THE Papua New Guinea Hunters defend the Kokoda Cup against the Burleigh Bears on Monday but will have to do it without co-captain and goal-kicking ace Noel Zeming. The 27-year-old has been the definition of the walking wounded over the past three rounds with an assortment of injuries that he has had to soldier through. Back-rower Adam Korave will captain the side. Coach Michael Marum said Zeming was being rested in order to freshen him up for the demanding season ahead. “Noel’s been playing with several injuries over the last two or three games,” Marum said. “He injured his arm against the Devils on Saturday but before that he lost a tooth against Mackay. “It was replaced but it’s been causing him discomfort and pain so he needs a rest. “He’s got niggling knee and groin problems. “It’s a long season and we haven’t reached the halfway mark yet so we have to manage our players, otherwise they’ll breakdown and get worn down quickly.” Zeming, who despite not scoring a try in six games for the South Pacific Brewery-sponsored side so far, is the leading point-scorer for the Hunters this season with 50 points, all from his trusted right boot. The Morobe man passed the half century mark with a 75th minute penalty against Norths at the National Football Stadium, coincidentally, in teammate Adex Wera’s 50th game last Saturday. Kicking at an 86 per cent success rate (25/29 goals), Zeming’s absence will be missed, especially against the Bears, where points will be at a premium. Last year in the second Kokoda Cup fixture in round eight, in remembrance of those who fought along the Kokoda track during World War II, the Hunters staged their best comeback on record — they trailed 30-10 midway through the second half — to snatch an unlikely 38-32 win at Pizzey Park, Gold Coast. The ANZAC Day match pits the second and third-placed sides, with the winner potentially rising to the top of the standings if the Northern Pride beat the Townsville Blackhawks in the round’s other top clash. Stargroth Amean, who was the hero of the first Kokoda Cup match scoring a try on the buzzer, returns to the fullback position while Ase Boas replaces brother Watson in the No. 6 jersey, partnering Atte Bina in the halves. Back-rower Tuvi Lepan returns to the starting line up after missing last weekend due to concussion. He replaces Ishmael Balkawa. Marum has named Bland Abavu and Enoch Maki in an extended 19-man squad. The Bears won the inaugural Cup in 2014. The Bears were beaten by Central Queensland Capras last week on their home ground and a physical encounter is expected. The Hunters, on the other hand, will be motivated to return with the Kokoda Cup and continue their winning run. The Hunters leave Port Moresby on Sunday for the 3.30pm fixture on Monday. The Hunters will wear black arm bands in tribute to former Kumul great Tara Gau, 60, who passed away over the weekend in Port Moresby. Hunters: 1. Stargroth Amean, 2. Justin Olam, 3. Adex Wera, 4. Thompson Teteh, 5. William Aquila, 6. Ase Boas, 7. Atte Bina, 8. Henry Wan, 9. Warren Glare, 10. Esau Siune, 11. Tuvi Lepan, 12. Adam Korave (C), 13. Brandy Peter; Reserves: 14. Wartovo Puara Jr, 15. Timothy Lomai, 16. Benjamin Hetra, 17. Edward Goma, 18. Bland Abavu, 19. Enock Maki (one to be omitted). The National Comments are closed.
|
PNG Hunters News & ResultsPNG Hunters fan site. We if you have amazing photos and news about Rugby League in PNG, please do submit to this site. Lets grow Rugby League in Papua New Guinea...Contact us
2022 Results, Draw and Ladder
<
>
Round 1 SP PNG Hunters 16 Mackay Cutters 10 Round 1 Mackay Cutters vs SP PNG Hunters ISC Ladder after Round 6DisclaimerThis is NOT the Hunters Official website and we do not represent them.
Rugby Insights |