Alu keen to get back on the field for Hunters

By BENJAMIN KOITAKA
SP PNG Hunters forward Ila Alu is hoping to make a come back in August or earlier from a broken left arm.
The nuggety back-rower felt his season was in limbo after breaking his arm playing against the Tweed Heads Seagulls in the season opener on March 10.
Alu, who was recruited by the Hunters last season, proved his worth over the course of a challenging 2018 and was looking forward to helping the side through another tough season.
Alu was given 6 to 8 weeks to recover, however the break has not fully healed after several scans.
Alu, of mixed Simbu and Central parentage, has spent nine weeks on the sidelines doing light gym work and cardio work to maintain a level of fitness.
Hunters coach Michael Marum said Alu’s injury would take time to fully heal and he cautioned players to allow their bodies to get to a certain level of fitness before getting back on the field.
He said from experience as a coach and player that rushing a comeback was risky and not worth re-injuring the same body part.
He called on Digicel Cup clubs to be weary of using Hunters squad memeber with due care for their welfare.
Prop Stanton Albert was a casualty of playing in the Digicel Cup when he injured a knee playing for the Muruks in Round 2.
He is set to miss a minimum of six weeks.
Marum said centre Jack Oii was also injured (shoulder) playing for the Central Dabaris two weeks ago and was subsequently released from the Hunters squad.
Alu said he would be patient but would also go by how his arm felt and how it responded to training and physical work after the recommended time for recovery.
“It was my first game and I broke my arm it’s been frustrating but I just have to be patient and wait for the doctor to clear me,” Alu said.
“I have watched how the boys have been playing and that just makes me want to play.
“The arm is slowly recovering and I’m feeling okay and hope my final scans will be good.
“There are good rehabilitation programme here so it helped me a lot,” Alu said.
Alu said if he was declared fit but still had to wait to get his chance then he would consider playing in the Digicel Cup.