Hunters name preseason squad

By PARKER TAMBUA
NEWLY-appointed SP Hunters head coach Stanley Tepend has announced his 39-man train-on squad for 2023 pre-season which consists of 16 players from 2022 season and new players plus a few former Hunters.
A notable former Hunter making his comeback is Henry Wan from Mt Hagen Eagles.
Wan, who is also a former Kumul, last played for the Hunters in 2016 and could potentially return to the Queensland competition (Hostplus Cup) after six years.
Another former player and Kumul prop Epel Kapinias returns to the squad after a season with Wynnum Manly Seagulls this year.
Seven players from last season have been left out including Pacific Test Kumuls front-rower Dilbert Isaac, Tony Worrot, Jordan Pat, Mark Tony, Terry Wapi, Gilimo Paul and Kingstimer Paraia.
Players that left the team after securing new deals overseas are Keven Appo (Bradford Bulls), Sylvester Namo (North Queensland Cowboys) and Kitron Laka (Wynnum Manly). Mendi Muruks front-rower Casey Dickson, who was released by Hunters midway through the 2022 season, was also named in the squad.
Tepend said at the team announcement on Friday that the 2023 Hostplus season looks promising with the side returning to their home ground at Santos National Football Stadium after spending two years on the Gold Coast due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) affecting the competition.
“There is always things that need improvement especially going into a new season,” Tepend said.
“The last two seasons have been difficult for the players to play and based in a new environment so we are just happy that the team will be at home. “I know the team will be happy knowing that they will play in front of the home fans again. It will also be my first season as head coach so I can’t wait to kick start the training on Monday (today).”
Tepend said he had sent an additional invitation to 10 more players from Digicel Cup to attend the training at their own costs.
Hunters pre-season squad: Alex Max (Tumbe), Alex Rover (Cutters), Bernard Noel, Henry Wan (Eagles), Casey Dickson, Joe Joe Walames, Leon Undupie (Muruks), Epel Kapinias (Wynnum Manly), Joel Torombe, Willy Tirang (Vipers), Jimmy Bob (Isou), Junior Igila, Sylvester Bulu, Tapia Solu, Valentine Culligan (Wigmen), Joshua Mire, Micha Tom (Tigers), Kafu Ken (Lahanis), Kosava Badi, Saki Peter, Steven Bruno (Gurias), Limbi Henry, Seal Kalo (Mioks), Morea Morea (Dabaris), Benji Kot, Brendon Nima, Emmanuel Waine, Francis Kembis, Ila Alu, Jamie Mavoko, Junior Rop, Judah Rimbu, Liam Joseph, Mathew Jesse, Roderick Tai, Sherwin Tanabi, Solo Wane, Wartovo Puara Jr, Wesser Tenza (Hunters).