Israel Eliab is PNG Hunters Captain

Israel Eliab was last night named captain of the SP PNG Hunters 2014 Season; at a glittering season launch of ahead of the clubs opening game of the Intrust Super Cup against Redcliffe this Sunday.

Head Coach Michael Marum who said there were many potential candidates named Eliab as he had shown great leadership qualities from the first day the players moved into camp.

Eliab was humble in accepting the great honour to lead the team for the 2014 season saying the players are working very hard and will give their best all season for the clubs supporters and fans.

The club also debuted its 45second TVC ad to promote home games and events along with the clubs theme song and music clip which received rave reviews by all in attendance, including Intrust Super CEO Brendan O’Farrell and QRL CEO Rob Moore who praised the club on the professionalism shown already towards inclusion in the competition.

Minister for Sport Hon. Justin Tkatchenko made the keynote address at last nights event and reiterated the Governments full support of the SP PNG Hunters and Rugby League in PNG, stressing it was a long –term project and the country needed to show patience in rebuilding the game. He called on all of PNG to get right behind the club.

NCD Governor Powes Parkop was asked to announce the full 23-man SP PNG Hunters full squad and coaching staff and MC Johnny Gibbs then Auctioned the player’s jerseys and other items. Israel Eliabs was the most popular jersey fetching K6,500 while a limited edition framed and fully signed team jersey with team photo went for K11,000. A Qld Jersey signed by Immortal Wally Lewis also fetched K6,000.

The club will auction of one remaining player jersey on the PNG HUNTERS facebook page for supporters across the country to bid on this week. The jersey is signed by the entire SP PNG Hunters team and is an exact playing jersey worn by the players.

PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said the night was all about thanking the clubs sponsors, the National Government and supporters and recognizing the coaching staff and players ahead of the opening game of the season this Sunday. 

The 18 man team to take on Redcliffe in the opening match of the clubs Intrust Super Cup Season will be named by Head Coach Michael Marum on Tuesday 25th February 2014.