QRL

Hunters host Falcons in Round 3 of Hostplus Cup

The Hunters had their work cut out for them, when they succumbed to a strong Capras outfit going down 36-18 in Rockhampton last week. While it’s still early days, Hunters Coach Paul Aiton said it was reality check for the boys to regroup and bounce back at home.

Both teams will be looking to bounce back after their Round 2 losses to CQ Capras and the Mackay Cutters respectively.

To be played this Saturday at 3pm, the Hunters are looking to improve on effort areas in their game, especially execution, defense and discipline which were their main downfall last week.

QRL BOSS CONFIRMS VENUE

The killing of at least 26 men in civil unrest in the PNG highlands in mid-February led to the QRL holding meetings with key stakeholders over whether the PNG Hunters would host Wynnum-Manly in Port Moresby on March 9 in the opening round of Queensland's Hostplus Cup.

"We are hosting games there because it is safe enough to do it," QRL CEO Ben Ikin told AAP on Thursday.

"The PNG Hunters have their home games like every other club and round one happens to be one of those.

"Wynnum will travel up for round one of the Hostplus Cup. I am on the plane and going as well."

KAPINIAS RULED OUT FOR THE SEASON

Epel has rejoined the Hunters camp since arriving back from Brisbane on Thursday while he continues his second week of rehab process under PNG Hunters rehab trainer.

Epel is in good spirits saying the surgery went well and thanked the Dolphins club for providing all the necessary assistance to make sure his wellbeing was being taken care of. He said the focus at the moment is getting blood circulation and some mobility back to his knee with light exercises and physiotherapy.

Hunters on the right track with wins

The SP PNG Hunters make a healthy start to the year under rookie head coach Paul Aiton, in a promising sign heading into season proper.

The Hunters team comprises a mixed playing group with experienced hands in the likes of Brandon Nima and Junior Rop leading the team with some possible bolters of the season, Jordan Pat, Manasseh Kai and Weiyah Koi making the team.

They took out the win in the close finish 18-14 against Ipswich Jets in the previous weekend before backing it up with a convincing win against the Capras yesterday.

Hunter edge out Dolphins in late comeback

The Port Moresby crowd were treated to an entertaining and see-sawing contest on Saturday, 5th August as the Hunters and Dolphins traded blows from the kick-off. 

It was the Hunters who started fastest, with their key players having positive involvements in the opening exchanges. Jamie Mavoko’s boot found the corners early on and slowly won the battle for his team. In good ball handling, Judah Rimbu craft from behind the ruck where he linked smartly with Junior Rop to compress the defence around the ball. 

Brisbane Tigers beat Hunters

Tigers proved too good over the Hunters at Totally Workwear Stadium on Sunday, as the home team posted a 32-18 victory.

But it didn't come easily for the Tigers, with a desperate Hunters outfit racing out to a 12-0 lead within the opening 11 minutes through Rodrick Tai and Solo Wane.

With the Hunters' finals hopes on the line, they went into the break up 12-4 - with Brisbane's sole first-half try coming through centre Solomona Faataape.

Hunters face Brisbane Tigers in Round 19 clash

The break have given the Hunters enough room for more work outs to maintain the momentum they built over their last five fixtures. Hunters will look to return to the winner’s circle when they face the Brisbane Tigers on Sunday, 30th July at Totally Workwear Stadium, Brisbane. 

Hunters go down fighting

They chased down a 22-point lead and almost coming away with the result in a 28-24 loss to the Wynnum Manly Seagulls on Saturday afternoon.

The form the Hunters displayed in this game was in complete contrast to their Round 9 performance the previous week.

Hunters in narrow win against Mackay Cutters

An early penalty in yardage from the home side put Mackay on the attack early. As they’ve done in most games this season though, the Hunters turned up in defence to repel the Cutters on both edges.

A try saving tackle from Junior Rop on his own line summed up the defensive intent PNG started with in this one. 

As the game settled into a grind, both sides played conservatively in yardage. They traded blows through the middle of the field and either died with the ball on the last or kicked to the corners. 

QRL: Plan important for the game

QRL Chairman Bruce Hatcher, although unable to attend yesterday’s launch in Port Moresby said the High Performance Plan is a wonderful initiative.

“And it’s one that represents a big step forward for the game in a country that lives and breathes rugby league.

“I’d like to congratulate the PNGRFL for their foresight and efforts in bringing this plan to fruition with the support of QRL staff, who have also worked diligently in their roles within the PacificAus Sports Program.”