"BAPTISM OF FIRE" FOR THREE NEW RECRUITS - Kalang Advertising Limited

CAPTIONS: THREE new recruits from Lae Tigers premiership five-eight Joel Gena, Rabaul Gurias product Myles Banam and towering forward Himson Ulalom, all set for this weekend’s round 1 battle in Port Moresby against visiting Central Queensland Capras.

BY BENJAMIN KOITAKA
THREE new recruits from the local pool of competitions are set for the “Baptism of Fire” this weekend in the season opener match against visiting Central Queensland Capras.

Lae Tigers premiership winning five-eight Joel Gena, Rabaul Gurias product Myles Banam and towering forward Himson Ulalom are all set for this weekend’s round 1 battle in Port Moresby on Sunday.

Hunters head coach Paul Aiton admitted there are no any other better places to start the new kids on the block in front of home friends, families, sponsors and supporters at the National Football Stadium than elsewhere.

Coach Aiton further added that despite selection headache between two inform backs in Banam and Carlos Lung, he opted to go with Banam and the debutant winger was lucky enough to earn his Queensland Hostplus Cup competition debut card sooner than later.

Aiton also named fresh forward Jordan Steven as the 18th man.

“It was a tough choice but we have settled on the 18th and we are looking forward,” Aiton told media today in the media session.

“The 18th (Jordan Steven) man is also not played yet but we are excited.

“When I announce the playing group, there was genuine excitement and celebrations for the players that will debut for the first time.”

Aiton also commended debutant Ulalom for his perseverance and determination that earned him the starting spot, despite being hit with injury whole season last year.
“Really big one for Himson.

“He was with us whole last year and missed his debut last year due to injury but he is now able to do it this year.
“Really happy with all the boys and the older boys too for being able to play again and we have a great preseason so far,” Aiton said.

Hunters and Capras match will kick-off at 3pm on Sunday.