Central Queensland Capras

PNG Footballers Pursue Rugby Dreams in Queensland

Zev John, Bobby Tenza, Samuel Yegip and Khaiya Ross grew up playing rugby league on "cow paddocks" in their tiny villages back home in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

They are now preparing to grace footy fields across Australia, with hopes of one day representing their proud country on the international stage and also professionally in the National Rugby League (NRL).

PNG trio on QRL Trial

The match up scheduled for Saturday would certainly  generate a lot of interest from the PNG community in and around the great state of Queensland

There will be no love lost when Capras trio Zev John, Bob Tenza and Khaia Ross Junior face off with fellow PNG Dolphins  Jeremiah Simbiken, Judah Rimbu and Steven Numambo.

Bulky Western Highlander and Hela Wigmen product Ross Junior is set to make an impression playing at the QRL level when he debuts for Capras alongside fellow Papua New Guineans John and Tenza who have been at the Capras system for the past two seasons.

Hunters maintain form to beat Capras

The heaving home crowd was treating to a stop-and-start contest to begin the match on Saturday afternoon as both sides traded blows in yardage.  
 
The Capras discipline was poor in the early stages, conceding penalties for dissent and making unforced errors to give the Hunters the advantage in the territory battle.  
 

Tai scores try in Dolphins win

Into his second year in the Hostplus Cup, 24-year-old Rodrick Tai who is one of the four Kumul players that joined the Dolphins,ran out onto the field, and managed to score a try for the Dolphins.

Before the trial, Tai stated that last year was a big year for him.

“To make the Hunters squad, play a lot of games, then go to the World Cup and to get to come here, it’s been a very big year. I’m just stoked. I cannot believe it. It’s been good”.

Capras Pile the Points On The Hunters

Just a week after beating the then third-ranked side in Wynnum Manly the Hunters couldn’t back it up against another top team on Sunday in the Capras, who ran in 11 tries to four in a dominant attacking display.
Despite how the scoreboard read at fulltime, both teams started the game with a clear defensive mindset as they traded shots at the other’s line.

SP PNG Hunters v CQ Capras, Match Preview

The Hunters will ride a wave of confidence into this weekend’s contest, having produced their best performance of the season last week against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls to win 36-22.

There were some notable changes to the Hunters’ squad who won that game – namely a new halves pairing of Kingstimer Paraia and Judah Rimbu, and skipper Keven Appo’s move from edge forward to lock – but the most significant difference between the Hunters’ of Round 14 and the 2022 season as a whole was their intent and aggression on both sides of the ball. 

Hunters jump two spots after win

Their 28-10 victory at McIndoe Park, in Emerald, ensured the boys left the fourteenth rung behind in the Intrust Super Cup competition.

The SP Hunters came out firing from the start, making up for the missed opportunities from their first five matches.

Though it was the Capras' 500th Intrust Super Cup game, the PNG boys left no stone unturned as they put points on the scoreboard in the first 10 minutes of the round 6 match.

SP Hunters go down 22-38

The Capras drew first blood two minutes into the game with a try through Maipele Morseau.

Connor Broadhurst lined up near the sideline and with the wind behind him, found his mark to extend their lead by 6 points.

10 minutes into the round 24 clash and Wartovo Puara Jnr managed to ground a loose ball off the foot of captain Ase Boas.

Unfortunately, Watson Boas’ kick was wide off mark.

5 minutes later and the Capras responded with another try through winger Chanel Seigafo, who fleeted past a huddle of confused Hunters defenders for his team’s second try.

Hunters claim victory over Queensland Capras

Less than 2 minutes into the game and the CQ Capras shocked the Hunters with an early try.

Centre Connor Broadhurst passed the ball to Junior Kirisome, who wasted no time in flying over the line.

An unsuccessful conversion by Broadhurst left the score at 4-nil.

11 minutes later, a dummy from Wartovo Puara Jnr created an opportunity for Rhadley Brawa, who leveled the playing field with 4-4.

The Hunters then took a 6-4 lead after a successful conversion by captain Ase Boas.

Unchanged line-up for SP Hunters announced

In a press conference today, coach Marum said the only addition is Edene Gabbie on the extended bench.

The 20-man squad is:

  1. Adex WERA
  2. Junior RAU
  3. Thompson TETEH
  4. Willie MINOGA
  5. Butler MORRIS
  6. Ase BOAS                    -            Captain
  7. Watson BOAS
  8. Enock MAKI
  9. Wartovo PUARA JNR
  10. Dilbert ISAAC
  11. Nixon PUT
  12. Ila ALU
  13. Rhadley BRAWA

Interchange