RIMBU RETURNS TO THE HUNTERS

PNG’s rugby league super star Judah Rimbu has officially returned to the SP PNG Hunters club for the remainder for the 2025 Hostplus Cup season.

Rimbu, the 2024 recipient of the QRL’s prestigious Petero Civoniceva Medal for the competition’s best and fairest player, returns to Papua New Guinea after a short stint with English Super League side Castleford Tigers.

The Tigers released Rimbu as part of a midseason restructuring of their playing roster.

Head Coach Paul Aiton welcomed his return: “I am happy to have Judah back for the rest of the season. He’s a quality player; he brings energy to the club and the boys love to have him around. This is his home, we’re like family, and his presence will definitely make an impact on the squad.”

Rimbu said his is happy to return home.

“While things didn’t work out as planned in the UK, I’m determined to come back home, work hard and help the team have another successful season, hoping to build on what we did last year.”

SP PNG Hunters CEO, Scott Barker, also welcomed Rimbu’s return, stating: “Judah’s not only a good player but a genuinely good guy. I understand that sometimes things like this happen and we are more than happy to have a quality player like him back in our squad. He’s young and he’s got more to give. We will keep on pushing him to help reach his full potential.”

Rimbu is currently in transit and is expected to arrive in Papua New Guinea later this week, where he will rejoin the team and resume training in preparation for the upcoming Hostplus Cup matches.

His return comes at a crucial stage in the Hunters’ 2025 campaign, bringing with him valuable experience, power, and depth to bolster the squad as they navigate the second half of the season.