National Stadium set for PNG Hunters vs Penrith Panthers trial match

National Stadium set for grand opening Photo credit: Justin Tkatchenko 

Papua New Guinea's National Stadium (formerly Lloyd Robson Oval) is now set for a grand opening. The lighting of the stadium was tested last night without hiccups. The PNG Hunters will take on Penrith Panthers at the venue  this weekend to officially open the stadium. 

This is the only trial match for the Hunters before they kick off 2016 Intrust Supper Cup season.  Coach Michael Marum will use 23 players for this trial match. 

Several players will miss the match with injury however with prop Enoch Maki (knee), centre Anderson Benford (ankle) and backrower Brandy Peter (hand) the most serious casualties.

Development player Simon Peter was listed as injured with a sternum complaint but did take part in the drills yesterday at the Sir John Guise Stadium.

Forward Timothy Lomai was not included in the squad to play the Panthers as he is still under suspension (disciplinary grounds).

Marum told his players that they are not all guaranteed to play as he wanted to use the game as a trial to gauge the ability of a number of his new players as they adapt to the nuances of the game played at Q-Cup and NSW Cup level. 

New recruits Ishamel Balkawa, Watson Boas, Sailas Gahuna, Benjamin Hetra, Philemon Kimisive, Tuvi Lepan, Justin Olam, William Aquila and John Ragi are all expected to get game time as Marum works out a starting 17 for the Intrust Super Cup opening round clash against the Souths Logan Magpies at Davies Park, Logan City, Brisbane, on March 6.

Tickets for the SP Hunters v Penrith fixture will go on sale on Wednesdday Feb 3 at all Stop and Shop outlets in Port Moresby. 

Ticket prices for the match at the official opening of the National Football Stadium (NFS) will be K50 in the grandstand and K25 in the outer stands.

 To celebrate the first game played at the NFS all fans at the game will receive a commemorative poster. 

Hunters squad: Stargroth Amean, Bland Abavu, Edward Goma, Thompson Teteh, Adex Wera, Noel Zeming, Ase Boas, Esau Siune, Wartovo Puara Jr, Henry Wan, Adam Korave, Nickson Borana, Warren Glare, Benjamin Hetra, Ishmael Balkawa, Ate Bina Wabo, Philemon Kimisive, Gahuna Sailas, Justin Olam, Tuvi Lepan, John Ragi, Watson Boas, William Aquila.