Penrith Panthers

The home team had a morning walk and is now relaxing in camp at the PNG Institute of Public Administration while the Panthers are based at the Holiday Inn Hotel.

PNG Rugby Football League chief executive officer Bob Cutmore said it is tradition that teams take time off from training to prepare mentally and maintain team spirit before a game.

He said both teams did well in their captain’s run yesterday at the NFS and are focused and looking forward to the match.

They’ll make their way to the stadium at 4pm.

The team looked frivolous and fortified to face the SP Hunters tomorrow night.

“Despite the short notice, we have taken weeks of training to go on head to head with Hunters as we know they are a tough team to play against,” says Penrith Panthers coach Steve Georgallis.

Georgallis added that we have watched the SP Hunters play in the Queensland Cup and I it is going to be a very hard-hitting challenge for my boys here in Papua New Guinea because it’s their home, it’s their town and it’s their country and they will be very passionate.

Coach Michael Marum has started with an experienced side as he works towards finalising his team leading up to the Intrust Super Cup season.

Included in the squad for this weekend are key players Stargroth Amean, Thompson Teteh, Adex Wera, Ase Boas and Adam Korave.

All SP Hunters players including the newcomers are endeavouring to impress to ensure they make the final squad of 25 players to gain the Intrust Super Cup at the end of season 2016.

New faces include Benjamin Hetra, Justin Olam, Philemon Kimisive, Tuvi Lepan and Nickson Borana.