PNG Hunters player Dion Aiye eyes UK stint

DION Aiye’s (pictured) apparent move to sign with England second division side Whitehaven has his Hunters coach Micael Marum in a conundrum.

The 26-year-old has reportedly taken up an offer to play in the United Kingdom with Kumul teammate Jessie Joe Parker, who plies his trade in the Kingstone Press Championship.

Marum confirmed yesterday that Aiye, who was part of the SP Hunters offseason training squad, had left camp two weeks early citing personal reasons.

“Dion has not been in contact with us since he left camp two weeks early because of a family reason.

“He said he had to fly to Port Moresby urgently and he even paid his own way,” Marum said from Kokopo.

Marum said he had not heard from the World Cup half since he parted company earlier this month.

The Kumuls assistant coach admitted it was now a more difficult proposition for his team as they head into their second season of the Queensland Cup in March.

“Obviously, it’s a bit harder for us now after several players left us over the last few weeks. With Thompson (Teteh), Wartovo (Puara) and Stanton (Albert) in the National Rugby League and Gary (Lo) and Jason (Tali) over in England it’s really going to affect our preparations for the season.”

Aiye, who debuted in the SP Inter-city Cup as a 19-year-old in 2007 for the Mt Hagen Eagles, has been part of Kumuls squads since 2009 and was a member of the World Cup team in 2013.

Although Marum did not confirm if Aiye had signed a contract with the Hunters, it is understood the Southern Highlander had committed to another season with the franchise but is now likely to join an exodus of players to England.

“Dion hasn’t told us anything so we’re going to wait until the squad returns for pre-season training on January 5.

“Chairman Sandis (Tsaka, PNGRFL board chairman) and Brad (Tassell, Hunters CEO) will make an official announcement (on Aiye). 

“Right now, I really can’t say much except that it (Aiye’s UK contract) happened suddenly,” Marum said.

The 41-year-old said his squad was now reduced to 24 after starting off the off-season training late October with 30 players, but he would need to find a replacement for Aiye as well as slot other players into the other positions left vacant.

“We’ve got players from the current 24 to cover the positions that have been left open but it’s going to be tough.

“I think we can manage over the first six or seven rounds of the Intrust Cup but injuries will test our depth,” Marum said.

“We will have to wait till the start of the Digicel Cup season next year to see where we can get players from.” 

Several players are in line to play in the No.6 jersey with last year’s captain Israel Eliab the most likely candidate, while utility Noel Zemming and Ate Bina Wabo are possible fill-ins.

Hunters squad: Adex Wera, Adam Korave, Brandy Peter, Edward Goma, Israel Eliab, Lawrence Tu’u, Noel Zemming, Roger Laka, Sebastian Pandia, Timothy Lomai, Willie Minoga, Esau Siune, George Benson, Kato Ottio, Henry Wan, Enoch Maki, David Lapua, Stargoth Amean, Warren Glare, Atte Bina Wabo, Ase Boas, Jay Jay Garison, Bland Abavu, Philemon Kimisive.

PNG Today/The National