PNG Hunters team announced for Round 24 match againsts Mackay Cutters

SP Hunters coach Michael Marum and his team are bracing for one of their toughest trips away when they head to their Round 24 Intrust Super Cup match against Mackay Cutters this Saturday.

The PNG team based in Kokopo will travel to the nation’s capital Port Moresby on Thursday before connecting to Cairns later in the day when they board a bus for a gruelling 12-hour drive to Mackay.

The turn around time has been quite short as the Hunters after beating Wynnum Manly Seagulls 36-13 on Sunday returned to the East New Britain capital Kokopo the next day, squeezing three days training before hitting the road again.

Coach Marum has retained the majority of the team, bringing back centre Noel Zeming left out last week, and resting halfback Ase Boas.

Young Nickson Borana has the opportunity to press his claims in the run-on side as he has been named in the back row to pack down with Kato Ottio.

Atte Bina is expected to start at halfback with Roger Laka named on the bench to share the responsibilities.

Marum will be expecting a more polished effort from his team in both halves as the Hunters first half performance against Wynnum Manly when they trailed 13-6 at half-time was a bit of a concern.

The game at Stadium Mackay is on Saturday, 22nd August kicks off at 6pm under lights.

The SP Hunters are sitting in second spot on 39 points together with Townsville Blackhawks, the ladder leaders because of superior percentage – for and against.

Following this game, the final match of the 2015 is against Burleigh Bears at the Sir John Guise Stadium on 30th August.

PNGRFL Interim CEO Shane Morris has thanked everyone who made last Sunday’s game a great success.

However, he admits there were issues that were identified which will be addressed to ensure the public access to the August 30 game is smoother.

“We will make some adjustments and those details will be released to the public through the media prior to our next home game,” he said.

The full SP Hunters team is:

1. Stargroth Amean, 

2. Oti Bland Tony, 

3. Noel Zeming, 

4. Thompson Teteh,

5. Adex Wera,

6. Israel Eliab ©,

7. Atte Bina, 

8. Henry Wan, 

9. Wartovo Puara, 

10. Esau Siune, 

11. Nickson Borana, 

12. Kato Ottio, 

13. Timothy Lomai.

Interchange:

14. Lawrence Tu’u, 

15. Roger Laka, 

16. Willie Minoga, 

17. Edward Goma, 

18. Warren Glare, 

19. David Lapua, 

20. Enock Maki 

(three to be omitted).

Coach: Michael Marum