Maroons inspire Hunters

**Queensland Maroons forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui with SP Hunters trio Gilmo Paul (left), Brandon Nima and Junior Rop.**

By PARKER TAMBUA
COACH Matthew Church says his 12th-placed South Pacific Brewery-sponsored Hunters have learned a lot from last week’s opposed training session with the Queensland Maroons.
He told The National on Wednesday that it had fuelled their 36-22 upset win over reigning runners-up Wynnum Manly Seagulls in round 14 of Queensland’s Hostplus Cup at BMD Kougari Oval, Brisbane, last Saturday.
Church said he wanted his men to maintain the same energy against third-placed Central Queensland Capras at Bycroft Oval on the Gold Coast on Sunday (2.10pm kick-off).
Benji Kot returns from a hamstring injury – suffered in round five – to partner Roderick Tai in the centres while Judah Rimbu and Kingstimer Paraia continues in the halves. Emmanuel Waine drops to bench.

**SP Hunters captain Keven Appo attempting to take on Queensland Maroons centre Valentine Holmes (left) and five-eighth Cameron Munster during an opposed training session last week.**

“Judah and Kingstimer played well last week, so they deserve to remain in those positions,” Church said of halfback Rimbu and No.6 Paraia.
“Mark Tony was unwell last week and didn’t train throughout the week, so we decided to go with the two younger halves last weekend.
“Benji came to the Hunters as a centre.
“He had Jokadi Bire (now retired on medical grounds) in front of him for that position last season, but we found a spot for him in the back row.

**SP Hunter Tyler Han meeting Queensland Maroons forward Jeremiah Nanai. – QRLpics**

“Benji considers himself as a centre and he finally gets the opportunity to play that position this weekend.
“The key is to maintain that energy and communication from last week.
“We learnt a great deal (of things) from the Maroons experience.
“Consistency is something we have lacked at times this year.

**SP Hunters utility Kingstimer Paraia meeting Queensland Maroons winger Selwyn Cobbo. – QRLpics**

“So we are looking to be consistent this weekend and back up that good performance from last week.”
Meanwhile, the visiting Capras have named Papua New Guineans Nixon Putt, McKenzie Yei, Zev John and Jedidiah Simbiken to face the Hunters.
Hunters: Tyler Han, Brandon Nima, Benji Kot, Roderick Tai, Solo Wane, Kingstimer Paraia, Judah Rimbu, Dilbert Isaac, Wartovo Puara Jr, Sylvester Namo, Sherwin Tanabi, Kitron Laka, Keven Appo (captain); Interchange – Wesser Tenza, Junior Rop, Emmanuel Waine, Ila Alu.
Fixtures: Sat, July 16 – Bears v Blackhawks, Falcons v Tweed Heads, Pride v Wynnum Manly, Cutters v Jets, Dolphins v Devils; Sun, July 17 – Hunters v Capras, Tigers v Magpies.