Kalo and Glare Back as SP PNG Hunters Look to End Losing Streak
PORT MORESBY – Kalo and Glare are back in the mix as the SP PNG Hunters aim to snap a two-game skid in Saturday’s Round 7 Hostplus Cup showdown against the Burleigh Bears at the Santos National Football Stadium. Their returns are expected to lift the Hunters both in experience and energy as the side prepares for the 3pm kick-off.
Dynamic dummy-half Finley Glare has been named on the bench after recovering from injury, taking the place of Lynchill Kiap, who drops out of the 17. The 21-year-old’s inclusion is seen as a strategic move by coach Paul Aiton to inject more attacking options into the game.
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| Kalo and Glare Back as SP PNG Hunters Look to End Losing Streak |
Meanwhile, workhorse forward Seal Kalo makes a much-anticipated return to top-tier action after a lengthy layoff due to an ACL injury that required surgery in June last year. Having impressed during two matches for the Mendi Muruks in the DEM Cup, Kalo has earned his spot back in the Queensland Cup squad.
In the forwards, Murray Connors will start in the back-row after coming off the bench for the last four matches. Trevor Solu keeps the hooker role, while Limbi Henry, who debuted in the recent 20-26 loss to the Mackay Cutters, makes way.
The Hunters face a challenge at centre with Alex Max not listed in the side and Elijah Roltinga still out injured. Clent Lama, who can play both in the centres and back-row, is the likely candidate to step into the right centre position.
Rising forward Epel Kapinias, another player on the comeback trail from an ACL injury, is closing in on a return after gaining match fitness in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup with the Agmark Gurias.
Additionally, 19-year-old Vane Manuma has been named as 18th man. Standing at 190cm, Manuma will be on standby in case of a late withdrawal.
The visiting Burleigh Bears have named a full-strength lineup for their trip north, returning to a venue where they previously beat the Hunters 30-22 last July. Halves Guy Hamilton and Tom Steadman will steer the team, supported by a backline that includes Creedance Toia, Sami Sauiluma, Kea Pere, and Josiah Karapani—all familiar with the Port Moresby turf.
Burleigh’s forward pack remains unchanged from their 26-14 win over the CQ Capras in Rockhampton, with key players like Sam Coster, Tristan Powell, Jacob McCudden, Ewen Moore, and Kurt De Luis leading the charge. Many of these names featured in victories over the Hunters both at Burleigh Heads and in Port Moresby last season.
PNG Hunters Line-up:
1. Sanny Wabo
2. Brandon Nima
3. Not Named
4. Graham Rex
5. Solo Wane
6. Gairo Voro
7. Jamie Mavoko
8. Jordan Pat
9. Trevor Solu
10. Zebedy Kip
11. Murray Connors
12. Robert Mathias
13. Ila Alu (C)
Interchange: 14. Finley Glare, 15. Koso Bandi, 16. Manisa Kai, 17. Seal Kalo
Reserve: 18. Vane Manuma
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