After crushing Hostplus Cup new-comers the Western Clydesdales in Round 1 last week, the SP PNG Hunters will take on the Souths-Logan Magpies this afternoon at 6:30pm in the hopes of securing a bac-to-back win.
Despite a host of changes to the playing squad and staff, as well as the added challenge of travelling to Toowoomba for that clash, the Hunters made a statement in the 20-10 win.
Errors and ill-discipline are commonplace at this stage of the season, but it was the Hunters resilience and effort in defence that most impressed against the Clydesdales. Spine players Sakias Komati, Jamie Mavoko and Morea Morea combined smartly in attack to set up four tries last weekend, and all three will need to be at their best again when they take on the Magpies this afternoon.
Souths-Logan also comes into Round 2 off a strong win, having made light work of the Ipswich Jets last weekend in a five-tries-to-three rout. Magpie’s backrower Jesse Jennings was the star of the show, scoring two tries on the edge as Souths-Logan ran away with the win. The Magpies will observe their first home game of the season this afternoon when they host the Hunters.
The SP PNG Hunters will make minimal changes to the side that beat the Western Clydesdales in Round 1, with Rodrick Tai (centre) profiling as the most notable inclusion. Tai is a powerful runner of the ball in yardage, a sound defender and a target in the air when attacking the try line. If Komati, Mavoko and Morea can position him smartly in attack and give him enough early ball, Tai will trouble the Magpies edge defenders this afternoon.
Tai’s combination with rising star Morea will be one to watch out for this week, too. The young fullback was awarded the Hastings Deering Player of the Match in Round 1 with his footwork and ball playing skills a highlight in the Hunters win. As their combination develops, Morea and Tai could form a lethal partnership on the Hunters right edge in attack.
SP PNG Hunters Head Coach Stanley Tepend said while last week’s result was promising, the players are remaining focused.
“That was our first Cup game as a group last week and we took a lot of positives from that,” said Tepend.
“In saying that, there’s still lots to work on and we’re staying focussed on ourselves this week. Most teams in the Hostplus Cup will have NRL affiliated players dropping back to play, and this week is no different. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”
With back-to-back away games to start the season, the Hunters stayed in Brisbane throughout the week, which Tepend said has helped their preparation.
Team List 1. Morea Morea, 2. Siki Konden, 3. Benji Kot , 4. Rodrick Tai, 5. Solo Wane, 6. Sakias Komati, 7. Jamie Mavoko, 8. Junior Rop, 9. Wesser Tenza, 10. Epel Kapinias, 11. Sherwin Tanabi, 12. Julius Yakopa, 13. Ila Alu (captain), 14. Judah Rimbu, 15. Tom Moide, 16. Joshua Mire, 17. Valentine Richard, 18. Brandon Nima, 19. Henry Noki, 20. Junior Igila