Morris gets a call-up

FORMER Papua New Guinea Pukpuk flanker Butler Morris was named in the SP Hunters 18-man squad for this weekend’s Round 11 Intrust Super Cup clash against the Central Queensland Capras at Browne Park in Rockhampton on Sunday.
Morris represented the Pukpuks at last year’s World Rugby Sevens Series tournament in Wellington, New Zealand.
Hunters coach Michael Marum said this was the first time Morris had been included in a Hunters side since being brought into the squad in March.
The 22-year-old has played three games for the Lae Tigers after switching codes in the offseason and his graduation into the Hunters ranks shows the high regard he is held in by coach Michael Marum and his staff.
Marum said Morris would cover any withdrawals from the side in the period leading up to the team’s departure for Brisbane on Friday.
“If we have any withdrawals before Friday Butler will slot in to the 17,” Marum said yesterday.
“At this stage, everyone is fit with Ase Boas at around 80 per cent but if anyone happens to have any problems, we’re covered.”
He said Morris would be used initially in the backline as he learned the game.
“He’ll be used in the backs, in the centres, that’s where we’ll start him and get him into the game.”
Hunters co-captain Noel Zeming will play his 50th ISC match in the centres, alongside Thompson Teteh making his 47th appearance, and becomes the fourth player behind Wartovo Puara Junior, Adex Wera and Esau Siune to achieve that mark.
Marum commended Zeming on his achievement since the Hunters entry into the Q-Cup competition in 2014.
Marum has given star halfback Watson Boas time to recover from a shoulder injury sustained during the Pacific Test against Fiji a fortnight ago.
Atte Bina Wabo returns to the starting side, partnering Ase Boas in the halves. The side travels to Brisbane on Friday and then north to Rockhampton by road.
Hunters: Stargorth Amean, Justin Olam, Noel Zeming (c), Thompson Teteh, Adex Wera, Ase Boas, Atte Bina Wabo, Henry Wan, Warovo Puara Jr, Enock Maki, Timothy Lomai, Adam Korave (c), Brandy Peter; Res: Warren Glare, Ishmael Balkawa, Benjamin Hetra, Edward Goma, Butler Morris.