Stone promoted to head trainer role

Former PNG sprinter Nelson Stone has been appointed as the head trainer of the Kroton Hela Wigmen after nearly five seasons with the club.
Adding to his already impressive rugby league curriculum vitae, Stone has assumed the role of head trainer for the upcoming Digicel ExxonMobil Cup season after his significant contributions to the strength and conditioning department.
A minor shuffle within the club has also granted stand-in coach Ian Yaro a full-time coaching position following his substantial appointment in 2024.
Wigmen Chief Executive Officer Patrick Wundai told NBC News that the unfortunate passing of former coach Seth Ripp was a significant loss for the club. However, it also created an opportunity for Stone and Yaro.
“We lost our former coach in an unfortunate situation. It was a significant loss for the coaching staff, but it has also provided Nelson Stone with a fresh opportunity,” Wundai told NBC News.
“Nelson Stone has been our cornerstone. This year, we have promoted him to head trainer from his previous role as strength and conditioning trainer. Peter Andrew will continue to serve as the assistant trainer.”

Spending most of his time behind the scenes, Stone, a key figure for the club, has been an integral part of Wingmen’s rise in the DEM Cup.
Since joining the club in 2019, the PNG athletics great has established a proven record in finals, leading the strength and conditioning program of the Kroton-sponsored team over the past five seasons.
“It's my job as a trainer,” Stone told NBC News regarding his ambition to provide a top-notch training program for players.
“I have to put my best foot forward and bring out the best in all the players who are currently behind us.
“We need to provide them with the appropriate training to ensure they become fitter, stronger, and prepared for trials like the one this weekend.”