Marum names starters
The National, Wednesday March 2nd, 2016
By JACK AMI
THE Papua New Guinea Hunters have named their lineup for the first round match against Souths Logan Magpies at Davies Park, Brisbane, on Sunday.
Coach Michael Marum yesterday announced the South Pacific Brewery Limited-sponsored side, which will be captained by Noel Zeming while his co-captain Adam Korave is on a two-week suspension carried over from last season.
Korave will be included in the home game against Tweed Heads Seagulls in round three in Port Moresby.
“If Zeming is sidelined we will find a suitable replacement (stand-in captain) because Korave is out for two matches,” the coach said.
Marum said Zeming was carrying an injury but he would be closely monitoring how he did in the game. Zeming is the Hunters’ first choice goal kicker while Ase Boas would be a replacement “if anything happens”.
“It’s good that Zeming is here and whatever happens, it’s easy to replace him with another player on standby,” the coach said.
He said three players — Justin Olam, Ishmael Balkawa and Philemon Kimisive — would be making their debut. Brandy Peter and Enoch Maki were recovering from injuries and resultant operations and were pulling through in training, while a few others are faced with only minor injury worries.
“Otherwise, everyone’s fit for the match,” Marum said.
The coach said most of the boys from last season were retained, while the new ones were blended and fitted into the side to adapt to the same standard and level of understanding in team work, especially in attacking and defence.
“It’s good that the boys have come together when we first started and focussed on the target,” Marum said.
“Since we joined the Queensland Cup, the Magpies have yet to beat us.”
The Hunters: Stargroth Amean, Bland Abavu,Noel Zeming (c), Thompson Teteh, Adex Wera, Ase Boas, Ate Bine, Henry Wan, Wartovo Puara, Esau Siune, Nickson Borana, Warren Glare, Ishmael Balkawa. Inter change – Watson Boas, Justin Olam, Benjamin Hetra, Edward Goma, Philemon Kimisive.
The team travels to Brisbane on Saturday.