Hunters’ Alu recovering from injury

By PARKER TAMBUA
INJURED SP Hunters captain Ila Alu is still recovering from a pre-season injury and will not return to the side soon, coach Matthew Church says.
The 27-year-old’s Hostplus Cup season was dealt a cruel blow when he broke his collar bone during a trial match against Central Queensland Capras on March 5.
With the season at its halfway mark, Alu is yet to play a game. Church told The National on Thursday that Alu’s return would depend on medical advice.
“Ila Alu broke his collar bone in our first trial match, it required surgery and we have been waiting for it to fully heal,” Church said.
“He still requires a follow up appointment but we are governed by the bone healing so we will wait for the all clear from the specialist.”
Church said another injury concern was former Waghi Tumbe and fullback Matthew Jesse.
“Terry Wapi comes in for Matthew Jesse; Matthew has battled with a niggling injury for the past few games so we are giving him some time to get that right.”
Meanwhile, Church said his side’s season was on the line and that the next two rounds would be crucial as they look to keep their finals hopes alive.
“We only remain three competition points out of the finals contention,” Church said.
“The next three games are against teams around us on the ladder, this presents opportunities to advance our prospects for the back end of the season.”