SP Hunters trio in line for debut

By JACK AMI
STANLEY Olo, Mark Piti and Emmanuel Waine are in line to make their debut when the SP Hunters open their Intrust Super Cup campaign against Souths Logan in Brisbane on Sunday.
“This is an opportunity that the debutants should make the most of,” SP Hunters coach Matthew Church said ahead of the clash at Davies Park (3pm kick-off).
“Unfortunately, it’s an away game but it’s one that we should aim to win. We have to start winning our away games and not just the home matches at the Oil Search National Football Stadium.”
Church has spoken highly of substitute hooker Olo who was recalled to the squad after he was released along with 10 others in January.
“Olo proved me wrong when he returned and I’m proud to name him on the extended bench with Piti and Waine. Piti has come a long way in footy. He always working hard and learning.”
Church said vice-captain Ila Alu had been cleared of a knee injury that ruled him out of the trial against the Pride at Barlow Park in Cairns on Feb 29.
“His return from injury will give him a lot of confidence as he takes his place in the starting side,” he said. “We have to hang onto the ball a lot more and complete our sets if we want to come away with a positive result. Captain Ase Boas and Charlie Simon will share the kicking duties.” The team leave today.
Hunters: 1. Terry Wapi, 2. Junior Rau, 3. Joe Joshua, 4. Brendan Nima, 5. Brandon Gotuno, 6. Charlie Simon, 7. Ase Boas (captain), 8. Enock Maki, 9. Nicky Hasu, 10. Junior Rop, 11. Epel Kapinias, 12. Kevin Appo, 13. Ila Alu; Interchange – 14. Stanley Olo, 15. Rhadley Brawa, 16. Mark Piti, 17. Stanton Albert, 18. Emmanuel Waine.