sp hunters

In announcing the 20-man squad, Hunters coach Michael Marum said Stargroth Amean will start at fullback in place of Bland Abavu, who has been rubbed out by the Queensland Rugby League Judiciary for one game for tripping.

The enforcer, David Loko, has been cleared to play this weekend after he was cited for a dangerous throw after taking an early guilty plea.

Marum added that versatile forward, Lawrence Tu’u gets a start in the back row with Watson Boas, Junior Rop and Radley Brawa, named in the extended 20-man side.

The Hunters led 18-0 from the first half and had to fight off a late to surge from the Tigers in the back end of the second half to come out victors 30-20.

“It was a tough match against the Tigers. They played hard right throughout the match and came back stronger in the second half. It was a tough win.

 “It was also a good start for us playing our first home game. But we still have some things we really need to work on for the next game and the upcoming games.

“I can’t take anything away from the boys, they stuck through right to the end,” said Marum.

A crowd of 6, 950 turned up for the first home game of the season and four minutes into the game were treated to try from Stanton Albert. Ase Boas made no mistake converting to make it 6-0.

With the wind in their sails, the Hunters continued to dominate possession in the quest for more points.

Close to the line, the Hunters proved a handful for their opponents with Boas and the elusive Gahuna Silas directing play around the park.

Returning to the side from an injury that saw him miss the opening game of the season last weekend, Albert will become Hunter #50.

“I couldn’t sit down and watch the game last weekend. I was uncomfortable watching from the bench because I trained so hard over the pre-season.

“Unfortunately I didn’t play; but my chance has come now.

“I was very proud to be named in the team for tomorrow’s game. I’m looking forward to making my debut. I can’t wait and will give it my best,” said Albert.

Furthermore, the experienced Adex Wera makes a return to the side that will take on the Easts Tigers at home at the National Football Stadium this Sunday at 3pm.

These are the only two changes in the 20-man extended squad for the round two clash that was named this afternoon by SP Hunters assistant coach, Nigel Hukula.

“Wellington will make his debut in the SP Hunters colours for the first time this weekend. He comes in place of Ismael Balkawa,” said Hukula.

The flight will be effective March 31, 2017.

The flight will benefit the team both in terms of reduced travel times, and lower team travel costs.

The direct flight will also enable fans in Papua New Guinea to attend Cowboys home matches, and the Hunters games – as well as the fans of the North Queensland teams who want to see their teams play here in Port Moresby.

The NRL round 5 matches between Cowboys and Rabbitohs on 31st March will be held in Townsville, an opportunity for fans in PNG to attend.

Hunters coach, Michael Marum said Wera was omitted after his visa to travel to Australia was not ready in time.

“It is a big blow to the team to leave him (Adex) behind. It has disrupted our preparations for the first game. Karo (Kauna) will take his spot in the centres in the starting line,” said Marum.

Kauna said although he was a last minute inclusion, he has been training with the team for the past 11 weeks and will give his best.

In naming the 20-man extended squad this afternoon, Hunters coach Michal Marum said both Albert and Amean will be rested this weekend after suffering minor injuries from last weekend’s trial match in Cairns.

“Stargroth has a suspected fractured collar bone while Wellington has a sternum injury,” said Marum.

Marum added Junior Rop and Watson Boas are also out, injured.

On to Nixon Put, Marum named the Western Highlands youngster in the starting line-up after a stellar performance last weekend.

Albert, who was one of five debutants named in the 20 man squad will also play alongside his brother Stanton for the first time as a Hunter.

“I’m really looking forward to this Saturday. I’ve had two shoulder surgeries over the last years, but I’ve fully recovered and I’m fit and ready to go,” said Albert.

Albert added that the team has been training hard for over two months and the match against Pride will be to cement a spot in the side.

 “This trial match is to secure spots in the team so we’re all going to be playing hard this weekend and give our best.

Karo Kauna, Nixon Put, Moses Meninga, Radley Brawa and vice-captain Wellington Albert are the five that coach Michael Marum has named as he looks to use the trial match to test out his new combinations.

“We have Willie starting in the centres with Karo and Stargroth at fullback while Bland starts off the bench.

“This is our only pre-season trial game and I will be trying out some new combinations with all 20 players,” said Marum.