By GABRIEL KATUHO
THE SP PNG Hunters Assistant Coach Enoch Maki confirms Vene Manuma will make his long-awaited Hunters debut in this weekend’s Hostplus round 22 match against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
The Central Dabaris and Junior Kumuls rookie forward joined Hunters in 2024 and was consistent in training and discipline with the team despite not given a chance to make his debut.
Manua was named 18th man last weekend in the Hostplus cup round 21 against the Western Clydesdale. He was activated after forward Whallan Tau-Loi failed his head injury assessment (HIA); however, Clydesdales strong performance in the second half made Coach Aiton to send in Ila Alu instead of Manuma.
Manuma’s debut comes in after four Hunters players sustained injuries and would miss the weekend’s game on Saturday at Sunshine Coast Stadium, Australia.
Maki said Whallen Tau-Loi, Sanny Wabo, Koso Bandi and Seal Kalo have been ruled out and would undergo medical assessment to recover.
Coach Maki said replacing the injured players would be, Limbi Henry who will make his come back from injury, Vene
Manuma to make his debut, Kalos Lung also returns from injury and Graham Rex at the 18th man.
“Vene Manuama was with us for the last two seasons now. For the young kid coming up straight from the village, it took a lot of time but he had been training really well and improved on his game so we are happy and cannot wait to see his first game this weekend,” Maki said.
Manuma’s debut is not only a success for Hunters but also for the Central Dabaris and the PNGRFL Academy as contributing vehicles towards his success.
Manuma would now experience the QLD Hostplus Cup competition level of football and move on from there as the Hunters firepower in the future as he grow through the sport.