2018 Intrust Super Cup

Hunters move up 1 spot

Previously the 11th out of 14 teams, the 2017 premiers are now in 10th place and are determined to make it to the top.

It was the 2 points that the team was aiming for.

Prior to Sunday’s round 16 clash, Coach Michael Marum expressed the team’s intention to win all their home games, as a victory is worth 2 points.

With the Falcon’s win under their belts, the Hunters now have 4 home games left.

“The plan is to get one game at a time. We don’t look at the other games,” said coach Marum.

Hunters’ hard work pays off

The Hunters came from behind to claim a 24-12 victory in the round 16 clash of the Intrust Super Cup competition.

The SP PNG Hunters had anticipated a tough encounter against the 7th-placed Falcons, who were 4 spots ahead of the Hunters after round 15.

The Falcons were the first to score through Jacob Hind, which was successfully converted by Ryan Papenhuyzen.

The score remained at 6-0 until Captain Ase Boas broke the ice 34 minutes into the first half.

A successful conversion from his brother Watson levelled the field for the team.  

Hunters anticipate tough encounter

The Hunters will be going up against the 7th-placed Falcons at the National Football Stadium on Sunday.

The boys are currently ranked 11 out of the 14 teams in the Intrust Super Cup competition.

The Falcons are 4 spots ahead of the Hunters, and Coach Michael Marum admits that this weekend’s match won’t be a walk in the park.

“We played them in round 3 and they beat us by a big margin so they’ll be tough up here,” Marum stated.

“They’ll come up with a stronger side.”

Hunters go down 30-12

It was an unsuccessful afternoon for the boys as they were defeated 30-12 at the Tigers’ home ground.

The Hunters, led by stand-in captain Wartovo Puara Jnr, were the first to register 2 points from a penalty goal, thanks to Watson Boas.

However, a Scott Drinkwater (captain) pass to Linc Port a few minutes later saw the Tigers extend their lead to 4-2.

Successful conversion by Brodie Croft added another 2 points for the Tigers.

Tough match against Tigers anticipated

Michael Marum’s side has never won a match against Easts Tigers at Suzuki Stadium, Langlands Park, Brisbane, and are hopeful to break that spell on Saturday.

Coach Marum admits the match ahead will be a tough one.

“We’ve never won a game against them in Suzuki Oval, Langlands. The last time we played against them, we drew,” said Coach Marum. 

Coming back from a home game win on Sunday, Hunters have had a short week of training but are riding on the success of the 3 consecutive wins.

The SP PNG Hunters are determined to maintain the momentum this weekend.

Live broadcast of ‘away’ games starts this weekend

PNGRFL CEO Reatau Rau said the live televising of the games was made possible through a partnership with SP Brewery.

“This is great news for our people,” Rau said. “On Sunday, you will be able to watch the SP Hunters take on Wynnum Manly at 3pm from Brisbane through Digicel on their TVWAN+ channel.”

Rau thanked SP Brewery for partnering with PNGRFL to bring the remaining away games live to the fans.

“This should motivate and inspire the SP Hunters players to perform better knowing that everybody in the country will be watching,” Rau added.

67 wins from 100 games for Marum

Marum’s record in the Intrust Super Cup: 67 wins, 29 losses and four draws.

A humble Marum said it was an honour.

“I don’t really look at my own statistics. It was just another game for me,” said Marum.

“It’s an honour to be coaching at this level to get a 100 games. It’s good to be coaching against some of the best rugby players in the past and coaches too.”

Hunters open with a win

The Hunters got straight down to business.

Watson Boas danced and ducked his way past six defenders to score the Hunters’ first four pointer this season.

His brother, Ase, added the extra two points.

Six minutes later, the Hunters were in again, this time through Adex Wera who broke through and dashed away to the try line.

The Hunters continued to dominate in the search for more points.

The Jets regrouped and after consecutive sets were compensated.

With numbers out wide, Pio Seci was able to cross over on the wing.

100 games for Michael Marum

Under Marum’s reign, the Hunters have won 66, drawn 4 and lost 29 matches.

And today starts the Hunters’ campaign to defend their title.

The SP Hunters and Ipswich Jets match will kick off at the Oil Search National Football Stadium at 3pm.

Dilbert Issac is ready

The 26-year-old from Simbu Province made his debut in the Digicel Cup for the TNA Simbu Lions back in 2014.

“In 2016 I played with the Hela Wigmen and last year with the Agmark Rabaul Gurias, which was my best year.

“So far I’ve played in two grand finals – in 2015 for the Lions and in 2017 for the Gurias. I feel I am ready.”

Issac admitted there is pressure on the new Hunters players to defend the Intrust Super Cup this season.

“With experienced players like Enoch Maki standing beside us, we’ll be prepared to defend the Cup.