphins NRL CEO Terry Reader echoed Barker’s sentiments.
“We are proud to host the four players from the SP PNG Hunters and to provide the opportunity for this pathway for Papua New Guinean rugby league players. I look forward to seeing them compete with our newly formed squad during pre-season,” Reader said.
