Wapi, Gotuno return

THE SP Hunters have been boosted by the return of key backs Terry Wapi and Brendon Gotuno for Saturday’s Queensland Intrust Super Cup clash with Mackay Cutters at Bycroft Oval (3pm kick-off).
The Queensland Rugby League (QRL) declared that the round-12 clash would go ahead despite yesterday’s announcement of a three-day Covid-19 lockdown in southeast Queensland and Townsville.
The QRL hopes the lockdown will lift as planned at 6pm (local time) on Friday, enabling a full round to proceed after last weekend’s bye.
Winger Gotuno has been sidelined for the past 12 weeks after fracturing his arm in two places in the 26-14 round-three victory against the Cutters in Mackay while fullback Wapi has played only one match since round six because of an ankle injury.
However, the Hunters will be without second-rower Keven Appo who discovered he had a leg infection after his ankle swelled up in the days after suffering an injury against Burleigh Bears at Cbus Super Stadium in the last round.
The inclusion of Wapi and Gotuno will give the Hunters welcomed extra experience as well as strike power as they mount their drive to the finals.
The 26-year-old Wapi has scored 12 tries in his 19 appearances since his debut in 2019 while Gutuno (32 appearances) has been a regular on the flank since 2018 and had scored three tries in his three matches this season.
Hunters coach Matthew Church said he would field an experienced backline against the last-placed Cutters who are four points behind the Hunters. But Mackay have been competitive against several of the top teams.
“They were beaten 24-16 by Souths Logan, who are fourth, and have also been competitive against others in the top half of the ladder, so we have to put in a good performance,” Church said.
“We’re ready to show the rewards for working pretty hard over the last six games while we had a few hurdles to overcome.
“Adding Terry and Brendon gives us the most experienced backline possible with our current squad and it was worth resting Terry again after his one game back and ensuring he is back to full fitness with the ankle.
“He certainly creates opportunities from the back and we have missed what he brings to the table in attack.
“He’s really excited to be back out there and Brendon has had a long stretch on the sideline since starting the season well and is keen to make his contribution.”
Joe Joshua, who filled in at fullback last round against Burleigh Bears, goes to the centres with Solo Wane listed as 18th man.
Meanwhile, Hunters centre Jokadi Bire continues to improve in hospital on the Gold Coast after recent surgery. Bire is visited regularly by his Hunters teammates as he continues to make good progress. He will be out for an indefinite period.
Hunters: Terry Wapi, Junior Rau, Brandon Nima, Joe Joshua, Brendon Gotuno, Ase Boas, Charlie Simon, Stanton Albert, Wartovo Puara Jr, Samuel Yegip, Benji Kot, Sylvester Namo, Ila Alu (captain); Interchange – Judah Rimbu, Dilbert Isaac, Mark Pitti, Enock Maki; Reserve – Solo Wane.