The SP Hunters have been dealt a big blow with three players suspended by the Queensland Rugby League Judiciary.
The three players- Justin Olam, Bland Abavu and Adex Wera – have been suspended following a video review after last week’s game against the Townsville Blackhawks.
Olam and Abavu have been suspended for one week each. Olam was charged for a shoulder charge while Abavu was cited for a dangerous throw and dangerous contact.
Wera has been rubbed out for two weeks after being cited for a dangerous throw. He will miss the next two remaining season proper games.
These suspensions and the season ending injury to centre Thompson Teteh has forced coach Michael Marum to rush in Noel Zeming and Stargroth Amean back from injury into the starting line-up for this Sunday’s round 24 against Northern Pride at Barlow Park in Cairns.
Both Zeming and Amean have been out for the past six weeks, Zeming with a hand injury while Amean has just recovered from a knee injury.
Marum has also included Wartovo Puara Jnr, Adam Korave and Nixon Borana, back after eight weeks in an extended 19 man squad.
The 19 man squad is:
1. Stargroth AMEAN
2. Butler MORRIS
3. Noel ZEMING (Co-Capt)
4. Edward GOMA
5. Philemon KIMISIVE
6. Ase BOAS
7. Watson BOAS
8. Enoch MAKI
9. Warren GLARE
10. Esau SIUNE
11. Timothy LOMAI
12. Ishmael BALKAWA
13. Brandy PETER
14. Sailas GAHUNA
15. Adam KORAVE
16. Benjamin HETRA
17. Nickson BORANA
18. Wartovo PUARA Jnr
19. Atte Bina WABO
Coach Marum will finalise the travelling 18 man team on Thursday afternoon. The team travels to Cairns on Friday morning.