Wapi replaces Matthew on wing

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE SP Hunters have not given up hope of making the Hostplus Cup finals as they prepare for Sunday’s round-10 clash with Tweed Heads Seagulls in Tugun on the Gold Coast (3pm kick-off).
The South Pacific Brewery-sponsored side have lost six games and recorded only two wins with a bye after nine rounds.
The Matthew Church-coached Hunters are sitting 12th on the 14-team ladder.
They are six points shy of the sixth-placed Central Queensland Capras, who are on 12 points.
Church will retain the bulk of the line-up from their 16-30 loss to Redcliffe Dolphins in round nine.
The only change will see Terry Wapi on the wing.
Wapi replaces former Waghi Tumbe fullback Matthew Jesse, who drops out of the side.
Queensland PNG Kokomo product Tyler Han maintains his spot at fullback.
Han’s combination with the spine of five-eighth Mark Tony, No.7 Jamie Mavoko and hooker Wartovo Puara Jr will be crucial to their chances of recording a win over the ninth-placed hosts.
The combination was prominent in the Hunters’ round-eight clash with hosts Townsville Blackhawks, where the visitors went on a try-scoring spree to post a 42-20 victory. Front-rowers Dilbert Isaac and Sylvester Namo have so far led the pack well despite the losses, and they will be expected to lift again for the remainder of the season.
The Seagulls will count on a couple of Gold Coast Titans fringe players in Paul Turner at fullback and Sosefo Fifita on the wing.
Halves Will Brimson and captain Lindon McGrady will look to get the Seagulls on the front foot from the get-go.
Hunters: Tyler Han Terry Wapi, Brandon Nima, Roderick Tai, Solo Wane, Mark Tony, Jamie Mavoko, Dilbert Isaac, Wartovo Puara Jr, Sylvester Namo, Sherwin Tanabi, Keven Appo (captain), Junior Rop; Interchange – Kingstimer Paraia, Emmanuel Waine, Samuel Yegip, Kitron Laka.