Brandon Nima

The 27 year old from Gumine in Simbu Province, has made 77 appearances for the Hunters, scored 31 tries (132pts) this year alone.

Nima has racked up 436 total running metres, averaging 109 running metres per game, a great testament to his work ethics and commitment to becoming a leader and role model for the next crop of Hunters players.

Nima will wear the No.5 red, black and gold jersey while Ipape will don the No. 6 national jumper in front of his home crowd.

Fellow debutants Dilbert Isaac and Zev John will come off the interchange bench with Woods Kawage as the 18th man.

Coach Michael Marum announced the team after yesterday’s training session in Port Moresby.

The team is:

1. David MEAD - Captain

2. Junior RAU

3. Justin OLAM

4. Nene MACDONALD

5. Brendon NIMA

6. Edwin IPAPE

7. Watson BOAS

8. Enock MAKI

9. Tom BUTTERFIELD

Boas replaces Lachlan Lam who has been released to begin pre-season training with 2018 NRL premiers Sydney Roosters.

Stanford Talita, who was added onto the squad with fellow PNG U23 Residents Edwin Ipape and Woods Kawage, was forced to withdraw to focus on his studies. Talita has been replaced by Nima.

The arrivals of Tom Butterfield today (Monday) and Nene Macdonald tomorrow (Tuesday) will complete the squad for game one against England Knights in Lae on Saturday, 27 October. The team for game one will be announced in Lae on Thursday.