PNG Hunters name team for round 19 clash with Tweed Heads

CAPTAIN Israel Eliab has been shifted to fullback as the SP PNG Hunters look to break a three-match losing streak when they face Tweed Heads Seagulls this Sunday.

Adex Wera has been named at centres in coach Michael Marum’s 20-men extended squad for their Round 19 clash at Piggabeen Sports in Tweed Heads in Brisbane.

Utility Lawrence Tu’u is set to get his first crack at the hookers position in the starting 13 as the Hunters try to end the Clubs longest losing streak since joining the Intrust Super Cup competition this year.

Kumul World Cup player Jason Tali, who was recently drafted into the Hunters squad and made his debut off the bench against the Northern Pride in Cairns in Round 18, also gets his first start on the wing.

Marum said they were not hitting the panic button but since returning from the one-week break, the team has been reminded about getting their minds back on the job at hand.

“We had a team meeting after the break and the boys agreed that we slackened off a bit,” he said, and the team had to re-focus and build for a big finish to the season.

Seven games remain for the Hunters with one a bye in Round 26 before the top five are decided and every game is crucial for the sixth-placed PNG side.

Front row specialists Esau Siune and Joe Bruno and backline utility Tiger Emere have been ruled out due to injuries while Wartovo Puara and Thompson Teteh will be given until travel time to prove their fitness.

Also named in the squad is Albert Patak & Timothy Lomai, returning from injury who join Willie Minoga, Stanton Albert and Edward Goma on the extended bench.

The full squad (two to be omitted) is:

1. Israel Eliab

2. Garry Lo

3. Noel Zeming

4. Adex Wera

5. Jason Tali

6. Dion Aiye

7. Roger Laka

8. David Loko

9. Lawrence Tu’u

10. Brandy Peter

11. George Benson

12. Sebastine Pandia

13. Adam Korave

Interchange:

14. Wartovo Puara

15. Wilie Minoga

16. Albert Patak

17. Timothy Lomai

18. Thompson Teteh

19. Stanton Albert

20. Edward Goma.

Coach: Michael Marum