The SP PNG Hunters will lead the clash against the visiting Ipswich Jets today at the National Sports Institute in Goroka. Match kick-off is at 2pm.
Gulf Isou’s ace Felix Beki has been given the five-eighth role, pairing up against Lae Tigers playmaker and 2025 PNG NRL competition premiership winner Joel Gena at halfback.
Young Beki has been under the spotlight for a while, and this year may be his breakthrough into the Hunters’ starting 17-man squad for the season kick-off.
He fills the role following regular playmaker Jamie Mavoko’s injury from the first trial match last weekend in Cairns, where the Hunters beat Northern Pride 16-20.
Beki may be the player to watch, but Gena is already stealing the show with his first appearance in Cairns, where he had his first feeling of securing a four-pointer in Hunters colours right under the uprights.
His performance is now being backed by Hunters second-rower Whallean Tau-Loi. Tau-Loi said Gena will be a good addition to the team this year.
“Joel had a really good hit-out last weekend. I am proud of how far he has come throughout the journey,” Tau-Loi said.
He further expressed excitement about being part of the team playing in Goroka, especially standing shoulder-to-shoulder with his Highlands-origin teammates.
“It is going to be pretty awesome playing in front of the families, especially Highlanders. It (Goroka) is the central point of the Highlands, so it would be pretty good playing in front of the Highlands fans.”
Some of the exciting talents running out in PNG colours in Goroka include Bruce Bawase, Myles Banam, Treva Solu, Jordan Steven, Norman Akunai, Carlos Lung and Hercules Kondo.
Hunters team: Sanny Wabo, Douglas David, Benji Kot, Bruce Bawase, Myles Banam, Joel Gena, Felix Beki, Manisa Kai, Lynshill Kiap, Himson Ulalum, Murray Fige Conners, Whallean Tau-Loi, Seal Kalo, Trevor Solu, Zebedy Kip, Jordan Steven and Norman Akunai. Coach: Enock Maki.
Jets team: Brenton Baira, Beau Newlands, Jodeci Baker, Rashaun Denny, Jonathan Rewuben, Dantoray Lui, Moses Mbey (C), Logan Bayliss-Brown, Tyron Ott, Blake Lenehan, Ioane Seilu, Corey Ross, Brydon Guyan, Corey Herdegan, Kobe Toraro, Nicholas Hahalilo, Jayden Wright, Lachlan Mears-Crabbe, Hnoloan Budden, Carson Kaho, Kobe Rugless, Alton Niyep, Caleb Jackson and Henri Stock.
