Hunters name Simon, Albert on bench for Cutters clash

Charlie Simon and Stanton Albert have been named on the Papua New Guinea Hunters bench for Sunday’s round 13 Queensland Intrust Super Cup clash with the Mackay Cutters at the National Football Stadium.
Adex Wera will also make his return to the starting line-up, replacing Brendon Gotuno who will be rested this weekend.
Wera will start in the centres with Brendon Nima.
Ase Boas was named at five-eighth where he will partner Nick Hasu.
Newly appointed Hunters assistant coach Glen Nami said yesterday that personnel changes throughout the season were among the factors that had caused the Hunters’ 48-8 loss to Redcliffe last weekend.
Nami said the team were looking to brush up on their mistakes from last weekend.
“The season has been tough on us, we had a couple young players coming through and it’s been a transition for some of the old guns.
“What’s happened last weekend is gone, and we can’t dwell on that and we need to prepare well.
“I’m happy to contribute where I can. We know it’s a tough time for us at the moment but I’m happy to come back and be with the team again and hopefully I can contribute positively to the team.”
Mendi Muruks import Roy Ellison was also named on the extended bench.
Although Ellison has yet to take the field, Nami said he would remain with the Hunters.
“We can see that he is a player for the future,” Nami said.
“He’s a hardworking person and this is why he deserves to be here.”
Squad: 1. Terry Wapi, 2. Junior Rau, 3. Adex Wera, 4. Brendon Nima, 5. Gairo Kapana, 6. Ase Boas, 7. Nick Hasu, 8. Moses Meninga (captain), 9. Sailas Gahuna, 10. Enock Maki, 11. McKenzie Yei, 12. Epel Kapinias, 13. Baundo Aba; Interchange – 14. Charlie Simon, 15. Stanton Albert, 16. Dilbert Isaac, 17. Kevin Appo, 18. Roy Ellison, 19. Woods Kawage, 20. Butler Morris (three to be omitted).