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.

PNG Kumuls Rugby League World Cup Success

As a Papua New Guinean, I am always a strong supporter of PNG Kumuls regardless of their performance on the world stage.  

Time and time again, the Kumuls have failed to deliver except for a few who stood out to be selected to play in the England Superleague or Australia National Rugby League.

Nevertheless, the heart and support in there and will always be.

WATCH THE RLWC GAMES LIVE ON 2021 RLWC APP

Rugby League World Cup

The story after the Rugby League World Cup 2013 was a sad one. The ‪‎Kumuls team went down to France by 2 points – they failed to make it to the finals.

The PNG Hunters' inception into the Intrust Super Cup gave the fans, not only something to cheer and be proud of, but also to confirm our love for the Rugby League.

This year, 2017, will be a test to see how far PNG rugby has come. The team for the rugby league world cup will go out with pride, wearing Red, Black and Gold. The nation will be watching and cheering on.

 PNG KumulsWorld Cup 2022

More than ever, the PNG team is a strong team. Here are the 5 traits the PNG Kumuls team did not have 5 years ago.

1. Work and discipline - QRL/ISC level improves players’ performances at the back of good discipline and hard work.

2. PNG RFL management - committed people did the groundwork to get a team into the ISC, and strong backing from sponsors and the government till now.

3. Coach and Management - A leader and team management that both players and fans trust

4. Team – The Hunters players and selected international players from the UK and Australia have the experience at the highest level of competition to match other champion teams in RLWC 2017. 

5. Competition – As the premiere of the ISC challenge, the Hunters' performance is on the wall for everyone to see. The players have stamina and power. The spinal cord of PNG Kumuls is made up of the Hunters; strong and hard-hitting forwards; and versatile backs. 

There is a combination. There'll be coordination and competition. The team will not bow out easily. The 2017 PNG Kumuls are a strong contender for the RLWC championship, regardless.

Go the Kumuls...same speed!

Data source:  Wikipedia 12/10/2017