SP PNG Hunters are set for this weekends blockbuster round 5 clash as the homeboys match an in-form 6th placed Northern Pride team in the QRL Hostplus Cup challenge on Saturday at Barlow Park, Cairns. They come out of a two-week break, after a bye in Round 4 and the Easter long weekend, and are ready to make some noise promising their faithful fans in 2023 that there is plenty to be excited about, with a win, a draw and one loss to their scorecard since the start of the season. Despite not all results going their way, there are genuine signs of improvement in this squad under new Head Coach Stanley Tepend, and the Hunters have a great opportunity to maintain their position inside the Top Eight when they take on the Northern Pride on Saturday. While rookie fullback Morea Morea featured heavily across the opening three games, it is the work of the teammates around him that is allowing Morea to shine in attack. The Hunters forward pack led by Ila Alu and Junior Rop has been strong to start the season, consistently winning the yardage battle and generating momentum for the spine to play on the back of. Hooker Wesser Tenza and halves Jamie Mavoko and Sakias Komati have combined effectively to begin the year. Tenza is directing traffic from dummy-half and getting the Hunters into certain areas of the field in good-ball. From there, Mavoko, Komati and Morea are linking smoothly in the backline to shift the ball to spaces on the edge. The Hunters are playing a fast, aggressive style of football this season and they will look to continue that form in Round 5. Head Coach Stanely Tepend paid tribute to his forward pack this week after a strong start to the season. “They (Alu, Rop & Kapinias) play an important role for us in the middle,” said Tepend. “The middle of the field is where games are won or lost and we’ve been going well thanks to the work of those three in around the ruck. Wesser (Tenza) is also a part of this.” Tepend said the growing experience of his forwards is helping the Hunters compete against more fancied opposition. “Each year these guys get a bit more experience. It can be a heavy toll on the body playing in the middle and as they play more games, they get a bit wiser and more confident. We’re getting the benefits of their experience over the last few years.” Looking ahead to Round 5, Tepend says defence has been a focus for his team as they prepare to face the Northern Pride. “The good thing is we know we can score points. Every time we get into good-ball we have looked threatening, but now it’s more about stopping the opposition from scoring,” said Tepend. “We’ve focussed a lot on our defence over the last two weeks. We’ve worked on fixing some things as individuals – mainly our discipline - which I think will help us perform better as a team.” “It’s been good to use the last two weeks to improve in those areas.” Team List 1. Morea Morea 2. Brandon Nima 3. Junior Igila 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. Benji Kot 13. Ila Alu (captain) 14. Trevor Solu 15. Tom Moide 16. Koso Bandi 17. Henry Noki 18. Joshua Mire 19. Siki Konden