SP PNG Hunters ready for Sunshine Coast Falcons

THE PNG Hunters have their spears sharpened for an all out assault on the winless Sunshine Coast Falcons to push their agenda in round eight of the Queensland Cup rugby league competition today.

While the Ivan Henjak-coached Falcons are just two matches short of their longest losing streak in the state league, they will not get any favours from the battered and beaten Hunters eager to please.

Henjak, the former Brisbane Broncos NRL coach was recently quoted as saying that the Hunters are an exciting team to watch.

With the Hunters breaking a brief losing streak, they have regained that killer instinct and a whiff of their spurring early form returning. 

The Hunters’ ability to make a break from anywhere will test Henjak’s well versed experience on how to handle the sometimes non-copy book style of the PNG franchise.

The match played at South East Queensland’s Stockland Stadium this afternoon is the Channel 9 televised match of the round on Sunday.

Lurking in sixth spot with only three points behind competition leaders North Devils, the SP Brewery sponsored Hunters are aiming for consecutive wins away to maintain consistency before their much needed break in two weeks time.

If Saturday’s lethargic performance against the Tweed Head Seagulls was an indication, it does spell some worrying times ahead for the coaching staff.

A break is certainly on the Hunters mind, when you consider all players have had to make drastic changes from the relaxed Digicel Cup life-style since joining the camp in November.

While that is all water under the bridge, the Falcons pose an easier combatant going on recent form, with coach Michael Marum having the job ahead to re-set the players to get back on the job.

The Falcons have only notched up 42 points for and 266 points against from seven matches. Compared to the Hunters 180 points for and 153 against, this speaks volumes for itself and Marum would like nothing better than to translate into a win.

The naming of an unchanged line-up – including yet to start speedster Edward Goma – could pay dividends if given the chance to start.

Marum has been using ace kicker Noel Zemming at right centre when he comes off the bench to replace Albert Patak. Zemming has mastered the kicking role to perfection and will add those important extras.

With the good form of wingers Gary Lo and George Benson plus left centre Thompson Teteh yet to falter, Goma’s only chance will be if Marum is willing to sacrifice an extra prop on the bench.

Regular bench warmers  Willie Minoga and the work-rate of Lawrence Tu’u pick themselves.