Dual international, Brendon Gotuno, will become Hunter #60 when he debuts on the wing for the SP Hunters round three clash against the Sunshine Coast Falcons in Brisbane, Australia, this Sunday.
Upon being given the news this afternoon, the excited 22-year-old from Chimbu and East New Britain Province said he had been dreaming of this day.
“I’m so excited to be part of this champion team. It’s an achievement. It’s a dream-come-true.”
Gotuno, who has represented the country in AFL and also in rugby league for the PNG Prime Minister’s XIII, said he can’t wait to take the field this weekend.
Gotuno replaces Butler Morris.
In other changes made by coach Michael Marum, Stargroth Amean makes a return to the starting line-up at fullback.
Adex Wera moves to the centres, while Nixon Put starts in his usual second-row position.
Rhadley Brawa starts at lock in place of the injured Adam Korave.
Sailas Gahuna, William Mone, McKenzie Yei and Patrick Morea have been included on the extended bench.
“Last weekend we had a bad game against the Northern Pride so some players had to be dropped,” said Marum.
“Falcons had their first win last weekend so they’ll be looking forward to hosting us down there on Sunday. It’s going to be tough.
“All we want is for our players to go out there and give us that 100 percent performance.”
The 20-man squad (two to be omitted):
1.Stargroth AMEAN
2.Wawa PAUL
3.Adex WERA
4.Willie MINOGA
5.Brendon GOTUNO
6.Ase BOAS – Captain
7.Watson BOAS
8.Moses MENINGA
9.Wartovo PUARA
10.Dilbert ISAAC
11.Nixon PUT
12.John ANDY
13.Rhadley BRAWA
Interchange
14.Charlie SIMON
15.Ila ALU
16.Sailas GAHUNA
17.McKenzie YEI
18.William MONE
19.Junior RAU
20.Patrick MOREA
The final 18 will be named on Friday.
The team will leave for Brisbane on Saturday for Sunday’s game, which kicks off at 3pm at the Sunshine Coast Stadium.