Hunters recall Gebbie

By PARKER TAMBUA
PAPUA New Guinea international Edene Gebbie is the latest inclusion into SP Hunters pre-season train-on squad and coach Stanley Tepend is confident his presence will lift the team in 2023 Hostplus Cup season.
Gebbie’s former club, the Townsville Blackhawks have confirmed with The National that the 27-year-old has completed his term with the club and is free to move on.
“Edene Gebbie has finished his time with our Club,” Blackhawks football manager Adrian Thompson said yesterday.
“We are very pleased to see he has moved back to the Hunters. Definitely he will be a great addition to their squad.”
Hunters coach Stanley Tepend said yesterday that Gebbie brought a wealth of experience into their team and that was a huge boost for the SP Brewery-sponsored side.
“Edene is an X factor, it was unfortunate that he couldn’t play at the World Cup due to groin injury,” Tepend said.
“But it’s good to have him back in the Hunters. At this stage he is still doing recovery so hopefully he will be 100 per cent fit before round one next year.
“The young players in our camp, when they see Edene they all lift so his presence in training is good for us.”
Tepend said the return of other Kumuls players such as Emmanuel Waine, Rodrick Tai, Wartovo Puara Jr and Epel Kapinias would boost the side next year.
“Players like Epel has been in good system with Wynnum Manly, Emmanuel and Rodrick have been great in the World Cup as well so it’s a plus for us to have them back.
“Wartovo Puara is also back in training and has recovered from injury so having the experience of these players is huge for the team,” he said.