Rau set to debut in centres

By ISAAC LIRI
JUNIOR Rau is set to make his debut for the SP PNG Hunters in their round 5 Q-Cup match against the Norths Devils on Saturday.
Rau will become Hunter No.63 replacing the injured Willie Minoga in the centres.
Minoga injured his arm in their 32-18 Easter Sunday win over the Tweed Head Seagulls.
“Rau is a quality player and he will finally get his chance to play,” coach Michael Marum said.
“I am sure he has been waiting patiently for an opportunity for a while and now he’s got it.”
Rau said it was a privilege to finally get a shot in the team’s starting line-up.
“These are big shoes to fill coming in for Willie in the centres but I’ve been waiting for a while now and I’m just excited,” the former Hela Wigmen said.
“I’m honoured to wear the Hunters jersey and I hope I can keep the spot but I have to prove that when I get to play this weekend.”
Rau is another AFL convert having represented national junior side, the Binatangs in 2009.
Hunters original Adex Wera is the man to fill in at fullback for the retired Stargroth Amean.
Marum spoke of Wera as an experienced back who has played at fullback before but admitted he would have to make better decisions defensively if he wanted to keep the No.1 jersey over the course of the season.
Other players who may be considered for the custodial role are newcomers Brendan Gotuno and Edene Gabbie and Wawa Paul.
“Adex has experience so it makes sense for him to play fullback now but we have other players who can play there as well,” Marum said.
Butler Morris, who has been named in the centres, is in unfamiliar territory but was chosen there because of experience.
“Without Stargroth and Willie we needed some experience in the centres so Butler moves in from his usual wing role,” Marum said.
The Ase Boas-Charlie Simon halves combination has been retained with Watson Boas likely to start at hooker.
The 18-man squad will be confirmed tomorrow before the team leaves for Brisbane on Friday.
Having yet to win a match away from home, Marum men are working at cutting down their error rate which has been their undoing in losses to the Falcons and the Pride.
Hunters: 1. Adex Wera 2. Edene Gabbie 3. Junior Rau 4. Butler Morris 5. Brendan Gotuno 6. Ase Boas (c) 7. Charlie Simon 8. Moses Meninga 9. Wartovo Puara 10. Adam Korave 11. Nixon Put 12. John Andy 13. Rhadley Brawa; Reserves: 14. Watson Boas 15. Baundo Aba 16. Julius Yokopa 17. Muka Peter Kulu 18. Patrick Morea 19. Junior Bobby 20. McKenzie Yei (two to be omitted).