Players given chance

Sports

By PARKER TAMBUA
FOUR Papua New Guinea players could get a chance to impress coach Wayne Bennett on Saturday after being named on the extended bench of the Dolphins in their first trial match against the Central Queensland Capras at Marley Brown Oval in Gladstone, Queensland.
Dolphins contracted player Jeremiah Simbiken was named at second-row while SP Hunters trio Judah Rimbu (18), Rodrick Tai (19) and Sherwin Tanabi (20) were included.
The Hunters players joined the Dolphins after the New Year as part of a strategic pathway partnership with the National Rugby League’s newest club.
This will be the first appearance of the new NRL side ahead of their official competition debut next month against Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium.
The marquee players in Bromwich brothers, Kenny and Jesse, Felise Kafusi, Anthony Milford and other NRL experienced players were not included in the 22-man squad that would feature in the trial. However, the expected full-time players are expected to play later in other preseason matches.
While Simbiken is already a contracted player, Rimbu, Tai, Waine and Tanabi will have to perform well and impress the eight-time NRL premiership winning coach.
According to the Dolphins and Hunters partnership agreement signed last year, two players will stay on and train with the NRL side throughout the season while the other two will be released back to the Hunters in the Hostplus Cup.
For centre Tai, back-rowers Waine and Tanabi and half Rimbu this is an opportunity to learn from and improve their individual games and being part of a professional set up.
Tai and Tanabi have the World Cup experience as they played for the Kumuls last year while Rimbu featured for the PNG Prime Minister’s 13 team that played Australia in Brisbane in November.