Hunters on the prowl

By ISAAC LIRI 
WELLINGTON Albert will become the 50th player to don a SP Papua New Guinea Hunters jersey after he was named to make his Q-Cup debut against the Easts Tigers at the National Football Stadium on Sunday.
The Hunters vice-captain was a late withdrawal from the opening round clash against the CQ Capras which coach Michael Marum’s side won 22-16 last Saturday, with a sternum injury sustained during the trial game against Northern Pride.
Experienced back Adex Wera also comes into the centres after sitting out last Round 1 because he was unable to travel down with the side to Rockhampton, Queensland.
The 194cm, 112kg Albert will likely replace Ishmael Balkawa with assistant coach Nigel Hukula saying the former Penrith Panther squad member was expected to have a presence on the field with his size and power.
Albert, whose brother Stanton will start at lock, said he was excited about finally making his debut for the Hunters after briefly joining the squad in 2014.
“I want to play. It was hard watching the boys play against the Capras. I really wanted to be out there with them. After all the hard work in the pre-season, I just want the chance to prove myself and do my best,” Albert said.
Hukula said Wera’s return to the pivotal centre role was a positive for the team but he commended rookie Karo Kauna Jr for doing a fine job deputising.
“Having Adex back provides experience on the left edge and he has also played with Israel Eliab and Ase Boas so obviously the combination is there,” Hukula said.
Hukula said the focus for Sunday’s home fixture would be simple but smarter defensive a key component against the wily Tigers, who managed a 7-7 draw with the Sunshine Coast Falcons last Saturday.
“In terms of injuries, all players have been cleared except for regular fullback Stargroth Amean halfback Watson Boas and hooker Wartovo Puara Jr, who are still in rehab and getting over pre-season injuries.”
Hukula said form, fitness and combinations would be the criteria used to pick sides so those coming back from injury would be slotted in where possible.
The Tigers, who arrive in Port Moresby, are perenial title contenders and always put in quality performances regardless of opposition or venue with Hukula adding that they would expect to face an even tougher opponent then their opening clash against the Capras.
“The Tigers are a feeder club to Melbourne Storm, so they have a lot to play for but we’ll be ready for whatever they throw at us,” Hukula said.
Former Hunters forward Timothy Lomai has been named on the Tigers extended bench while Tommy Butterfield, who represented the PNG Prime Minister’s XIII in 2009, is at his customary hooking role.
Hunters: 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. Wellington Albert 16. Enoch Maki 17. Moses Meninga 18. Karo Kauna Junior 19. Ismael Balkawa 20. Watson Boas (two to be omitted).