Abavu back, Wawa stays

By ISAAC LIRI
PAPUA New Guinea Hunters coach Michael Marum has made one change in the team for this Sunday’s home game against the Norths Devils at the National Football Stadium.
Missing last weekend’s narrow 22-20 victory over Souths Logan Magpies in Brisbane due to a one game suspension for tripping, Bland Abavu comes back into the SP-sponsored side on the wing pushing Butler Morris out of the extended bench as fullback Stargroth Amean maintains his spot in fullback.
Western Highlander Paul Wawa, who made his debut last week impressed Marum enough to retain his position on the right wing.
Hunter’s assistant coach Nigel Hukula said they were looking at rotations in the backline trying out different players and Wawa did well to earn a second game for the PNG franchise ahead of William Aquila and Morris.
“Paul did enough in his first game; defensively he was okay, he managed to score a try on his debut and that was enough to get him into the team this week,” Hukula said.
Wawa’s partner in the centres last week Willie Minoga said he enjoyed playing alongside the 24-year old.
“It was his first game and all the boys helped him and he played well and I’m looking forward to play with him again this weekend,” Minoga said.
Like any other player making his debut Wawa said he had nerves but was grateful for the opportunity given and scoring a try on debut was a bonus.
“To play alongside players with players like Willie Minoga, Ase Boas and the others was great, they helped me out.
“It’s been along pre-season in training and getting the opportunity was a dream come true for me and I am now looking forward to play my first game at home,” Wawa said.
Looking at their opponents for this Sunday, Hukula said the Devils had some NRL experience from the Brisbane Broncos with players like Todd Murphy and Kodi Nikorima.
“We won’t take them lightly,” Hukula promised.
Maintaining an unbeaten run since Round 1 and sitting third on the Q-Cup ladder, Hukula says the feeling in camp had been great however he believed the players had a lot more to offer.
“We’ve got 22 more games to go but we just want to be consistent and make sure we improve in areas again like our defence,” Hukula said.
The Devils arrive in Port Moresby on Saturday for Sunday’s Round 4 fixture.
A curtain-raiser from the Port Moresby Rugby League between the Kone Tigers and Butterflies will be staged before the main event.
Hunters: 1. Stargroth Amean 2. Bland Abavu 3. Adex Wera 4. Willie Minoga 5. Paul Wawa 6. Israel Eliab 7. Ase Boas (c) 8. Henry Wan 9. Gahuna Silas 10. Esau Siune 11. Lawrence Tu’u 12. David Loko 13. Stanton Albert; Reserves: 14. Watson Boas 15. Moses Meninga 16. Enoch Maki 17. Wellington Albert (vc) 18. Noel Joel 19. Ismael Balkawa 20. Karo Kauna Jr