The SP PNG Hunters are back for another home game completing a run of 4 straight home games at the Santos National Football Stadium this Saturday, 17th June when they host the Souths Logan Magpies in Round 14 of the QRL Hostplus Cup at 3pm.
It’s been a promising block of games for the proud PNG-based club, having fallen agonizingly short to the improving Northern Pride in Round 11 before making light work of the Tweed Seagulls and Western Clydesdales in the last fortnight.
The advantage of a growing home crowd has not been lost on the club, and they will be hoping for another packed house this Saturday against the Magpies.
To have played so well in the last three games without a host of key players is a credit to the Hunters coaching staff and playing group.
Senior players like Ila Alu, Sherwin Tanabi, Wesser Tenza and Jamie Mavoko have all been unavailable at times due to injury and suspension, while Sakias Komati, Junior Igila and Julius Yakopa have also missed games.
In their absence, the Hunters next-gen stars have stepped up to announce themselves in the QRL competition.
Tommy Moide, Joshua Mire, Sanny Wabo, Joshua Lau and Judah Rimbu have all performed beyond their years to help the Hunters climb to 10th position on the Hostplus Cup ladder heading into Round 14.
They face their biggest test yet against the competition-leading Magpies this weekend, but if they play to their potential the Hunters could inch closer to a Top 8 berth with 9 rounds remaining.
The Souths Logan Magpies sit atop the QRL Hostplus Cup ladder with a 9-1-2 record after 12 games played. How they handle the humid conditions and the hostile crowd at the Santos NFS this Saturday could end up being the difference in this one.
The Hunters have shown they can put points on anybody on their day, and they could make things interesting for the visitors if they can register a few points early.
Team list
1. Morea Morea
2. Brandon Nima (Captain)
3. Joshua Lau
4. Rodrick Tai
5. Solo Wane
6. Joshua Mire
7. Jamie Mavoko
8. Junior Rop
9. Judah Rimbu
10. Seal Kalo
11. Benji Kot
12. Epel Kapinias
13. Tommy Moide
14. Trevor Solu
15. Sanny Wabo
16. Casey Dickson
17. Philimon Kimisive
18. Julius Yakopa
19. Warren Glare
20. Sakias Komati