Albert back for Hunters

The National Sports

By ISAAC LIRI
THE SP PNG Hunters have signed PNG Kumul prop Stanton Albert, who was released from English Super League club Widnes Vikings.
Albert joined the Hunters training session yesterday with coach Marum confirming that the 22-year-old had passed both medical and fitness tests and would likely play next weekend.
“His clearance from England has come through and he has been registered with the SP Hunters to play in the Intrust Super Cup competition,” Marum said.
“Stanton will sit out this weekend but will come into consideration for the round 12 game against theTownsville Blackhawks next week.
“We are happy to have him back. He will be a crucial addition to our pack.
“He’s got experience and it’s great to have someone like him back in the side,” Marum said.
Looking towards tomorrow’s home fixture, the Hunters will be aiming to remain in the winners’ circle after their first 18-16 away win over Wynnum Manly.
Marum kept the same side from last round and is hoping his men can continue the momentum against the second last Capras.
Marum will once again depend on his spine with experienced fullback Adex Wera, Ase and Watson Boas in the halves along with hooker Wartovo Puara Jr to take the lead along with centre Thompson Teteh. Hela Wigmen five-eighth William Mone was a last minute inclusion for Charlie Simon, who was a late withdrawal.
The last time the Hunters won at home was in round four in their 32-18 win over the Tweed Heads Seagulls.
Hunters: 1. Adex Wera 2. Junior Rau 3. Thompson Teteh 4. Willie Minoga 5. Butler Morris 6. Ase Boas (c) 7, Watson Boas 8. Enoch Maki 9. Wartovo Puara Jr 10. Dilbert Isaac 11. Nixon Put 12. Ila Alu 13. Rhadley Brawa; Reserves: 19. William Mone 15. Baundo Aba 16. Gahuna Silas 17. Edene Gabbie 18. Julius Yakopa 19. 20. Patrick Morea.
Round 11 Fixtures: Sat, May 19 – Burleigh Bears v Easts Tigers, Ipswich Jets v Norths Devils, PNG Hunters v CQ Capras, Sunshine Coast Falcons v Redcliffe Dolphins.
Sun, May 20 – Townsville Blackhawks v Wynnum Manly Seagulls, Tweed Heads Seagulls v Northern Pride, Souths Logan Magpies v Mackay Cutters.