Seagulls thrilled to have pair

 

April 22, 2022Sports

By MICHAEL PHILIP
REIGNING Hostplus Cup runners-up Wynnum Manly Seagulls say they are confident that Papua New Guinea pair Epel Kapinias and Stanford Talita will bolster their campaign this year.
Coach Adam Brideson told The National that the inclusion of prop Kapinias and centre Talita had added more confidence to the eighth-placed side ahead of Sunday’s round-five clash with Souths Logan Magpies (3pm kick-off).
“It’s a great feeling having them on board here with us,” he said.
“Everyone here enjoys every session with them.
“There have also been positive responses from the whole management. With the wealth of experience they have, we expect more from them and we will build upon what they know.”
Following Kapinias’ two-try debut against Redcliffe Dolphins earlier this month, Brideson has confirmed that the former SP Hunter would start in the No.10 jersey at BMD Kougari Oval, Brisbane.
“He has the ability, he earned the jersey,” he said. “We want to use him more on the field.
“He showed to us that he his capable to deliver, so we let him be.
“It’s a good sign seeing him combine well with five-eighth Max Plath, halfback Sam Scarlett and hooker Harrison Graham.
“They feed him well and that’s really good.”
Brideson said he planned to use former Hela Wigmen co-captain Talita in the coming rounds.
“He is a strong athlete in the Digicel cup back in PNG,” he said.
“He has so much experienced, so we are excited to have him on board. He deserves opportunities in the coming rounds.
“But at the moment, we’ll see first how he tags along with the rest of the squad during training.”
Seagulls: Ben Farr, Sione Hopoate, Mathew Lyons, Falakiko Manu, Deine Mariner, Max Plath, Sam Scarlett, Aaron Rockley, Harrison Graham, Epel Kapinias, Matiu Love-Henry, Zac Hosking, Luke Bateman; Interchange – Kalolo Saitaua, Tristan Hope, Lachlan Lee, Luke Gale.