sp hunters

Hunters coach, Michael Marum said Abavu who sat out last Sunday’s match due to suspension starts on the wing in place of Butler Morris.

“We are still trying out new combinations on the edges. Stargroth Amean played exceptionally well on his return at fullback so Bland Abavu will start on the wing.

“Paul Wawa retains his spot on the other wing while Butler Morris will be rested this weekend,” said Marum.

Marum said Noel Joel, Ismael Balkawa and Karo Kauna Jnr have been named in the extended 20 man squad.

The 20 man squad is: (Three to be omitted)

The Hunters were first on the board in the 13^th minute courtesy of some fancy footwork and speed from fullback Stargroth Amean who danced around the defence and dived over to score.

His opposite number, Jamayne Isaako proved hard to stop near the line when he bulldozed his way over to score just after the 20 minute mark.

An unsuccessful conversion put the score at 6-4 with the Hunters in front.

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.