Northern Pride

Kicking off a stretch of four games at the spiritual home of rugby league in Port Moresby, the Hunters ran out to an early lead but couldn’t overcome two sinbins and an injury to skipper, Ila Alu. 

The Pride made the most of their opportunities after the break to score three second half tries as the rain began to fall on the Santos NFS turf. 

With a strong wind at their backs to begin the game, the Pride wasted no time going on the attack thanks to an early penalty conceded by the Hunters in the kick-off set.

Suddenly camped on their own goal line, the Hunters looked like they’d defended the set until Pride fullback Julian Christian took possession on the last, feigned a kick to the left and turned back in towards the ruck to link with Matthew Egan in support.

The Hunters’ cover defence couldn’t close the space in time as the Pride halfback opened the scoring with a clever four pointer.

Sunday’s clash is an important game for both sides, who currently sit equal on the ladder with three wins apiece so far this season.

With the pointy end of the year approaching, the two points on offer in Round 12 are invaluable as the Hunters and Pride both chase a coveted finals berth.

Brandon Nima opened the scoring for the Hunters with a try in the 25th minute that helped to lay the foundation for a memorable night for the Hunters.

The match goes down in Atherton far North Queensland.

The PNG Hunters are currently on their longest ever losing streak with eight straight losses since entering the Queensland Cup in 2014.

Pride aren’t flying high either at the moment, losing their last two games.

Hunters see a silver lining in this season away from home as they head on their longest road trip of the year, starting with  a two-hour flight to Cairns before transferring to a bus for a 90-minute drive to Atherton for the Intrust Super Cup Country Week clash.

The SP Hunters had no answers to the Pride onslaught as they raced to an 18-nil lead at half-time with a polished performance.

Five-eighth, Jake Clifford, put on a master class performance to steer the Pride to a win.

Following a fumble by Gairo Kapana from kick-off, the Pride crossed over the 3^rd minute through Mathew Musumeci to take a 6-nil lead.

William Bugden would score 3 minutes later after sustained pressure on the Hunters.

The Hunters with possession were unable to make any inroads with many errors.

The home side were determined to cause another upset and showed it stalling the PNG boys 12-0 after seven minutes.

This came through tries from Connor Jones and Sheldon Powe-Hobbs.

The Hunters fought back just after the 20 minute mark through Wartovo Puara Jr.

The score at half-time was left at 12-4.

Northern Pride extended their lead to 14-4 in the 47th minute after Jordan  Biondi-Odo converted a penalty to make it three from three for the night.

Then the Hunters took the lead when Bland Abavu (60) and Israel Eliab (72) crossed.

In his place for tomorrow’s round 16 clash against Northern Pride in Cairns, coach Michael Marum has named 20-year-old Muka Peter Kulu in the starting line-up.

Kulu made his debut off the bench as Hunter #53 last Saturday.

Captain Ase Boas returns to his five eighth role while Wartovo Puara Jnr moves back to hooker.

Marum said Enock Maki has been ruled out with an ankle injury while David Loko has been omitted.

Ismael Balkawa and Noel Joel have been released to their clubs.

The ‘freight train’ Minoga had the crowd of 6, 738 on their feet in celebration after only the 2^nd minute of play when he crossed over the line for his first of the match.

Captain Ase Boas converted the try giving the Hunters a 6-0 lead.

Boas made it 10-0 in the 26^th minute when he dummied and stepped into a gap to run forty metres to score on the wing.

These were the only points from the first half.

A penalty right in front in the opening minutes of the second half gave the Hunters an opportunity to extend their lead.

Paul Wawa has been called up to the starting side to replace Karo Kauna Jnr, while Stanton Albert and Moses Meninga who are both returning from injury have been named on the bench in the 20-man squad.

Last weekend’s four try hero, Adex Wera who was placed on report for a dangerous throw has been cleared and will take his centre position with Bland Abavu on the wing and Stargroth Amean at fullback.

The 20-man squad is: