PNG Hunters recall Gary Lo

One time leading try scorer in the Queensland Cup,  Gary Lo has been recalled by the Hunters Management. Hunters coach Michael Marum says poor form and injuries to his strike players have opted him to recall the former star.

Hunters coach Michael Marum said he was happy to have Lo back in the fold but he would need to prove his match fitness and pass a medical test before being considered for a return to the team.

Lo is in Mt Hagen and is set to play for the Digicel Cup franchise the Hagen Eagles in the opening round of the domestic competition but will join the Hunters in Kokopo this week to undergo fitness tests.

Marum said Lo’s experience and proven try-scoring ability would be a major boost for the team but he preferred to see the 22-year-old perform at the Digicel Cup level before playing for the Hunters.  Lo, who has not played at the top level since last year’s Test match against Tonga, may not be match-fit and Marum said the testing done this week will determine whether he stayed in Kokopo or returned to Mt Hagen.

Lo said he was delighted to be considered this early in the season but said he will let the Eagles and the Hunters management sort out the details.

Injured pair Thompson Teteh and Adex Wera, as well as Lawrence Tu’u (suspension), make welcomed returns to the Hunters as Marum looks to turn around a worrying two-match losing streak.

Utility Ase Boas has been ruled out for the match to give him ample time for a badly bruised forearm to heal. 

David Lapua displaces Bland Abavu from one wing. The halves have been given a shake-up, with Roger Laka dropped to the bench to make way for Ate Bina Wabo at halfback. 

Marum said Wabo had been coming off the bench with impact and they have decided to give him a run on Sunday. 

Kato Ottio shifts back to the backrow to accommodate the returning Teteh, while Timothy Lomai has been named at lock.

The weekend’s game is a crucial for the Hunters as they look to arrest a slide in form.

 The Hunters are in seventh spot on the ladder with three wins and three losses and face the third-placed Cutters.

SP Hunters squad

Full-back – Stargroth Amean

Wing – David Lapua

Centre – Noel Zeming

Centre – Thompson Teteh

Wing – Adex Wera

5/8- Israel Eliab

Half-back – Atte-Bina Wabo

Prop – Henry Wan

Hooker – Wartovo Puara Jnr

Prop – Essau Siune

Second-row – Kato Ottio

Second-row – Brandy Peter

Lock – Timothy Lomai

Inter-change bench

Roger Laka

Lawrence Tu’u

Willie Minoga

Bland Abavu

Adam Korave

Nickson Borana

Edward Goma

Garry Lo

Four to be omitted