Rimbu picked to fill No.6

By PARKER TAMBUA
SP Hunters coach Matthew Church says youngster Judah Rimbu will get first crack in the No.6 jersey following five-eighth Watson Boas’ departure to English third-tier club Doncaster.
“Boas’ departure opens the door for an opportunity in the halves,” he said in his weekly column in The National.
“We have used young Judah Rimbu sparingly in the first five rounds, looking for opportunities to play him in the halves.
“We managed to get him a few minutes against the Falcons a few weeks ago.
“While Judah has come on and played out of position, he has played up-tempo while remaining calm and measured.
“There’s a lot to like about this youngster, he will get the first opportunity to make that spot his own and I look forward to seeing him develop as a Hunter.”
Meanwhile, forward Stanton Albert and back Gilmo Paul — who stayed behind when the squad left for Australia in the pre-season — will join the Hunters at Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast in the coming weeks.
Hunters general manager Scott Barker told The National yesterday that veteran playmaker Ase Boas and Stanley Olo may be considered if their services were needed later in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup season.
“The Hunters have been in the process of trying to secure the services of some more players in addition to those that are already here in Australia,” Barker said.
“As you all are aware, Watson Boas has departed the squad and returned to his club in the UK.
“Gilmo Paul and Stanton Albert will be the first to join the squad if they complete all the necessary quarantine steps as requested by the Australian government.”
It is understood that Boas is training with Digicel Cup franchise Port Moresby Vipers to keep fit.
Albert’s inclusion will boost the Hunters’ pack, given injuries to key forwards Enock Maki and Epel Kapinias.
Digicel Cup premiership winner Paul will give Church more options in the backline with winger Brendon Gotuno sidelined after breaking his arm in their 26-14 round-three win over hosts Mackay Cutters.