QRL confirms Hunters home games to remain in Port Moresby

SP Hunters players in a training session last week (Supplied: Hunters Media)

The SP PNG Hunters home games in Port Moresby will proceed as scheduled for this season according to Queensland Rugby League.

Reports by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) last week speculated that QRL board were sought to reach a decision to remove Hunters privileges of hosting homes games at the National Football Stadium, citing security concerns in light of recent happenings in the nation’s capital and the massacre in Enga.

However, the Hunters along with QRL confirmed that there has been no change to the current home game schedule and at this point in time all games will go ahead as per the QRL draw.

The QRL, SP PNG Hunters as well as the relevant authorities are in weekly contact as per normal operations and will communicate with everyone should there be any changes to the draw.

“I spoke to Scott Barker (Hunters CEO) earlier but he said the reports by ABC was just a discussion but all they know is that the draws are same,” Hunters coach Paul Aiton said during a press conference last week.

“We will have our games in Port Moresby as scheduled and we look forward to play here.”

The Paul Aiton-coached side are set to host 10 home games and feature in 10 away matches in Australia with four byes’ according to the 24-round Hostplus Cup competition draw.

Meanwhile, Aiton’s men wrapped up their final preseason challenge with a 32-18 victory over Central Queensland Capras on Saturday and are now preparing for the first home match against the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls on March 9 at NFS.