Fullback Stargroth Amean will captain the Papua New Guinea Hunters in Saturday's pre-season clash against the Brisbane Broncos in Port Moresby.
The 26 year old made his debut for the Queensland Cup champions in 2014 and featured in three tests during the Kumuls Rugby League World Cup campaign last year.
PNG Hunters fullback Stargroth Amean. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Melvin Levongo
Regular skipper Ase Boas is among a handful of players unavailable because of injury, with new recruit Charlie Simon to start alongside Watson Boas in the halves.
PNG Hunters stand-off Ase Boas. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Melvin Levongo
Stargroth Amean said it was humbling to be asked to lead his teammates against his favourite NRL team.
"Well I never thought I would play a team like Broncos so every opportunity is a dream come true for me so I'll grab it with both hands and make use of it," he said.
"...I think the crowd will be on both sides (laughing)."
Three quarters of tickets have already been sold for the match at the National Football Stadium, which is the Hunters only pre-season game before they begin the defence of the Queensland Cup title.
Australian internationals Matt Gillett and Josh McGuire have been named to start in the Broncos backrow on Saturday, while Anthony Milford will will make a return from shoulder surgery off the bench.
Kangaroos duo Josh McGuire and Matt Gillett will start for the Brisbane Broncos against the PNG Hunters. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Meanwhile the Lae Snax Tigers and Nadi Aviators will square off in the curtain raiser, with the winner to take home the Melanesian Club Championship Cup.
PNG Hunters squad:
1. Stargroth Amean (c), 2. Wawa Paul, 3. Adex Wera, 4. Willie Minoga, 5. Brendon Gotuna, 6. Charlie Simon, 7. Watson Boas, 8. Moses Meninga, 9. Wartovo Puara, 10. Dilbert Isaac, 11. Nixon Putt, 12. John Andy, 13. Adam Korave. Bench: 14. Sailas Gahuna, 15. Enock Maki, 16. Patrick Morea, 17. Rhadley Brawa, 18. Mckenzie Yer, 19. Junior Rau, 20. Butler Morris, 21. Edene Gabbie, 22. Baundo Aba (two to be omitted)
Brisbane Broncos squad:
1. Jamayne Isaako, 2. Jonus Pearson, 3. James Roberts, 4. Tom Opacic, 5. Jordan Kahu, 6. Sam Scarlett, 7. Kodi Nikorima, 8. Matt Lodge, 9. Todd Murphy, 10. Sam Thaiday, 11. Alex Glenn (c), 12. Matt Gillett, 13. Josh McGuire. Bench: 14. Anthony Milford, 15. Joe Ofahengaue, 16. Korbin Sims, 17. Tevita Pangai, 18. Jake Turpin, 19. Corey Oates, 20. Jaydn Su'a
