SP Hunters utility Edwin Ipape will miss the next two Queensland Intrust Super Cup matches through suspension as coach Matthew Church’s men aim to rebound against Brisbane Tigers on Sunday (3pm kick-off).
The Papua New Guinea international was handed the ban for a dangerous tackle after the Hunters’ 18-25 Kokoda Cup loss to Burleigh Bears in round five at Pizzey Park on the Gold Coast last month.
Meanwhile, the Hunters have called on one of the country’s most exciting teenagers to wear the No.6 jersey for round six at Runaway Bay’s Bycroft Oval on the Gold Coast.
Judah Rimbu, who has played four games off the bench this season, will replace experienced playmaker Watson Boas who has returned to England to complete his contract with League One club Doncaster.

TOP PERFORMERS in the Hunters team. 
Some of the top performers for the SP PNG Hunters after the first five rounds of the  IntrustSuperCup
 

​Next : NRL Star Olam Challenges PNG Digicel Cup Clubs

MELBOURNE Storm centre Justin Olam has challenged Digicel Cup franchises to establish development pathways for players into the country’s premier rugby league competition.
The former Lae Tiger addressed the coaches of all 12 Digicel Cup franchises from Melbourne last week.
Olam gave credit to the coaches for instilling a strong work ethic among semi-professional players.

​SP Hunters coach Matthew Church says youngster Judah Rimbu will get first crack in the No.6 jersey following five-eighth Watson Boas’ departure to English third-tier club Doncaster.
“Boas’ departure opens the door for an opportunity in the halves,” he said in his weekly column in The National.
“We have used young Judah Rimbu sparingly in the first five rounds, looking for opportunities to play him in the halves.
“We managed to get him a few minutes against the Falcons a few weeks ago.
“While Judah has come on and played out of position, he has played up-tempo while remaining calm and measured.
“There’s a lot to like about this youngster, he will get the first opportunity to make that spot his own and I look forward to seeing him develop as a Hunter.”
Meanwhile, forward Stanton Albert and back Gilmo Paul — who stayed behind when the squad left for Australia in the pre-season — will join the Hunters at Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast in the coming weeks.

The SP PNG Hunters will welcome a week off to rest their injured leaders after falling short to Burleigh Bears in a classic Intrust Super Cup clash at Pizzey Park today.

The Bears lasted for a 25-18 win before a huge Anzac Day crowd, holding on to the Kokoda Cup for the third consecutive year.

The Bears led throughout the match but the Hunters were always a chance to fight back, ignited by fullback Terry Wapi who charged down a kick and scored in the 69th minute.