PNG Hunters team named for round 21 match against Ipswich Jets

The SP PNG Hunters coach Michael Marum has named a unchanged side that defeated East Tigers 38 - 8 last week to take on the defending champions Ipswich Jets. The match will be played at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. 

 Marum confirmed that the makeup of his team would likely change during the week as players showed improvement, or a lack thereof, from injuries.

“There’ll definitely be changes to the side we named this week for the Jets game. Timothy (Lomai) was not named but he trained well today and x-rays cleared him of any injury so he’s probably going to be on the bench for Saturday,” Marum said.

“Henry Wan (knee) won’t play even though we named him on our bench. 

“He pulled out of training this afternoon so it looks like he’s not right yet. 

“Noel Zeming (thumb) has about four weeks to go before he can return.

“Watson (Boas) is back in full training and he’s had a great couple of sessions so he’s fine but we’ll make a decision on where he fits in later this week.”

Marum said there was a question mark over Adex Wera’s availability, with the winger yet to have a citing on a dangerous contact charge decided on by the Queensland Rugby League Judiciary.

Wera was cited for making contact with the head of his Tigers opposite, Jack Schaffer, in the second-half.

Marum said if Wera was rubbed out of the Ipswich match, Philemon Kimisive would take his place on the right edge.

Back-rower Tuvi Lepan is ready to play but Marum admitted with competition for spots intense, the East New Briton would have to bide his time and wait for an opportunity.

“There’s a lot of competition for spots and the players know they can’t just walk back into their positions if they’re returning from injury, but we make selections on what’s best for the team.”

In other milestones, centre Thompson Teteh became the Hunters’ all-time leading try-scorer, with 31 four-pointers, after his double against the Tigers bettering the previous mark held by Israel Eliab (30).

Five-eighth Ase Boas also passed 50 points for the season, hitting 53 from his five conversions over the weekend. 

The 28 year-old is currently kicking at 76 per cent and deputising well for regular kicker Noel Zeming.  

PNG Hunters: 1. Bland Abavu, 2. Butler Morris, 3. Justin Olam, 4. Thompson Teteh, 5. Adex Wera, 6. Ase Boas, 7. Wartovo Puara Jr, 8. Enoch Maki, 9. Warren Glare, 10. Esau Siune, 11. Edward Goma, 12. Adam Korave (C), 13. Brandy Peter; Reserves: 14. Gahuna Silas, 15. Ishmael Balkawa, 16. Benjamin Hetra, 17. Watson Boas, 18. Henry Wan, 18. Tuvi Lepan. 19. Philemon Kimisive (three to be omitted).