Skipper Alu named in squad

Sports

By PARKER TAMBUA
CO-CAPTAIN Ila Alu has fully recovered from a shoulder injury and has been named at No.19 for the SP Hunters’ round-11 Hostplus Cup clash with Souths Logan Magpies on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
But coach Matthew Church told The National yesterday that the former Rabaul Guria would have to earn his spot by playing for a feeder side in the Gold Coast Rugby League competition. Alu fractured his collar bone during a trial match in March.
The lock underwent surgery and his recovery had seen him miss all the Hunters’ matches so far this season.
“Ila has been cleared to resume contact work,” Church said.
“He will play in the Gold Coast A-grade.
“Should form permit, he will then be available for Hunters selection.” Meanwhile, Church has made further changes to the line-up following an injury to Queensland Papua New Guinea Kokomos product and Hunters fullback Tyler Han last week.
Terry Wapi will replace Han at fullback while Matthew Jesse, who missed last week’s game due to niggling injuries, will start on the wing.
“Tyler has a minor leg issue that requires resting,” Church said.
“Matthew has been cleared to return, but will be required to pass a fitness test before playing.
“Terry had a few things to work on and he took a good step forward last weekend.
“He worked on the areas in which we wanted him to improve, so he deserves an opportunity to start at fullback as a result of Tyler’s injury.”
Church said his men needed to capitalise on their opportunities against the visiting Magpies at Bycroft Oval on the Gold Coast.
“We created enough opportunities to beat Tweed Heads,” he said.
“But unfortunately, we didn’t capitalise on them.” Hunters: Terry Wapi, Matthew Jesse, Brandon Nima, Roderick Tai, Solo Wane, Mark Tony, Jamie Mavoko, Dilbert Isaac, Wartovo Puara Jr, Sylvester Namo, Sherwin Tanabi, Keven Appo, Junior Rop; Interchange – Kingstimer Paraia, Emmanuel Waine, Samuel Yegip, Kitron Laka.