As the SP PNG Hunters grind through the high-intensity Block 3 of their 2026 pre-season train-and-trial, forward Murray Fige Connors is no longer just looking to make the numbers.
After a breakout 2025 debut season that saw him rise from the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup to the Prime Minister’s XIII, the man affectionately known as “Mr. 80 Minutes” is eyeing a leadership role in the pack.
Connors, a product of the Hela Wigmen and Nest system, spoke candidly about the shifting dynamics in camp as the squad prepares for the upcoming Hostplus Cup campaign. With several new faces, particularly in the front row, joining the 2026 pre-season, Connors has found himself transitioning from a learner to a mentor.
He noted that the jump from the domestic Digicel ExxonMobil Cup to the Hunters remains a significant hurdle for many, but believes communication is the key to closing that gap.
The lanky forward is focused on leading by action this year. Having learned the ropes during his debut season, he wants the new recruits to see his work ethic as a standard. His current training block is dedicated to refining his “craft” in both attack and defense, ensuring he remains a reliable fixture in Coach Paul Aiton’s engine room.
Beyond the field, Connors’ leadership extends to his roots in Tokarara, a well known suburb in Port Moresby known for producing athletes. During the Christmas break, he returned to lead his local community team, Tox Nest, in the Governor’s Cup.
By implementing the professional “systems” he learned at the Hunters, he aimed to provide a structured environment for local youth, helping to steer them away from negative influences like alcohol.
Despite his success over the past year, Connors remains grounded about the challenges of the Block 3 trials. He emphasised that making the final squad requires immense sacrifice, often involving “extra reps” and individual preparation away from the team facility.
For Connors, the journey is demanding, but the reward of representing the Hunters makes every sacrifice enjoyable.
