Alu ruled out, Boas gets nod as captain

THE SP Hunters will take a much-needed shot of confidence from last weekend’s Queensland Intrust Super Cup (ISC) win over Northern Pride into Saturday’s home clash with Mackay Cutters (3pm kick-off), despite the loss of skipper Ila Alu to injury.
The Hunters scored some spectacular long-range tries in their 34-22 win in Atherton and coach Matthew Church said the way his side were more selective in creating backline opportunities provided a lesson to replicate as the Hunters chased successive victories.

“It was a great example of when to run the ball and back their skills and pace because we certainly have the ability to score points,” he said.
“The challenge now is to do that consistently.
“Stanton Albert (157m) and Enock Maki (114m) set the platform for the forwards and our bench provided probably their best impact on the game this season.
“They came in and lifted the intensity.
“Now comes the chance to put that in the bank and do it again after a weekend away and victory has given us a spring in our step.”
Lock Alu suffered a head knock and will have a week’s rest under head injury assessment protocols.
Five-eighth Ase Boas will captain the Hunters in his absence. Dilbert Isaac, the 28-year-old prop in his third ISC season, comes into the starting line-up for his skipper.
Jordan Pat, who was a late addition to the squad at their Runaway Bay camp a month ago, makes his first appearance for the season after playing well in the Gold Coast A-Grade competition. Middle forward Pat played four games for the Hunters in 2019.
Second-rower Keven Appo will be given another week to overcome his ankle injury while second-rower Sylvester Namo has recovered from a sprained wrist and will start from the interchange bench in place of Samuel Yegip (ankle).
Hunters: Terry Wapi, Junior Rau, Brandon Nima. 4. Brendon Gotuno, Solo Wane, Ase Boas (captain), Charlie Simon, Stanton Albert, Wartovo Puara Jr, Enock Maki, Emmanuel Waine, Benji Kot, Dilbert Isaac; Interchange ¬– Judah Rimbu, Sylvester Namo, Mark Pitti, Jordan Pat.