Glare to step up

Utility pivot Finley Glare has been tasked with a crucial role as PNG Hunters prepare to take on North Devils in the Hostplus Cup preliminary final this weekend.

Glare replaces crafty five-eight Joshua Lau, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the semifinal win over Sunshine Coast Falcons last week.

Despite Hunters copping a massive blow with playmaker Lau’s absence, coach Paul Aiton is banking on young Glare to fill in the void.

“Finley's played in that position before for us in some big games, especially the one against Pride so he'll step up,” Aiton said of the youngster’s inclusion in the starting side.

“He's young but he's a very good player and he understands how we play so it's a good fit for us.

“We were a bit shocked to begin with, all the players that are out (due to injury) but as we were discussing this morning, it's just different players, we play the same way.

“The structure doesn't change so the players that come in just add a different flavor.

“Finley will come in and he'll add his flavor. I don't want him to play like Josh Lau. I just want him to play like Finley within the structure of our team.”

Glare has spent most of the season coming off the bench as a utility player, who has proved flexible in halfback and hooker positions.

The No. 14 will now don the No. 6 jersey on the starting side when the Hunters meet the Devils at Bishop Park on Sunday.

He has scored 6 tries in 19 games and is set to play a pivotal role in Brisbane for the game schedule at 2:10 pm.

The 2023 Junior Kumul star will partner halfback Jamie Mavoko as the Paul Aiton-coached side looks towards securing the grand final spot in 7 years.