Patience pays off for Vane Manuma

Promising towering prop, Vane Manuma, will make his long-awaited debut for the SP PNG Hunters when the cellar-dwellers travel to Queensland to square off with the table-topping Sunshine Coast Falcons on Saturday, 22 August 2026, at Sunshine Coast Stadium in Bokarina, Australia. 

Manuma came through the Central Dabaris junior system and made his debut for the Dabaris in 2024. Following a strong year with the Dabaris in the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup, the Hunters scouted him at the end of the 2024 season. After two years of waiting, he will play his first game for the Hunters.

PNG Hunters’ assistant coach Enoch Maki confirmed that Manuma will make his debut for the Hunters against the Falcons, heaping praise on the young forward, who has shown patience for nearly two years.

“He was with us for the last two seasons. For a young kid, coming straight from the village is encouraging. It took some time for him to make his debut. He has been training really well and improving his game, so we are happy to give him a chance. We can’t wait to see his game this weekend,” Maki commented on Manuma. 

Standing at 192cm and weighing 95kg, the behemoth forward is grateful for the opportunity given by the Hunters’ coaching staff, and he hopes to repay the confidence and trust shown in him by coach Paul Aiton and the selectors. 

Maki shared that the win against the Western Clydesdales last weekend (August 15th) in the Hunters’ final home game at Santos National Football Stadium boosted the team’s spirit, giving momentum for the SP Brewery-sponsored side. 

“We lost a lot of games, but last weekend’s game was very good. We were thrilled to secure a win after a while. It really motivated the boys for the next two games. We are focusing on our preparation and aiming to finish the season on a high note,” he said.

The assistant coach revealed that a couple of changes have been made, forcing four players out of the squad due to injury, including Whallan Tau-Loi, Koso Bandi, Sanny Wabo, and Seal Kalo. That created a spot for Manuma to make his debut, including the return of Limbi Henry and Carlos Lung.

Hailing from Maupa village in the Aroma/Rigo region of Central Province, Manuma has shown steady progress, rising through the ranks at the Central Dabaris’ development pathway, and reaching the Hunters, and looking forward to making his debut on the weekend against the high-flying Falcons.