PNG Hunters fullback Stargroth Amean retires from Rugby League

SP PNG Hunter No. 27 Stargroth Amean will play his last game this Sunday against Tweed Heads Seagulls in Port Moresby.

SP Hunters coach Michael Marum said the 27 year old from Wabag, Enga Province has sought a release to pursue his studies.

“Stargroth requested to be released to concentrate on his education and I reluctantly accepted it,” said Marum.

Amean made his debut for the SP Hunters on March 8, 2015 against South Logan Magpies in Brisbane.

He played 25 games in his first year and scored 16 tries and in 2016 Amean played 13 games and scored four tries.

Last season he played 23 games including the history making grand final and scored 16 tries during the season.

He captained the Hunters in the trial against Brisbane Broncos in February and missed the season opener against Ipswich Jets after sustaining an injury in the Broncos match.

“Stargroth has played a total of 64 games (including this Sunday’s game) and scored 36 tries totalling 144 points since 2015,”

“His experience and leadership to the side will be missed however we must respect his decision” said the coach.

The release from the SP Hunters will also see an end to his career as a Kumul.

Amean was Kumul No.275 and made his debut in the Pacific Test against Fiji as a winger.

He was man of the match in his second appearance in the Pacific Test against Cook Islands in 2017.

He was also a member of the PNG LNG Kumuls in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and played in three of the four matches including the quarter final against England making his total appearances for PNG to five Tests.

Amean said it was a tough decision to make and he thought about it for long time before making a formal announcement.

“I wish to thank Michael Marum and his staff and players, past and present, PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka, CEO Reatau Rau and and everyone for your support,” he said.

Amean is studying Science Foundation at the University of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby.

All rugby league supporters and fans in Port Moresby are encouraged to come down to the Oil Search National Football Stadium this Sunday and farewell one of our PNG rugby league stars, Stargroth Amean as he makes his final appearance for the SP Hunters.