PNG Hunters tipped to win Intrust Cup round 18 match

NOBODY doubts that Sunday’s game in Cairns against competition leaders Northern Pride is a crucial game for the SP PNG Hunters to stay in touch with the Intrust Super Cup competition leaders.

An impressive performance, ideally a victory, will give the Hunters a massive boost not only on the points ladder but showcase the players to the biggest TV audience to date with several stations carrying the telecast of the game.

Courier Mail’s Chris Garry is tipping the Hunters to dent the Pride form and the game is expected to attract the biggest Intrust Super Cup crowd of more than 10,000 people.

Intrust Super Cup round 18 previews

Hi readers in PNG. Here are my tips and previews for tound 18.

CQ Capras v Burleigh Bears at Browne Park on Saturday, June 28 - 4pm

THE Bears are legitimate title contenders, again. I wrote pre-season that the Bears would play the Easts Tigers in the grand final. The Bears then crashed in the early stages of the season, fired their coach and have in my eyes reclaimed their top-contender status. They will be far too strong for the Capras. Bears fullback Henare Wells scored 13 tries in four games recently.

My tip: Bears 30-10

Sunshine Coast Falcons v Ipswich Jets at Stockland Stadium on Saturday, June 28 - 6pm

The Falcons will set a new record for a losing streak in the Queensland Cup if they lose to the Jets. The Falcons have lost 35 in a row which equals the mark of the Logan Scorpions efforts in the early 2000’s. The Jets were on fire last week in beating Norths with electric winger Marmin Barba scoring a double to push his NRL credentials. They will put 40 points on Sunshine Coast.

My tip: Jets 48-4

Mackay Cutters v Norths Devils at Stadium Mackay on Saturday, June 28 - 6pm

THE Cutters will be a force next season if they keep this young side together but the Devils have far too much to play for to let this opportunity slip. If the Devils lose this game their finals hopes are extinguished. They will therefore show up for the first time in a month and beat the Cutters.

My tip: Devils 24-20

Northern Pride v PNG Hunters at Barlow Park on Sunday, June 29 - 2pm

THIS could break the all time attendance record for an Intrust Super cup game with the event sure to sell out and potentially attract a 10,000-plus crowd.

The Hunters are hurting after back to back losses. I received criticism I tipped last week that the Tigers would defeat the Hunters despite the fact they were smashed the week before. The Tigers are a quality team and I heard a whisper they would only receive two Melbourne Storm players back allowing them to settle at training. The Pride are also settled and have been playing well but I think this is a game the Hunters have circled on the calendar. Last week they were caught looking too far ahead... to this clash. It will be a torrid affair and I think the Hunters will come out on top.

My tip: Hunters 18-14

Redcliffe Dolphins v Tweed Heads Seagulls at Dolphin Oval on Sunday, June 29 - 2pm

THE Dolphins were at their frustrating best in their loss to Souths Logan last week, again confusing their supporters by giving away a victory. Tweed Heads meanwhile drew with Burleigh. They haven’t lost a game of league for two months. The time is up however for the Seagulls and the fact Redcliffe lost last week means they will win this week.

My tip: Dolphins 20-10

Wynnum Manly Seagulls v Souths Logan Magpies at BMD Kougari Oval on Sunday, June 29 - 3pm

THIS is one of the grand grudge matches in Brisbane rugby league, two historically strong footy clubs who have battled each other for decades and have grudges that go back half a century. The Seagulls however will be too strong for Souths Logan this time and at the home ground of Kougari Oval will put a score on Josh Hannay’s men.

My tip: Seagulls 34-10

Until next week, have a top weekend.

 Chris Garry