Lapua gets a shot in Hunters Team against Central Queensland Capras
Hard-running centre David Lapua has been named on the left wing, replacing Bland Abavu while Roger Laka makes a return to the extended squad.
Forward Nickson Borana comes onto the pine at the expense of utility Warren Glare, who picked up an ankle injury in the 32-24 win over the Tweed Heads Seagulls last round.
Lapua, who had spent the last eight weeks playing for the Hela Wigmen in the Digicel Cup, comes into the starting 13 with Marum looking to try a new combination with centre Noel Zeming.
“We’re giving David a chance to prove himself on the wing against the Capras on Sunday,” Marum
Abavu, who has played in all of the South Pacific Brewery-sponsored side’s 14 matches this season, moves to the extended six-man bench.
“We’ve got quite a few more games coming up so we’ve decided to give a chance to all our players which is important,” Marum said.
The Hunters are already on a club record-making streak of eight wins and the Capras presents Marum’s men with a chance to log in another win and maintain their top three spot.
But Marum has warned against complacency saying he will emphasis the need to be clinical and ruthless even against lesser opposition. Sitting third on the ladder with 24 points, the Hunters go in as favourites at home with their undefeated record in Kalabond this year.
However, Marum said they would ignore the stats and concentrate on their game plan.
“The Capras are a big side with a lot of experience, and we will not underestimate them.
“At the same time we certainly won’t be putting unnecessary pressure on ourselves, we’ll stick to our footy, see this game as an important one but enjoy it,” Marum said.
Marum was pleased with his players’ performance over the past two months but he said it would not stop him from continuously reminding his players to be alert.
“We have plenty more games to go before the finals, and for us, there is still plenty of work to do,” he said.
Ensuring that they stay focused throughout the 80 minutes is something Marum said they will have to do again this weekend.
Hunters: 1. Stargoth Amean 2. David Lapua 3. Noel Zeming 4. Thompson Teteh 5. Adex Wera 6. Israel Eliab 7. Ase Boas 8. Henry Wan 9. Wartovo Puara Jr 10. Esau Siune 11. Brandy Peter 12. Timothy Lomai 13. Adam Korave; Reserves: 14. Nickson Borana 15. Atte Bina Wabo 16. Willie Minoga 17. Enoch Maki 18. Lawrence Tu’u 19. Bland Abavu 19. Roger Laka.
The National
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