Townsville Blackhawks

The Hunters are coming off a 4 game winning streak after recording a 28-20 victory over the Mackay Cutters in Round 4 last weekend.

Currently situated in 3rd place on the ladder with an impressive 4 win and 1 loss record, the PNG Hunters are a strong physical side who will no doubt prove a handful for the Blackhawks on their home soil.

It will be a game to watch as former Hunter Willie Minoga “the Mack Truck” will for the first time set foot on his home soil at the National Football Stadium with his new side the Blackhawks to go up against his former team mates.

The Blackhawks came out firing in the second half and knew who to go putting Zac Santo away to dash 30 metres to beat fullback Stargroth Amean to score his third try for the game.

Robert Lui’s conversion attempt was nowhere near the post, missing to put his side in front at 18-6.

With 25 minutes to go, the Hunters replied immediately when Ase Boas threw an inside ball to Adam Korave who stepped right and left and wrestled his way over the line to ground the ball.

Utility Noel Zemming added the extra two points to narrow the deficit to six points.

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.