Hunters recall Lomai

 By MELTON PAIS

PAPUA New Guinea Hunters hard man Timothy Lomai is back in training after an extended period out on suspension for disciplinary reasons.

The Southern Highlander was given his marching orders during the preseason after breaking team protocol.

He was not included in the team announcement for this year’s Intrust Super Cup season but was always in coach Michael Marum’s plan for a call back.

Lomai was suspended from the club’s pre-season camp in mid January because of a prolonged absence despite it being on compassionate grounds.

The 23-year-old Hunters forward was back at training this week, with Marum saying the prop/back-rower was still a little way off in fitness.

“Lomai is back at training with us and he’s got to work his way back to fitness before being considered for games,” Marum said.

An exhausted Lomai told The National on Tuesday afternoon after his first session that he was happy to be back but needed to work hard to get back in shape.

 “I spent the time away with family  in Port Moresby because I didn’t know how long the suspension would be,” Lomai said. “I kept on doing my own training but getting back to training has been hard.”

Lomai’s efforts to get back to peak physical condition will likely take several more weeks and Marum may not consider him until the middle of the season.

Simon Peter, Gahuna Sailas and William Aquila are the other Hunters squad members who have yet to play a game this season.

They will join the bench tomorrow to cheer the side on as they face the Tweed Heads Seagulls at National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.