PNG Hunters season put under microscope as review begins

The PNG Hunters have called in an outside investigator to find out what went wrong during a rocky 2026 Hostplus Cup campaign. Former Queensland Rugby League managing director Rob Moore is currently in the country, sitting down with players, coaches and club management as part of an independent probe into the season.

Hunters chief executive officer Scott Barker verified that the Australian had been brought on board and that the review process was already underway, covering everything from the football department's operations to the underlying issues that derailed the team's form this year.

Moore, who once ran QRL, has been given the job of carrying out a thorough and impartial assessment before handing his conclusions and suggestions to the Hunters board. According to Barker, the former administrator is working through interviews with playing staff, coaching personnel and management to build a complete understanding of how the season unfolded.

Areas under scrutiny include the coaching setup, medical support and how player welfare was handled throughout the year. It was a tough season for the Hunters, marked by a lengthy losing streak, though they managed to close things out on a high note with victory over the Western Clydesdales at Santos National Football Stadium. Moore's findings are expected to guide the board on the adjustments required to put the team back on track for next season.

Barker did not rule out personnel changes. "Will there be some changes in playing and coaching staff? Yes, probably, but we'll wait until Rob's report comes out," he said.

The club has already made moves off the back of this process, bringing PNG Kumuls greats Marcus Bai and John Wilshere into the football committee. Barker described these additions as part of a broader reshuffle taking place behind the scenes as the Hunters look ahead to 2027, with the review forming one piece of that puzzle.

Once Moore delivers his report, the board will convene to weigh up his recommendations before rolling out any agreed changes. Pre-season training for the PNG Hunters is set to resume in November.