PNG Hunters team for Round 32 against Townsville Blackhawks

The Papua New Guinea  Hunters will take on fourth placed Townsville Blackhawks  in round 23 this Saturday in Townsville.

 The Hunters belted former competition leaders Burleigh Bears 30 - 20 last week at the National Football Stadium . They are going to this game with high confidence to play the Blackhawks. Hooker Wartovo Puara Junior will miss the Saturday’s crucial   match against the Townsville Blackhawks due to  left knee injuries suffered in the Round 21 win over the Ipswich Jets.

Coach Marum said with Puara out the onus was now on Watson to step up his game after coming off the bench in last week’s 30-20 win over the Burleigh Bears. “Watson came off the bench last week against the Bears but had a quiet game. “He’ll need to lift for the Blackhawks especially at halfback,” Marum said. Captain Adam Korave is rated a good chance to play depite not training yesterday because of a knee injury picked up in the Jets game.

One of Philemon Kimisive, Edward Goma or Stargroth Amean will come into the 17 should Korave pull out.

The Hunters leave for Cairns on Thursday morning before a four hour bus south trip to Townsville the same day.

The clash against the Blackhawks is essentially for third spot despite the gurantee of a home finals match for both teams which ever way the result goes.

SP Hunters: 1. Bland Abavu, 2. Butler Morris, 3. Justin Olam, 4. Thompson Teteh, 5. Adex Wera, 6. Ase Boas, 7. Watson Boas, 8. Enock Maki, 9. Warren Glare, 10. Esau Siune, 11. Timothy Lomai, 12. Adam Korave (C), 13. Brandy Peter; Reserves: 14. Gahuna Silas, 15. Ishmael Balkawa, 16. Benji Hetra, 17. Atte Bina Wabo, 18. Philemon Kimisive, 19. Edward Goma, 20. Stargroth Amean.

Photo: Hunters Timothy Lomai on attack / qrl.com.au