Hunters start pre-season training in Boroko

By JACK AMI
THE Papua New Guinea Hunters are three days into their preseason training camp at the National Football Stadium with coach Michael Marum running his charges hard.
It was business as usual and The National caught up with the men on the road run for endurance training, running from the National Football Stadium to East Boroko and back.
The 50-man squad assembled in Port Moresby on Sunday for three weeks of intensive training under Marum and his staff.
Another two camps are planned for this month at Hides (Hela) and Goroka (Eastern Highlands), with the squad breaking Dec 24 for Christmas.
Former captain Israel Eliab, who season with the London Broncos in the United Kingdom, Willie Minoga (Townsville Blackhawks) in the Queensland Cup, Albert brothers Wedllington and Stanton (Penrith Panthers) have been recalled into the train-on squad after their contracts were not renewed.
Lae Tigers duo David Loko and Noel Joel were included following an impressive season with the 2016 Digicel Cup premiers.
The other notable inclusion is Lawrence Tu’u, who was omitted from the Hunters squad midway through the 2016 season due to visa issues.
The 21 current Hunters players from 2016’s 26-man squad who were retained by Marum in the preseason squad are: Adex Wera, Gahuna Sailas, Noel Zeming, Edward Goma, Brandy Peter, Ismael Balkawa, Stargroth Amean, Bland Abavu, Nickson Borana, Enock Maki, Wartovo Puara Jr, Henry Wan, Esau Siune, Ase Boas, Warren Glare, Watson Boas, William Aquila, Philemon Kimisive, Tuvi Lepan, Benjamin Hetra and Butler Morris.
Three players have left the club: Justin Olam (Melbourne Storm), Thompson Teteh (Redcliffe Dolphins) and Timothy Lomai (Burleigh Bears).
Atte Bina Wabo and Adam Korave were released.
Seventeen players are the Digicel Cup’s best talent with one from the Southern Confederate.
Marum said he would finalise his 30-man squad for the new season next month.