SP PNG Hunters will be honoring the fallen when they run out in their new ANZAC jerseys against the Burleigh Bears at the Santos National Football Stadium on Saturday.

This weekend’s match will be significant as the Papua New Guinean team play their first ANZAC match at home since joining the Queensland Cup.

 An occasion that holds special meaning for both Australia and PNG.

In commemoration of the ANZAC round, the Hunters (players and staff) made a visit to the Bomana War Cemetery this morning (Wednesday) to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who served during World War I and II.

The players were warmly welcomes by the cemetery staff who shared insights into PNGs pivotal role in the wartime history.A highlight of the tour was viewing the commemoration of the Australian soldier Private George C. “Dick” Whittington who was injured during the Battle of Buna.

The players will wear a special one-o commemorative jersey that features this iconic image of Whittington.

He was assisted by Papua New Guinean Raphael Oimbari (Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel) along the Kunai grass tracks towards a field hospital at Dobodura.

Whittington was with the 2/10^th battalion at the time and had been wounded the previous day in the battle for Buna airstrip.

He recovered from his wounds but unfortunately passed away from scrub typhus in Port Moresby, 12 February 1943.

 He is commemorated and buried alongside over three thousand fallen at Bomana War Cemetery. “It was a humbling experience for all of us,” said Hunters captain Ila Alu.

“We are grateful for the tour and the opportunity to learn about the sacrifices made by our ancestors. The staff were incredibly kind and informative, and we are honored to carry this knowledge with us into ANZAC Round.”

Australian War Graves Operations Manager Rowan Foster said, “It was especially poignant for our war cemetery team, sharing history between Papua New Guinea and Australia. It was a powerful reminder that the freedoms enjoyed today were hard-won through unity, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds between our nations.”

“For the PNG Hunter players, young men are navigating their own paths of discipline, teamwork, and service and this experience serves as a reminder that greatness is not only measured on the field, but also in respect for history, legacy, and those who came before us.”

Meanwhile this year’s ANZAC Round serves not only as a competitive fixture but as a heartfelt reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom.

The SP PNG Hunters are proud to stand in remembrance, unity, and respect as they take to the field. There will be a ceremony to held at Santos NFS before the match begins on Saturday, 26th April.