Tu’u given centre job

 PAPUA New Guinea Hunters coach Michael Marum has been forced to shift Lawrence Tu’u from the forwards to the centres to cover for Thompson Teteh as his team prepare to host Queensland Cup competition leaders Townsville Blackhawks in Kokopo on Sunday.

Marum said Teteh had a hamstring injury with the boom centre already undergoing rehabilitation but he has faith in Tu’u to rise to the challenge in a position he has played before in past Hunters games.

Enoch Maki, a skilful ball playing forward who can offload in tackles, comes off the bench to start in the front row in a game that is the top of the table clash for the Queensland Intrust Super Cup competition.

The last time both teams met in Round 11, the SP Hunters caused what was the upset of the season when they upstaged the Blackhawks 22-16 in Townsville and this Sunday is a crunch match that will have a big impact on the points table.

Should Blackhawks win they would maintain their pole position on the premiership table whereas if the Hunters cause another upset both would be on equal 33 points with better percentage determining first and second spots.

Following this Sunday’s game, the SP Hunters have another home game at Kokopo in Round 21 when they host another top team East Tigers who forced a 40-all draw against the Blackhawks last weekend.

The SP Hunters then play away against Ipswich Jets in Round 22 before they host Wynnum Manly Seagulls at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby.

Hunters: 1. Stargroth Amean, 2. Bland Abavu, 3. Noel Zeming, 4. Lawrence Tu’u, 5. Adex Wera, 6. Israel Eliab (c), 7. Ase Boas, 8. Enoch Maki, 9. Wartovo Puara, 10. Esau Siune, 11. Brandy Peter, 12. Kato Ottio, 13. Timothy Lomai,14. Adam Korave, 15. Atte Bina, 16. Willie Minoga, 17. Henry Wan, 18. Nickson Borana, 19. Roger Laka, 20. David Lapua, 21. Edward Goma.