There are positives to take from that loss to the Tigers, though. As they’ve done all season, the Hunters continued to show the improvements they’ve made under Head Coach Stanley Tepend this year.
Halfback Jamie Mavoko – playing in just his 24th Hostplus Cup game last week – had a hand in a number of positive actions as he grows in confidence at this level.
And Judah Rimbu – plying his trade at dummy-half as he transitions into the starting hooker role – also impressed with his workrate and service around the ruck. In the outside backs, Tai was his usual dynamic attacking self with one try, one assist and 16 tackles for just one miss while his centre partner Brandon Nima was also busy, posting 127 running metres from nine carries in yardage.
The Hunters did everything right in the opening quarter last week and only need to replicate those efforts to be a chance against the 4th placed Redcliffe Dolphins on Saturday.
The Dolphins are in a purple patch of form of late, having registered convincing wins over the Tweed Seagulls and Burleigh Bears in recent weeks.
Fullback Trai Fuller was in inspired form for both of those wins, but mightn’t feature this weekend as he prepares for a potential NRL-debut for The Dolphins.
Even if Fuller doesn’t run out for the Dolphins Hostplus Cup side this weekend, the Redcliffebased club will still field an established and dangerous outfit.
Players like Robert Jennings, Mason Teague, Poasa Faamausili and Harrison Graham will all give Redcliffe NRL experience when they run out on Saturday afternoon.
The last time these two clubs met was in Round 9 last year, when the Hunters were still based out of the Gold Coast and playing at Bycroft Oval, Runaway Bay.
Redcliffe ran away 30-16 winners in that contest, but they will field a very different looking side this Saturday. With a finals berth still just in reach, the Hunters must respond this weekend.
No doubt a full crowd at the Santos National Football Stadium will inspire their best efforts and help the Hunters finish the regular season on a high.
Team List:
1. Morea Morea
2. Siki Konden
3. Brandon Nima
4. Rodrick Tai
5. Solo Wane
6. Joshua Lau
7. Jamie Mavoko
8. Junior Rop
9. Judah Rimbu
10. Epel Kapinias
11. Benji Kot
12. Whallan Tau-Loi
13. Ila Alu (c)
14. Warren Glare
15. Seal Kalo
16. Casey Dickson
17. Valentine Richard
18. Sanny Wabo
19. Joshua Mire 
