Intrust Cup

Willie Minoga starts at second row after David Loko was handed a one match suspension for being cited for a dangerous throw.

Back from injury, Wellington Albert will start at prop moving brother Stanton back to his regular lock position and Nixon Put to second row.

Other changes sees Adex Wera to centres while Butler Morris makes a return to wing relegating Paul Wawa to the extended bench.

Enoch Maki also returns from injury and has been named in the 20 man squad.

Two consecutive penalties in the opening two minutes gave the Hunters the first points of the match after captain, Ase Boas kicked a penalty to take a 2-0 lead.

Both sides gave away early penalties in the opening minutes and it was the home side who found the try line first when quick hands close to the line allowed an unmarked Ken Tofilau to cross over on the wing.

The Capras continued to look for more points on Tofilau’s wing but the Hunters were up to the task to keep him out.

The 16th minute brought forth the Hunters first four pointer of the season.

“We have speed out there and our halves are quick so we just have to do the little things right and keep things nice and simple.

“We know the Capras have been building up their team for this season and will be tough to beat.

“We lost to them 27-20 last year, but we’re ready for them now.

“A win in round one will really get us on the right track this season,” said Marum.

Today’s match will kick off at 6pm at Browne Park, Rockhampton, Australia.

Hunters Coach Michael Marum said following the narrow win against Townsville Blackhawks 11-10, they got a lot of positives out of the game.

Marum said a lot of simple mistakes resulted in the tough encounter and close win and they’ll need to polish up on these areas before the third home game this Saturday.

He said the game against eighth-placed Devils will be tough as they’re also a quality side.

Hunters started the match with quick points on the board before half time with Ishmael Baikawa opening the scoreboard with a short ball from Wartovo Puara Jnr and minutes later , Bland Abavu ran into the corner with the second as fullback Stargroth Amean sealed the half time score at 16-0.

Leading 16-0 at halftime, the Seagulls began 15 minutes into the second half with a try to minimize the lead to 16-4 after an unsuccessful convertion.

Hunters drew with eighth placed Mackay Cutters 28-28 on Saturday at Stadium Mackay, Queensland.

The PNG side and Blackhawks are both on 39 points after each suffering three losses and one draw out of 23 games this season.

However, Blackhawks hold on to the number one spot due to points for and against with Hunters maintaining second place.

Hunters on second place are hoping to cause an upset to level with Blackhawks on 33 points with better percentage determining first and second spots.

The last time both teams met in Round 11, Hunters defeated Blackhawks 22-16 in Townsville.

Coach Michael Marum has shifted Lawrence Tu’u from the forwards to the centres to cover for Thompson Teteh who is down with a hamstring injury.

Marum said in a statement that he has faith in Tu’u to rise to the challenge in a position he has played before in past Hunters’ games.