CHANCE TO MAKE SPOTS THEIR OWN Courtesy of PNGRFL His playing stocks may seem depleted for varying reasons but SP PNG Hunters coach Michael Marum expects those picked for Saturday’s game against Wynnum Manly Seagulls to step up and get the job done. It will be a daunting task as the Hunters are pitted against third placed Wynnum, who boast one of the biggest forward packs in the competition and a backline that is equally dangerous. But Marum expects the players elevated to the squad to lift as they have been given a golden opportunity to stake their claims. Prop Timothy Lomai, sitting out his second game following a two- match suspension and Gonzela Urakusie stood down pending the outcome of an internal club investigation have forced Marum to call up a new front row pairing. Second rower David Loko not considered for selection, also due to a breach in the clubs code of conduct, means the Hunters will go into their Round 11 battle with a new look front row and a re- vamped back row. But Saturday’s props Joe Bruno and Esau Siune, already given game time at various stages of the competition, want big shows so that they can consolidate their positions in the team. Hard running Willie Minoga, used off the bench for the most of the season gets his second game in the run-on side in the back row while Sebastine Pandia, should inject himself more into the game to play a leadership-like role. But what doesn’t change is the man showing them where to run, hooker Wartovo Puara is still calling the shots and the home boy lifts when he returns to his favorite hunting ground at the Kalabond Oval. What also hasn’t changed is the dynamic backline led by five- eighth and captain Israel Eliab and halfback Roger Laka, who usually have solid games at Kalabond – a venue the Agmark Gurias are renowned for “burying” visiting teams at. Considered the “graveyard” the Hunters have also lived the myth to near perfection except for Round 4 when the Northern Pride beat them 34-14. Mackay Cutters, Central Queensland Capras and Tweed Heads, have left Kalabond with plenty of good memories of the tourism hub but minus the competition points. Marum is wary of Wynnum Manly, who have players with NRL experience such as Brisbane Broncos’ David Stagg and lock Mitchell Frei (Newcastle Knights). Captain Tim Natush, strike winger Jordan Kahu, centre Mitchell Bucket, Matt Grieve, halves Ben Cronin and Mark Seamark and John Te Reo are among the players who will drive Wynnum around the paddock, and if the Hunters allow them to dictate play, things could get complicated for the home side. Meanwhile, a reporter and cameraman from Channel Nine’s Sunday Footy Show will be in Kokopo to document the match, which should be a great opportunity to showcase not just the game but East New Britain and PNG as a whole, with the club calling on a capacity crowd to portray the fanatical support Rugby League enjoys in PNG. The game will be live at 2.30pm on EMTV, Hitron 102 and Ch 8 – Channel 21, courtesy of Digicel. SP PNG Hunters 1. Adex Wera 2. Garry Lo 3. Thompson Teteh 4. Albert Patak 5. George Benson 6. Israel Eliab (c) 7. Roger Laka 8. Joe Bruno 9. Wartovo Puara 10. Esau Siune 11. Willie Minoga 12. Sebastian Pandia 13. Dion Aiye 14. Noel Zeming 15. Lawrence Tuu 16. Edward Goma 17. Adam Korave 18. Tiger Emere 19. Stanton Albert (2 to be omitted). Coach: Michael Marum Wynnum Manly Seagulls 1. Daniel Ogden 2. Peter Gubb 3. Matt Grieve 4. Mitchell Buckett 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Ben Cronin 7. Matt Seamark 8. Ben Shea 9. Jon Te Reo 10. Tim Natusch (c) 11. David Stagg 12. Graham Clark 13. Mitchell Frei 14. Mitchell Moore 15. Jon Grieve 16. Tanu Wulf 17. Dylan Smith Coach: Jon Buchanan
Posted on: Thu, 08 May 2014 18:50:16 +0000
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