SP PNG Hunters

Previously the 11^th out of 14 teams, the 2017 premiers are now in 10^th place and are determined to make it to the top.

It was the 2 points that the team was aiming for.

Prior to Sunday’s round 16 clash, Coach Michael Marum expressed the team’s intention to win all their home games, as a victory is worth 2 points.

With the Falcon’s win under their belts, the Hunters now have 4 home games left.

“The plan is to get one game at a time. We don’t look at the other games,” said coach Marum.

In a post-match conference yesterday, Hunters coach Michael Marum admitted that the first half saw weak play by the PNG boys.

It was a sluggish start for the Hunters in the first half of the round 16 Intrust Super Cup match.

The boys were still finding their feet 2 minutes into the game when the Falcons easily put one over the line.

After the first try of the match, it took almost 32 minutes for the Hunters to find their rhythm.

“It’s a bit hard when you’re playing sides like the Falcons; they’re in your face every day,” stated coach Marum.

The Hunters came from behind to claim a 24-12 victory in the round 16 clash of the Intrust Super Cup competition.

The SP PNG Hunters had anticipated a tough encounter against the 7th-placed Falcons, who were 4 spots ahead of the Hunters after round 15.

The Falcons were the first to score through Jacob Hind, which was successfully converted by Ryan Papenhuyzen.

The score remained at 6-0 until Captain Ase Boas broke the ice 34 minutes into the first half.

A successful conversion from his brother Watson levelled the field for the team.  

The five-eighth will be leading the SP PNG Hunters in tomorrow’s match, and Coach Michael Marum says the only concern is his level of fitness.  

Boas returns to captain the SP PNG Hunters in round 16 of the Intrust Super Cup competition tomorrow afternoon.

However, more work needs to be done by the 29-year-old.  

Coach Michael Marum said Boas is carrying a bit more weight, which is unfavourable for half backs.

“Your half backs should be around 80, 85 or 86 kilos and they can run and be in the game all throughout,” Marum stated. 

The Hunters will be going up against the 7^th-placed Falcons at the National Football Stadium on Sunday.

The boys are currently ranked 11 out of the 14 teams in the Intrust Super Cup competition.

The Falcons are 4 spots ahead of the Hunters, and Coach Michael Marum admits that this weekend’s match won’t be a walk in the park.

“We played them in round 3 and they beat us by a big margin so they’ll be tough up here,” Marum stated.

“They’ll come up with a stronger side.”

The hunters will be going up against the Sunshine Coast Falcons at the National Football Stadium.

Boas will start at five eight alongside his brother Watson.

Charlie Simon moves to the extended bench long with Edene Gabbie, Moses Meninga, William Mone and Aba Baundo.

Paul Wawa has also been named at fullback in place of the suspended Adex Wera.

Wera was suspended for two matches by the QRL Judiciary on biting charge.

The 20 man squad is;

The Intrust Super Cup round 15 match was a challenging one for both teams as their strengths seemed to match at every turn at the North Ipswich Reserve.

However, things started looking up for the Jets 10 minutes into the game when Wes Conlon scored a penalty goal for the team.

This seemed to be the break that the host team needed as Seb Pandia goes over the line for the first try of the match.

Marmin Barba successfully converted the try, leaving the score at 8-0.

The Hunters were not to be outdone as they relentlessly charged at the Jets’ defence.

Michael Marum said at the press conference today that he’s only added Edene Gabbie and Paul Wawa to the extended 20-man bench.

The 20-man squad is:

1. Adex WERA
2. Junior RAU
3. Thompson Teteh
4. Willie Minoga
5. Brendon GOTUNO
6. Charlie SIMON
7. Watson BOAS
8. Enock MAKI
9. Wartovo Puara Jnr                   -       Captain
10. Stanton ALBERT
11. Nixon PUT
12. McKenzie YEI
13. Rhadley BRAWA

Interchange

They beat the Cutters 26 points to 12 this afternoon at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

Hunters were the first to score just five minutes into the game through Thompson Teteh after a drop ball from the Mackay Cutters.

Watson Boas converted the try and the Hunters led with 6 points to nil.

Cutters returned the favour just five minutes after the Hunters’ try with their own converted try.

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.