PNG Hunters face tough Northern Pride side

The Papua New Guinea Hunters will face tough Northern Pride this afternoon at the Kalabond oval. Despite the continious tectonic activity in Kokopo, the game will go ahead as scheduled. PNG Hunters have not beaten the Prides in their last encounters both in PNG and Australia. The PNG boys will work hard this afternoon to avoid another lose to the defending champions. 

Hunters Coach Michael Marum said the boys had been shaken over the earthquake earlier this week but have pulled back up during training.

"We have three boys with injuries but they are only minor so that wouldn’t put too much pressure on us. The team had a bye before the Pacific test loss to Fiji. The boys have recovered well and have are confirmed to play this weekend. Ase Boas has been named at halfback ahead of Roger Laka and Atte Bina Wabo with his decisive kicking to take the edge of the Pride." Marum added.

The Pride also know that apart from the scenic view Kokopo offers this is one away trip that every other ISC teams dreads. The Pride will be fielding eight players from last year’s 34-18 win missing the services of back rower Graham Clarke. However the Pride can breathe easy with halfback Sam Obst directing the backline and lock Dave Murphy to lead the forward pack.

The game will be telecasted live by  TVWAN in PNG.

Kick off time: 2pm