Hunters coach Michael Marum

In a post-match conference yesterday, Hunters coach Michael Marum admitted that the first half saw weak play by the PNG boys.

It was a sluggish start for the Hunters in the first half of the round 16 Intrust Super Cup match.

The boys were still finding their feet 2 minutes into the game when the Falcons easily put one over the line.

After the first try of the match, it took almost 32 minutes for the Hunters to find their rhythm.

“It’s a bit hard when you’re playing sides like the Falcons; they’re in your face every day,” stated coach Marum.

The match will be at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

Hunters coach Michael Marum explained that Adex Wera moves to the centres to replace Willie Minoga, who will start off the bench.

He added Lawrence Tu’u, Muka Peter Kulu, Karo Kauna Jnr and Noel Joel have been named on the extended 20-man squad.

Marum said he is awaiting a decision from the QRL Judiciary on Wellington Albert who was cited for a dangerous tackle during last Sunday’s 12-8 win over the South Logan Magpies.

The shy 21 year old Western Highlander played a hand in the win scoring one of the five tries in the Kumuls 32-22 triumph over the Cook Islands.

Put made his debut back in 2014 playing on the wing for the Mt. Hagen Eagles in the Digicel Cup competition.

2016 saw him shift into playing second-rower and after a stellar performance in the semi-professional competition, he got the nod from SP Hunters coach, Michael Marum.

 “I always prepare to slay my targets in every game and making it into the SP Hunters was one of my dreams.

Local rugby league teams in Boera, Porebada, Papa and Lealea villages were put through their paces with the Hunters showing them warm-up techniques, fitness training and ball handling skills.

There was also a serious message behind the Hunters visit who also took the opportunity to talk to local players about drug and alcohol abuse. 

The clinics were facilitated by PNG LNG, sponsor of the Hunters and PNG LNG Kumuls, in association with the Porebada Bulldogs club, the Buria Reds club of Lealea and the Boera and Koita Rugby League Association of Papa respectively.

Puara was named in the final 29-man squad that was announced this week but hasn’t been training with the team because of an injured left shoulder.

Coach Michal Marum added Puara underwent major surgery to his left shoulder during the off season and is currently undergoing rehabilitation.

“He’s had 6 weeks in rehabilitation and is back here now. He will travel to Brisbane next week for a review after which the medical staff will make an assessment on when to resume full body contact training,” said Marum.

With eight minutes to go in Saturday’s 24 to 20 loss to the Townsville Blackhawks, Teteh suffered a season ending injury after getting kneed in a tackle by Blackhawks half-back Michael Parker-Welsh.

Teteh remained on the field and completed the game but saw a doctor after full time, who rushed him to Townsville Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.

PNG Rugby League Chief Executive Officer, Bob Cutmore, said Teteh was in a stable condition on Sunday night and after a medical review, was released from hospital this yesterday.

The 25-year-old captain of the Gulf Isapea team, Bernard Goma, made his first appearance in the Hunters training camp this week after playing 13 round games with Gulf Isapea in the Digicel Cup competition.

Goma started playing in local competitions in schools. His move from the national level in the Digicel Cup and into the international level was a quick one.

PNG SP Hunters coach Michael Marum told the media that due to a lot of injuries to his players, Goma was recruited as a backup after seeing his potential at the national level.

Marum revealed that fullback Stargroth Amean and utility Noel Zeming are both under injury clouds.

He said Amean struggled to train during the week and is currently being monitored by the physio while Zeming is still carrying an injured arm and fractured wrist.

Marum went on to say if Zeming is ruled out, 18th man Butler Morris will be slotted in to take his place.

Forward Brandy Peter will miss this weekend's game after Marum explained for personal reasons.

This has pushed Enoch Maki into the starting line-up.