Moses Meninga

Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare was present during Tuesday’s training and met the team and staff of the SP PNG Hunters.

He presented skipper Meninga his 50^th Cup game award.

Meninga told media that being given the award by Sir Michael just pays off all the hard work he has put into his rugby career over the past three years.

“I made a lot of sacrifices and getting this award from the father of the nation is something I will always remember. After my footy career, I will have a story to tell.”

Meninga replaces Ila Alu, who suffered an ankle injury during the first half of Sunday’s encounter against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

The 20 man squad is:

1. Edene GABBIE
2. Junior RAU
3. Thompson TETEH
4. Willie MINOGA
5. Brendon GOTUNO
6. Ase BOAS        -              Captain
7. Watson BOAS
8. Enock MAKI
9. Wartovo PUARA Jnr
10. Stanton ALBERT
11. Nixon PUT
12. Rhadley BRAWA
13. Moses MENINGA

Interchange

Moses Meninga, Nixon Put and Wartovo Puara Jr have all been named on the extended bench.

“Last weekend we didn’t know too much about the Wales side so put in four hookers. This weekend against Ireland will be much tougher so we made the change with Kurt starting at hooker and James at first receiver,” says coach Michael Marum.

“Wartovo is still on the extended bench so if there’s any changes to be made, we can always call on him.

“Stargroth missed last weekend so he’s starting from the bench.”

Hunters were defeated by Norths Devils 32-18 in round four of the Queensland Intrust Cup at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

“Just because we lost the game, I’m not blaming the referee but he was a bit inconsistent with the rulings a few times during the game,” said the coach.

“The performance of the referee can affect the team.

“We got off to a bad start in the first half with penalties after penalties and a lot of points came from penalty goal kicks and that’s a really big concern for us.”