sp hunters

After six rounds, the Hunters have collected eight points from four wins and two losses.

Points for and against is what has pushed the Hunters out of the top six.

The Norths Devils, Souths Logan Magpies, Townsville Blackhawks and the Hunters are all tied on eight points, but points for and against of nil has moved the Hunters down to seventh spot.

The top 6:

Redcliffe Dolphins (10), Sunshine Coast Falcons (9), Easts Tigers (9), Norths Devils (8), Souths Logan Magpies (8), Townsville Blackhawks (8).

Alex Bishop put the home side in front after only three minutes when he crossed over.

Guy Hamilton kicked a penalty in the 22^nd minute to extend the lead by more than a converted try.

The Falcons pushed further in front after former Hunter Justin Olam scored in the 26^th minute.

Hamilton added the extras to make it 14-0 from a successful conversion.

The Hunters hit back just before the 30 minute mark through Bland Abavu.

Both teams went to break with the score at 14-4.

Coach, Michal Marum said Lawrence Tu’u comes in for Ismael Balkawa for the round six clash.

“Ismael will be out of this weekend’s game and we allowed Lawrence to come back in after he pulled out at the last minute last weekend.

“Until we travel, this is the 17 man squad we’ll probably go with,” said Marum.

Meanwhile, captain of the Hunters, Ase Boas will play his 50^th game this weekend. Boas is Hunter #32 and debuted back in 2015.

Named in the extended squad is David Loko, Wawa Paul and U20 academy player, Muka Peter Kula.

The Hunters have registered four wins and one loss which puts them on eight points, behind competition leaders Norths Devils (who are also on eight points).

Points for and against is what separates the two teams, with the Norths Devils having a difference of 70, compared to the Hunters on 24.

Round 6 will see the Hunters take on the fourth placed Sunshine Coast Falcons this Saturday at Sunshine Coast Stadium, Australia. Kick-off is at 4:35pm.

The top 6:

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.

Since his return from England, Eliab has certainly made his presence felt playing alongside Boas with an unbeaten run so far this season.

Eliab, who played his 50^th game last weekend against the Souths Logan Magpies added the aim is to further strengthen his combination with Boas.

“The game plan is always to stick to the basics. We’re still working on our combinations. We don’t want to complicate things. We just want to keep it simple.

“I think we’re heading in the right direction,” said Eliab.

With three wins on the trot, the Hunters will take on the Norths Devils this afternoon hoping to make it four from four.

“It’s always good to start off strong. But I think the feeling is that we have a lot more to offer.

“It’s going to be a long season with a good 11 or so home games left, so we’d like to make sure that we’re consistent in our systems and processes and working strong in places like our defence,” said Hukula.

This afternoon’s game at the National Football Stadium kicks off at 3pm.

Hunters coach, Michael Marum said Abavu who sat out last Sunday’s match due to suspension starts on the wing in place of Butler Morris.

“We are still trying out new combinations on the edges. Stargroth Amean played exceptionally well on his return at fullback so Bland Abavu will start on the wing.

“Paul Wawa retains his spot on the other wing while Butler Morris will be rested this weekend,” said Marum.

Marum said Noel Joel, Ismael Balkawa and Karo Kauna Jnr have been named in the extended 20 man squad.

The 20 man squad is: (Three to be omitted)

The Hunters were first on the board in the 13^th minute courtesy of some fancy footwork and speed from fullback Stargroth Amean who danced around the defence and dived over to score.

His opposite number, Jamayne Isaako proved hard to stop near the line when he bulldozed his way over to score just after the 20 minute mark.

An unsuccessful conversion put the score at 6-4 with the Hunters in front.