Hunters chief backs PNG players to thrive in NRL

Correspondent

PNG Hunters chief executive Brad Tassell believes that players from his club can graduate to the NRL with few difficulties.

Wartovo Puara and Thompson Teteh have recently had a trial with South Sydney, and Tassell feels that there are more players waiting to step up in PNG.

Noth Teteh and Puara impressed Souths coach Michael Maguire, but it is felt that they need more time in the Queensland Cup before they are ready for the rigours of the NRL.

“It’s very hard to crack into the NRL but as long as we keep knocking at the door, our players can make it,” said Tassell.

“Wartovo and Thompson had a taste of the NRL and they want more and they can make it.”

The Hunters launch their Queensland Cup campaign this weekend with a trip to Souths Logan Magpies.

Their 18-man squad includes nine debutants, with Kumuls World Cup players Enock Maki and Ase Boas, and captain of the Commonwealth Nines winning PNG Under 19 team, Warren Glare, all named.