Hunters Prepare For Round 4 Match Against Tweed Head Seagulls

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BACK-to-back losses has seen a change in the SP PNG Hunters halves with Charlie Simon named at halfback for their round 4 fixture against the Tweed Head Seagulls on Sunday.

Regular halfback Watson Boas drops to the bench with former Lae Tigers skipper Simon coming into the starting line-up after coming off the bench in the first two rounds.

He partners captain and five-eighth Ase Boas.

Marum said the Hunters needed to improve and getting a new half would hopefully spark the team.

“Watson is on the bench and will be used but the point is we need to get better as a team hopefully the changes we’ve made help us,” Marum, pictured, said.

Marum, however, did leave the door ajar saying Watson could be shifted to hooker with Wartovo Puara Jr coming off the bench.

“Charlie has been coming off the bench and has been doing well so we are trying to involve him early in the game to see if he can have an impact.” Marum said the team was under pressure to perform as the defending premiers and he was happy to be back at home for the fourth round.

“We’re the defending champions so every team is putting in the extra effort against us.

“We saw that in the game against the Falcons so it all goes back to how we prepare for any team whether they’re top or bottom on the ladder.

“The main concern for us is our defence. We 20 missed tackles against the Pride (round 2) and then we missed 37 against the Falcons so it all comes down to the attitude of the players.”

Other changes to the side sees speedster Edene Gabbie replacing Wawa Paul on the wing. Paul was ruled out of the match with a corked thigh.

This will be Gabbie’s second match for the Hunters after debuting off the bench in round 1.

Adam Korave, who returns from injury, starts at prop, displacing McKenzie Yei with Rhadley Brawa retaining his spot at lock.

Other players likely to make their debuts this weekend are forwards Baundo Aba and Julius Yokopa – both named on the bench.

Marum was impressed with the progress of both players and if given the opportunity this week they will become Hunters No.61 and 62 respectively.

Hunters: 1. Stargroth Amean 2. Edene Gabbie 3. Adex Wera 4. Willie Minoga 5. Brendon Gotuno 6. Ase Boas (c) 7. Charlie Simon 8. Moses Meninga 9. Wartovo Puara Jr 10. Adam Korave 11. Nixon Put 12. John Andy 13. Rhadley Brawa Reserves: 14. Watson Boas 15. Baundo Aba 16. Julius Yokopa 17. Muka Peter Kulu 18. Junior Rau 19. Patrick Morea 20. McKenzie Yei (three to be omitted). The National/PNG Today