Defence key for PNG Hunters game against Mackay Cutters
THE Papua New Guinea Hunters head into tomorrow’s Queensland Cup Round 16 clash with the Mackay Cutters knowing in the back of their minds that another dodgy defensive display could see them relinquish their hold on second spot.
Despite putting in a resilient but heart-stopping performance to beat the visiting Redcliffe Dolphins 43-36 last week, coach Michael Marum has stressed the need to defend better.
Giving up an 18-0 lead 20 minutes into the match at Kalabond last Saturday was definitely not in the script and Marum described the early tries scored against his team as “soft”. The former Gurias and Kumuls hard man will no doubt expect more in defence from his side as they fight to maintain their position on the ladder and prove that they are not just a great attacking side but one that can grind in defence hold their line as well.
Fortunately, a brilliant fight-back led by centre Thompson Teteh, and capped off by in-form winger Garry Lo saved the Papua New Guineans from what could have been their second home loss (the Hunters lost 34-18 to the Northern Pride in Round 4).
The match at Mackay Stadium will be similar to the Hunters’ Round 13 clash with the Central Queensland Capras – a long road trip to play a side desperate for a win.
The Cutters, who currently sit on 11th position with 12 points, are the competition’s defending champions but have had an ordinary season by last year’s standards.
Having won just five from 15 so far this season, Cutters coach Kim Williams has named a strong side that includes North Queensland Cowboys winger Curtis Rona and a capable pack led by prop Sam Hoare and lock Jason Schirnack.
Desperate for a win, having home court advantage and itching to make up for their 24-16 Round 2 loss to the Hunters, the stage is set for a competitive match.
In the Hunters camp, Marum has been forced to one change with reliable Albert Patak succumbing to a knee injury and replaced by the man who wore the No.1 jersey for most of the season, Adex Wera.
Ball-playing lock Dion Aiye’s contributions in defence and attack will be missed with the 25-year-old still serving a two-game suspension but Adam Korave has done an admirable job in his absence.
The Hunters halves remain the same with captain Israel Eliab and halfback Roger Laka forming an effective combination along with hooker Warovo Puara Jr, who has blossomed into one of the competition’s best dummy halves.
PNG Hunters: 1. Adex Wera 2. Garry Lo 3. Noel Zemming 4. Thompson Teteh 5. Edward Goma 6. Israel Eliab (c) 7. Roger Laka 8. Sebastian Pandia 9. Wartovo Puara Junior 10. Esau Siune 11. George Benson 12. David Loko 13. Adam Korave. Reserves: 14. Timothy Lomai 15. Willie Minoga 16. Lawrence Tu’u 17. Brandy Peter 18. Buiku Tiger Emere 19. Joe Bruno 20. Stanton Albert
Despite putting in a resilient but heart-stopping performance to beat the visiting Redcliffe Dolphins 43-36 last week, coach Michael Marum has stressed the need to defend better.
Giving up an 18-0 lead 20 minutes into the match at Kalabond last Saturday was definitely not in the script and Marum described the early tries scored against his team as “soft”. The former Gurias and Kumuls hard man will no doubt expect more in defence from his side as they fight to maintain their position on the ladder and prove that they are not just a great attacking side but one that can grind in defence hold their line as well.
Fortunately, a brilliant fight-back led by centre Thompson Teteh, and capped off by in-form winger Garry Lo saved the Papua New Guineans from what could have been their second home loss (the Hunters lost 34-18 to the Northern Pride in Round 4).
The match at Mackay Stadium will be similar to the Hunters’ Round 13 clash with the Central Queensland Capras – a long road trip to play a side desperate for a win.
The Cutters, who currently sit on 11th position with 12 points, are the competition’s defending champions but have had an ordinary season by last year’s standards.
Having won just five from 15 so far this season, Cutters coach Kim Williams has named a strong side that includes North Queensland Cowboys winger Curtis Rona and a capable pack led by prop Sam Hoare and lock Jason Schirnack.
Desperate for a win, having home court advantage and itching to make up for their 24-16 Round 2 loss to the Hunters, the stage is set for a competitive match.
In the Hunters camp, Marum has been forced to one change with reliable Albert Patak succumbing to a knee injury and replaced by the man who wore the No.1 jersey for most of the season, Adex Wera.
Ball-playing lock Dion Aiye’s contributions in defence and attack will be missed with the 25-year-old still serving a two-game suspension but Adam Korave has done an admirable job in his absence.
The Hunters halves remain the same with captain Israel Eliab and halfback Roger Laka forming an effective combination along with hooker Warovo Puara Jr, who has blossomed into one of the competition’s best dummy halves.
PNG Hunters: 1. Adex Wera 2. Garry Lo 3. Noel Zemming 4. Thompson Teteh 5. Edward Goma 6. Israel Eliab (c) 7. Roger Laka 8. Sebastian Pandia 9. Wartovo Puara Junior 10. Esau Siune 11. George Benson 12. David Loko 13. Adam Korave. Reserves: 14. Timothy Lomai 15. Willie Minoga 16. Lawrence Tu’u 17. Brandy Peter 18. Buiku Tiger Emere 19. Joe Bruno 20. Stanton Albert
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