Ishmael Vaieke joins Hunters Pre-season Train-on Squad

The Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers utility, Ishmael Vaieke, received a call-up for the SP PNG Hunters pre-season train-on squad following a standout season with the Vipers in the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup 2026 season. 

Young Vaieke came through the Kaugere Seagulls Rugby League Club, a community club participating in the Moresby South Rugby Football League (MSRFL) competition. 

He had a breakout year at the end of the MSRFL 2023 season, where the PRK Gulf Isou scouted the budding talent through the club’s Talent Identification Program.

Following a strong pre-season training with the Gulf Isou in 2023, Vaieke officially made his debut for the club in the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup 2024 campaign.  

The skillful athlete played for the Gulf franchise for two seasons (2024-2025) and joined the Vipers in 2026, producing an impressive season with the NCD flagship team.

Sadly, the rising talent sustained a fractured bone injury during the 2026 DEM Cup campaign, disrupting his promising season.

Thankfully, he has fully recovered and received a call from the PNG Hunters to join the squad in the pre-season camp. His injury was a blessing in disguise. 

The 20-year-old said he was thankful for the opportunity to test his skills with some of the country’s best talents in the pre-season training and hopes to cement his spot for the proper season.  

His local club congratulated him on his selection to the Hunters’ pre-season train-on squad and credited the clubs that mentored him in his career. 

“On behalf of the Kaugere Seagulls Rugby League Club, we would like to congratulate Ishmael and wish him all the best in his pre-season with the SP PNG Hunters,” the club posted on its Facebook page.

"His selection into the Hunters is a testament to his tireless effort in training, commitment, dedication, discipline, and showing good behavior on and off the playing field. 

“We would also like to say thank you to the coaching staff and management of the Vipers for creating an opportunity for him to play in this year's DEM Cup. Thank you, Vipers. 

“Not forgetting the Gulf Isou talent identification program, coaching staff, and management, including the Junior Kumuls, for guiding and mentoring Ishmael.

“The club congratulates Ishmael and looks forward to producing more young, aspiring rugby league talents in the Moresby South District.”  

During Vaieke’s rehabilitation, he has stepped into a coaching role, assisting his local club and mentoring the U-18 division. He led the team to the playoffs, where they bowed out in the semi-final.  

“He is part of our coaching staff for this year's rugby league season. He has mentored and guided our U-18s to the semifinals in this year's JT Super 9s,” the club stated.

“Ishmael continues to empower, motivate, and lead as a role model in our team ever since making his DEM Cup debut in 2024 and playing for the Junior Kumuls.

“He always gives back to the club in small, simple ways. He is our champion on and off the field.” 

This coming weekend, Ishmael Vaieke will be supporting the Kaugere Seagulls U-17 boys in the Moresby South Rugby Football League Justin Tkatchenko Academy Grand Final.