Wera to lead Hunters

By JACK AMI
ADEX Wera will lead the SP PNG Hunters in 2019 with Moses Meninga the team’s vice-captain.
The 28-year-old, who is the Hunters’ only surviving original member from its 2014 debut in the Queensland Rugby League’s Intrust Super Cup, is the club’s fourth captain with Israel Eliab, Noel Zemming and Ase Boas the other men to have led the club.
Wera, Meninga and coach Michael Marum along with the rest of the 31-man squad were present for the club’s 2019 Q-Cup campaign at the Oil Search National Football Stadium Friday night.
Wera said he surprised and humbled when coach Marum asked him to lead the side in their sixth year.
Wera, who has played a number of positions including fullback, center and wing since debuting in the club’s first game against the Redcliffe Dolphins on March 2, 2014. Meninga, 25, said he appreciated the trust and faith the Hunters management had in him and skipper Wera to lead the club in what would be a challenging season.
Wera, who is not given to speaking English as a first language, took some time to compose himself before making his first remarks as captain when invited by PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka to take the podium.
The Chimbu man, who played for the Goroka Lahanis in the Digicel Cup before making the inaugural Hunters squad, jokingly said although he normally did not speak in English he would do so for the sake of the audience.
“This is proud moment for me,” Wera said.
“It’s a big responsibility to captain the Hunters.
“We have a big challenge ahead of us and with teamwork and cooperation from the squad we will do well.”
As a foundation member Wera, who turns 29 on June 6, said he owed his success as a Hunter, Kumul and one of the country’s elite players to his faith and the support he had gotten from his coaches and teammates.
“This will not be easy. I am thankful to coach Michael for having confidence in me to lead the side.
“I’m happy to have Moses (Meninga) as my vice-captain.
“He will look after the forwards while I look after the backs. It’s a team sport so we all have our parts to play.”
Wera, who has so far played 97 games and scored 52 tries for the Hunters over the course of five seasons with the club, said captaining the side was an honour but admitted to having nerves about the role and what it would entail.
“Honestly, I am a bit nervous but this is a special thing for me.
“I have played for the Hunters for five years now and I feel I have more years to give as long as I maintain my fitness and form.”