round 13

Sean O'Sullivan, Kurt Falls and Matt Eisenhuth took on the roles of halfback Nathan Cleary, five-eighth Jarome Luai and lock Isaah Yeo and played starring roles in the 30-18 win.

Strike forward Viliame Kikau, who will join the Bulldogs next season, fullback Dylan Edwards, prop James Fisher-Harris and hooker Api Koroisau led the way for the Panthers, whose left side attack was as potent as ever.

A number of Penrith players were rested from NSW Cup duties on Sunday so they'd be fresh for duty if called up to face the Bulldogs, including playmaker Sean O'Sullivan who performed admirably in the first three rounds of the season while Nathan Cleary recovered from shoulder surgery.

The Bulldogs showed plenty of good signs on an emotional day at their spiritual home Belmore but still came up short to remain at the bottom of the table.

Such is the Cowboys' composure in 2022 that the loss of Val Holmes, Reuben Cotter, Jeremiah Nanai and Tom Dearden was not enough to halt their momentum, racking up a ninth win of the season on the back of standout performances from Jason Taumalolo, Scott Drinkwater and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.

The Cowboys didn't have it all their own way early, the home side forcing two line dropouts courtesy of astute kicks by Toby Sexton and Brian Kelly, but Todd Payten's men held firm.

North Queensland's flying start to 2022 has seen Val Holmes, Reuben Cotter, Jeremiah Nanai, Tom Dearden, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Murray Taulagi all rewarded with Maroons selection while Gold Coast are without big guns Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (Origin) and David Fifita (knee).

The Titans have lost seven of their past eight, including Friday's inexplicable fadeout against the Broncos in which they led 24-4 after 50 minutes before conceding five tries in 21 minutes to be blown off the park.

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.

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.

Starting at 2pm, Waghi Tumbe will play host to competition leaders, Lae Snax Tigers.

Across to Goroka, the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis will clash with the visiting PRK Mendi Muruks.

Down to the nation’s capital, the NCDC Port Moresby Vipers have a date with the Kroton Hela Wigmen.

Finally, all the way in Kokopo, the Agmark Rabaul Gurias are scheduled to take on the EPG Enga Mioks.

All three matches in Goroka, Port Moresby and Kokopo are set to kick off at 3pm.

The home side hit the lead with a try to Luke Pollock in the fifth minute. But the Hunters responded just four minutes later through Stargroth Amean.

Tries to both teams left the score locked at 12-12 at the break.

The second half was when the Hunters put the points on, starting in the 41^st minute when in-form winger Adex Wera crossed over to score.

Tries also went to Bland Abavu in the 45^th minute, Stanton Albert (56), Nixon Put (62) and Moses Meninga (78).

The Devils handed the Hunters their first loss this season at home in round four, and will be looking to avenge this.

“There are no major injury worries to deal with after last weekend’s win.

“They are playing well and we want to start the 2nd half of the season on a positive note,” said Marum.

Marum congratulated Bland Abavu, who will be playing his 50th Intrust Super Cup game for the Hunters on Sunday.

The only addition to the extended bench is Paul Wawa.

Yesterday afternoon, Waghi Tumbe took a 12-10 lead at the break but let the game slip away from them to give the home side a win in front of over 300 spectators.

Lock Sipa Korken extended the lead for Waghi Tumbe just 7 minutes into the second half when he bulldozed his way over the try line.

Jodda Wesley was good with the boot, converting the try to make it 3 from 3 for the afternoon.

But the Gulf boys dominated the remainder of the game with three tries to come out victors.