Hunters to miss Brawa

Sports

By ISAAC LIRI
HARD-working forward Rhadley Brawa will not be available for the SP PNG Hunters’ round 19 fixture in Lae on Sunday after being suspended for three matches for a dangerous tackle in last week’s 18-8 win over the Northern Pride.
The 28-year-old, who has been by far the most valuable forward for Hunters this season, will return for the round 22 clash against the Tweed Heads Seagulls in NSW.
Brawa’s loss will be felt by the Hunters with the pocket back-rower the most consistent performer in the pack in terms of tackles made, runs, metres gained and minutes played.
Hunters assistant coach Nigel Hukula said Brawa’s presence would be missed by the team for their Country Week match which will be in Lae for the first time against the fourth-placed Norths Devils.
“Rhadley has been an important part of our team both in attack and defence, unfortunately he got a grade three charge for a tackle last Sunday and that means he’s out for three matches,” Hukula said.
“Stanton Albert comes in to replace Rhadley at lock and that’s not new for him so it’s a loss but we can cover for that until Rhadley gets back.
“Stanton was pulled out from the team late last week and didn’t play because of a right knee injury and he has been in rehab over the last couple of days so we’ve given him time to recover and we’re hoping to have him running by the end of the week.”
With the game going to the Morobe capital for the first time, Hukula said the team was excited and looking forward to playing for the Lae fans.
“A lot of work has been done over the last few weeks to bring the game to Lae by the PNG Rugby Football League and its partners,” Hukula added.
“So the boys (Hunters) are happy to bring the game over there, we understand that it’s going to be a new experience and it’s going to be great for the game and the wider community.”
With only six rounds left before the finals, Hukula said the focus was on getting better at the basics and cutting out mistakes which would improve their set completions and give the side a chance to unfurl its attacking game.
The Hunters released their 20-man squad yesterday with the team to be finalised on Saturday during the captain’s run.
The Hunters leave for Lae tomorrow.
Hunters: 1. Edene Gabbie 2. Junior Rau 3. Thompson Teteh 4. Adex Wera 5. Brendan Gotuno 6. Ase Boas (c) 7. Watson Boas 8. Enoch Maki 9. Wartovo Puara Jr 10. Moses Meninga 11. Nixon Put 12. Willie Minoga 13. Stanton Albert; Interchange: 14. Charlie Simon 15. Wawa Paul 16. McKenzie Yei 17. Dilbert Isaac 18. Gahuna Silas 19. Ila Alu 20. Butler Morris.