Wera slots to fullback for Q-Cup opener

By ISAAC LIRI
SP PNG Hunters utility Adex Wera slots into fullback for the Q-Cup season opener against the Ipswich Jets in Port Moresby on Sunday.
Coach Michael Marum has opted for an experienced line-up with only John Andy making his debut in the second row with the other six debutants on an extended seven-man bench.
Wera shifts into the custodial role after regular No.1 Stargroth Amean was ruled out with a sternum injury picked up from the trial match against the Brisbane Broncos two weeks ago.
Amean’s recovery was compounded by a chest infection with doctors advising him to rest for two weeks. “Stargroth’s absence is a loss for us going into our first match but we’re following the medical advice and take the precaution so Adex Wera moves to the back,” Hunters assistant coach Nigel Hukula said.
Another notable change in the line-up sees back-rower Nixon Put shift to the centres.
“Nixon has played in the centres before in the Digicel Cup level but not for the Hunters but we believe that it wouldn’t be a problem because a second-rower’s role is very much similar to a centre,” Hukula added.
Former Lae Tigers and Hohola Flies forward Andy debuts as Hunters player No.54.
The 22-year old was speechless when coach Marum named him in the starting 13. “I was surprised and words cannot express knowing that I will make my debut with the Hunters,”Andy said.
“Training with the Hunters is very tough, similar to what we use to do last year when I was with the Lae Tigers but a lot tougher.”
Hunters captain Ase Boas, who did not play in the trial against the Broncos, will lead the side in the first match of their title defence.
“I think this year will be a tougher year because we are expected to defend our title,” Boas said.
“A lot of teams in the Q-Cup will be trying to beat us so we will have live up to our name.
“The performance against the Broncos was very good and it showed us where we are at the moment. I didn’t play and I was surprised to see our boys step up.
“Ever since we came into camp, the focus has been about getting the new boys familiar with our culture,” Boas added.
The defending champions take on a Jets side featuring brothers and former Kumuls Richard and Sebastian Pandia.
Hunters: 1. Adex Wera 2. Paul Wawa 3. Nixon Put 4. Willie Minoga 5. Butler Morris 6. Ase Boas 7. Watson Boas 8. Moses Meninga 9. Wartovo Puara Jnr 10. Enoch Maki 11. Rhadley Brawa 12. John Andy 13. Adam Korave; Reserves: 14. Charlie Simon 15. McKenzie Yei 16. Edene Gabbie 17. Dilbert Isaac 18. Gahuna Silas 19. Brendan Gotuno 20.Patrick Morea.