PNG Hunters Team

The outside back caught the attention of National coach Michael Marum during his side’s grand final win to claim the Enga U18 schoolboys’ title in Wabag last month.

Jiwaka U18 promising forward John Bit joins fellow schoolboy Benson Loma while Western Highlands schoolboy trio, Edwin Epape, Isaiah Tali and Mathew Jessy, and lone Simbu schoolboy, Illix Ali, have also been named in the squad.

Marum said this is where the future of our game lies.

The newcomers include players from Lae, Port Moresby, Goroka, Rabaul, Mendi and Chimbu.

Five players were recruited from the Lae Snax Tigers including Justin Olam and Bernard Lama.

Players recruited from Rabaul are Konnie Bernard, Tuvi Lepan, Watson Boas and J Ragi. Others are Enock Siune from Chimbu, Gonzella Urakusie from Goroka and Benjamin Hetra from Mendi.

PNGRFL CEO Bob Cutmore announced that preparations for the 2016 season were being finalised with the squad to assemble next week for pre-season training.

Coach Michael Marum made slight changes to the side that held off Tweed Heads Seagulls 32-24 on the Gold Coast, bringing Lapua in on the wing.

Marum has also promoted Timothy Lomai from the interchange bench to back row.

The PNG side is third on the ladder and after scoring eight wins in a row, they have the ideal opportunity to extend that to nine straight wins.

Hunters will be hoping that the Ipswich Jets crash in Saturday’s game against reigning premiers Northern Pride at Barlow Park in Cairns.