Mackay Cutters

The Hunters enjoyed an excellent start, getting through their opening set before strong contact in defence forced the Cutters into an error with their first possession. Starting props Casey Dickson and Sylvester Namo consistently bent the line with their carries to open the game and Mackay had no answer. Left-edge backrower Benji Kot came awfully close to crashing over the line after collecting a late offload before the Hunters forced yet another error in Mackay’s half.

The Hunters wrapped up a grueling preseason with a promising trial win over the West Brisbane Panthers A-grade side last week.

The Mackay Cutters went down 22-18 to the CQ Capras in their preseason trial game and were midway through a match against the NQ Cowboys Young Guns before extreme weather saw the game called off.

The last time these two sides met was in Round 12 last year when Mackey narrowly beat the Hunters 40-30 in a high scoring contest. The Hunters flew out to an early lead in that game but could not hold off a fast-finishing Cutters outfit.

The Cutters won 40-30, scoring four tries in 19 minutes in the second half to claw back a deficit before a strong Hunters home crowd.

The Hunters had picked up from where they left off in last weekend’s stunning win over the Northern Pride in Atherton as winger Junior Rau marked his 50^th game in style with three tries by the fourth minute of the second half.

Brendon Gotuno scored twice while the flying feet of Solo Wane found the try line again as the Hunters used the full width of the field to get past the Cutters defence.

Despite showing determination to come back from a 12-point deficit to lock the scores in the 57^th minute, the Cutters proved too strong, delivering the crucial blow to beat the Hunters at home.

The Hunters were the first to post points following a penalty in front of the Cutters’ posts, with Ase Boas slotting over the ball in the second minute for a 2-nil lead.

Four minutes in, Adex Wera would accelerate through a gap and fends off a Cutters defender to run 30 metres for 6 – 0 lead.

The Hunters came out firing asking questions early on putting the Cutters under the pump.

It took 18 minutes for the Hunters to find the try line thanks to the work of halfback Watson Boas who created space out wide for Stargroth Amean to slice through and score.

The visitors hit back only four minutes later after a kick from Nicho Hynes found its mark in Yamba Bowie to fly over on the wing.

Boas was again involved in the Hunters next try this time sending in Israel Eliab to take the Hunters to 12-4.

A try to Nixon Put and a double to Bland Abavu gave the Hunters an 18-10 lead at half time.

The second half was all one-sided traffic with the Hunters running in another three more tries to Karo Kauna Jr., Moses Meninga and Watson Boas.

The home side snuck in a late try in the 79th minute through Johnny Faletagoa'i and was converted by Nicholas Hynes right on the full time siren.

Hunters’ captain and half-back, Ase Boas was flawless with the boot converting all six tries to cap off a comfortable win in round five.

(File picture)

SP Hunters coach, Michael Marum said Watson has been playing well off the bench which pushed him into the starting side.

“The combination with brother Ase and Gahuna will allow them to steer the team around the park,” said Marum.

In other changes made- Israel Eliab goes to the centres, Bland Abavu shifts back to fullback and Stargroth Amean will play on the wing. Karo Kauna Jr. will start on the other wing.

 Marum said Radley Brawa will become Hunter #52 when he starts off the bench this weekend.

The match kicks off at 6.05pm today and will be televised live on TV Wan Sports.

Hunters are looking to bounce back as they gear up with a strong side to crunch the Cutters at their home soil.

The PNG side is currently on third spot on the ladder while thirteenth placed Cutters are yet to put a mark on the score board.

Hunters will be banking on key players Stargroth Amean, Adex Wera, Wartovo Puara Jnr, Enock Maki, Brandy Peter and captain Noel Zeming, to take them to victory.