Who is 2022 PNG Hunter's New Coach?

PNG Hunters new coach, Matthew Church, is not new to rugby league. He has been fundamental in the development of young talents in the under 15, 16, 18 and 20 levels

He is an experienced assistant coach at junior levels and head coach at East Tigers under 20 and Meninga cup under 18.

Matt has a long coaching career at the junior levels. He seems to be the kind of person to go to when you wanted to develop young talents.

PNG Hunters New Coach a Fan Fav?

However, Matt may be new to the PNG RL politics and fans. He may need time to adjust to the madness of rugby League when things go well.

He also will have to prepare for times when things do not work outright. In fact, there is a ‘big shoe’ to fill and the expectations are high.  Matt is probably aware of it!

It is important that Matt sets his direction for the Hunters early on – where he wants to see the players and team by the end of his coaching career at the PNG Hunters. 

The direction can be in several ways, but importantly the success of individual players is also the success for the team as a whole.

Direction for PNG Hunters

One way to set a direction and measure it is to successfully connect players to the QRL (Intrust Super Cup), NSWRL, NRL or other international competitions.

Another direction can be for the team to be successful in the QRL competition. And that is to not fall below the precedence set by the previous players and coach.

Matt said he is focused on the PNG Hunters now with his sight on the Digicel Cup comp.

He said

"I'm just looking forward to developing those players and the staff in and around the Hunters and hopefully working in the Digicel Cup (domestic competition in Papua New Guinea) as well to raise coach education,".

It seems he has fallen far below the expectations as the PNG Hunters coach.