Hunters name squad

By ISAAC LIRI
PAPUA New Guinea Hunters coach Michael Marum has handed debutant Nixon Put the No.11 jersey for the side’s opening Intrust Super Cup clash with the CQ Capras in Rockhampton on Saturday.
Marum also opted to keep Willie Minoga in the centres for the evening fixture at Browne Park with the forward having done enough to earn the three-quarter berth in the Hunters’ 24-18 trial win over the Northern Pride on Feb 18.
Marum also opted to keep Willie Minoga in the centres for the evening fixture at Browne Park with the forward having done enough to earn the three-quarter berth in the Hunters’ 24-18 trial win over the Northern Pride on Feb 18.
Marum included four debutants in his 20-man squad announced yesterday.
Aside from Put, pictured, Hagen Eagles teammate Moses Meninga, Karo Kauna Jr and Radley Brawa were included in the extended side which will be reduced to 18 before the side departs for Queensland tomorrow.
Marum said the young Western Highlander had impressed in the trial match against the Pride.
“I think his strength and power in attack proves that he is very talented but he has a lot of work to do in defence, however with guidance from players like Ase Boas and Israel Eliab, I’m sure he will get the job done for us,” Marum said.
“Nixon showed a lot during training and played well in the trial game against Pride so he earned that spot.”
Fullback Stagroth Amean was pulled out of the team after sustaining a suspected fractured collar bone while vice-captain Wellington Albert will be rested to get over a sternum in jury picked up in the trial.
“Wellington and Stargroth sustained injuries during the trial game against the Pride. It’s only round one so we’re making sure we don’t risk some of our best players.
“Junior Rop came back from the Fiji trip with the Lae Tigers with a shoulder injury so depending on his recovery he might sit out for another four weeks which is a set-back for him,” Marum said.
All players included in the team got to play in the trial apart from versatile back Adex Wera, who missed out due to a minor groin strain, but Kumul utility was named in the centres alongside Minoga.
Marum said Minoga had a strong game in Cairns setting up two tries on the edge of the ruck.
“If you watched he played more like a centre.
“I’ve got questions being asked if he’s got speed and I can tell you his got some pretty good speed their after working hard in the pre-season,” the 43-year-old said.
Captain Ase Boas and former skipper Israel Eliab rekindle their partnership after a one-year hiatus and their combination with hooker Gahuna Silas will be pivotal.
“The combination between Ase and Israel is not new and I am sure they will step up and lead the team.”
Returning players David Loko, Stanton Albert and Lawrence Tu’u are also expected to play leading roles given their experience.
Marum said the opening round would be a test for the squad with combinations and styles yet to set.
He said despite the relative newness of the team that was not an excuse and he expected the team to play well and win in their Q-Cup opener.
“We want a good win away because that will be something we can work on.”
Marum and skipper Boas would attend the ISC launch tomorrow and would join the team in Rockhampton on Friday.
Hunters 20-man squad: 1. Bland Abavu 2. Butler Morris 3. Adex Wera 4. Willie Minoga 5. William Aquila 6. Israel Eliab 7. Ase Boas (c) 8. Henry Wan 9. Gahuna Silas 10. Esau Siune 11. Nixon Put 12. David Loko 13. Stanton Albert; Reserves: 14. Lawrence Tu’u 15. Ishmael Balkawa 16. Enoch Maki 17. Moses Meninga  8. Radley Brawa 19. Karo Kauna 20. Noel Joel.