Wera returns to side

By BENJAMIN KOITAKA

CLUB captain Adex Wera has returned to the SP PNG Hunters line-up for Sunday’s Round 9 Intrust Super Cup match against the Townsville Blackhawks.
Wera, who was dropped for last week’s loss to the Burleigh Bears, has been brought back after Joe Joshua and Joe Frank were cut from the squad.
Coach Michael Marum said the 2019 season had been a challenging one both on the field and off with the squad learning to become professional in their conduct and attitude.
Marum said this after fullback Joe Joshua, pictured, and centre Joe Frank had their contracts terminated on the disciplinary grounds.
“We terminated Joe Joshua and Joe Frank because of their alcohol consumption after they were warned several times.
“They have let us down,” Marum said of the pair who are expected to rejoin their Digicel Cup sides.
Marum also confirmed release of halfback William Mone and centre Jack Oii.
Marum said the Hunters would pick new players from the Digicel Cup to fill the vacancies.
Marum named winger Brendon Gotuno, who missed the last round to graduate from university.
Sunday’s match will also be for the annual Air Niugini Kokoda Cup which is contested between the two sides.
Five-eighth Justin Yoka has been named on the bench while utility forward Patrick Morea will start at hooker with Woods Kawage dropping out of the side. Dilbert Isaac, Jordan Pat and Daniel Tapol make up the rest of the bench.
The Hunters have yet to win at home in 2019 with their last three games ending in losses to the Ipswich Jets (28-10, Rd 7), Sunshine Coast Falcons (28-26, Rd 3) and Northern Pride (24-0, Rd 2).
The annual Air Niugini Kokoda Cup challenge commemorates the Battle of Kokoda as well as the direct flights of Air Niugini being introduced between Port Moresby and Townsville in 2017.
The Hunters have held the cup since its interception in 2017 with Marum saying it was important to retain the cup as well as to record their first home win before their bye the following weekend.
“It’s good to have the Kokoda Cup and it would be good to retain it because of what it stands for and we remember those who fought in World War II in our country,” Marum said.
“We’re working on our all areas of our game heading into the game against the Blackhawks and we’re looking to improve and get a win at home before the bye.”
There will be two Digicel Cup Round 5 matches on either side of the Hunters-Blackhawks game with the first one at 12.45pm between the Hela Wigmen and Gulf Isou and Port Moresby Vipers-Mendi Muruks game following the Q-Cup fixture at 5pm.
Hunters: 1. Bland Abavu, 2. Junior Rau, 3. Adex Wera, 4. Brendon Nima, 5. Brendon Gotuno, 6. Ase Boas, 7. Charlie Simon, 8. Moses Meninga (c), 9. Patrick Morea, 10. Enoch Maki, 11. McKenzie Yei, 12. Epel Kapinias, 13. Junior Rop; Interchange: 14. Justin Yoka, 15. Dilbert Issac, 16. Jordan Pat, 17. Daniel Tapol; Reserves: 18. Wawa Paul, 19. Gairo Kapana, 20. Rex Kaupa (three to be omitted).