FORMER Hong Kong captain Craig Pain is in line for a surprise recall to the national squad for the Asian tournament. Coach George Simpkin is to replace flanker Tony Hunt, who has been studying in New Zealand and missed the squad's final preparations, and put a player on standby in case the International Rugby Board (IRB) don't clear full back Neil Munn to play. Munn does not meet the 12-month residency rule in force for the tournament in Kuala Lumpur, which doubles as a World Cup qualifier, and the IRB will not make a decision on clearing him to play until early next week. Kowloon centre Pain, who opted out of international rugby because of work commitments, pulled on a Hong Kong jersey for twenty minutes of the match against the Rest of the League last night and slotted into the outside centre berth. With utility back Vaughan Going the first choice fly-half, Hong Kong could benefit from Pain's presence in the centre. 'I have to make a decision tomorrow on what option I will take,' said Simpkin. 'Hunt does not meet the IRB regulations and I decided not to call him back from New Zealand.' It looks as if Simpkin will choose between Pain, Club flanker Hamish Bowden and Police flanker Tony Harker for the two spots that have opened up. Last night's game served its purpose of giving the trio of Rick Shuttleworth, Roger Patterson and Andy Fields the opportunity to prove their fitness after injury lay-offs. All three came through without problem and will be ready for the first Asian tournament match against South Korea on October 23. 'I am going to be alright -it was good to get that forty minutes under my belt,' said hooker Fields, who scored a try in Hong Kong's 54-7 win. Hong Kong's other injury worry, full-back Justin Weston, had the cast removed from his injured foot yesterday and immediately underwent physiotherapy treatment. He should know within the next 48 hours if he will be ready for the Korea game.
