PNG Hunters vs Townsville Blackhawks preview

It’s a top-of-the-table clash we have all be waiting for this weekend with the second-placed PNG Hunters at home to the ladder-leading Townsville Blackhawks.

Hunters fans have had one eye on this highly-anticipated clash in recent weeks and will be willing their team on to repeat their performance against the Blackhawks in Round 11 when they become the first (and so far, only) side to defeat them in Townsville.

Coach Michael Marum has moved Lawrence Tu’u from forwards to the centres to for Thompson Teteh who has a hamstring injury. Adam Korave has once again been named on the bench in a bid to return to the team following a long suspension.

The Blackhawks come into this game following a high-octane and high-scoring 40-40 draw against the Tigers last weekend. Glenn Hall and Robert Lui have both not been named to make the trip, with Nathan Norford and Lenny Magey the new faces. Mosese Pangai is set to miss the next few weeks due to suspension and will need to be replaced. Forwards Ricky Thorby and Neville Costigan will both have to pass a number of tests after suffering concussions last weekend.


Kalabond Oval on Sunday, July 26 – 2.30pm
Referee: Chris Anderson
Head-to-Head: PNG 1 Townsville 0
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PNGvTSVB

Hunters Team
1. Stargroth Amean, 2. Bland Abavu, 3. Noel Zeming, 4. Lawrence Tu’u, 5. Adex Wera, 6. Israel Eliab ©, 7. Ase Boas, 8. Enock Maki, 9. Wartovo Puara, 10. Esau Siune, 11. Brandy Peter,
12. Kato Ottio, 13. Timothy Lomai. Interchange: 14. Adam Korave, 15. Atte Bina, 16. Willie Minoga, 17. Henry Noki,  18. Nickson Borana, 19. Roger Laka, 20. David Lapua, 21. Edward Goma.
(Four to be omited). Coach: Michael Marum

Townsville Blackhawks Team

 1. Jahrome Hughes 2. Zac Santo 3. Kyle Feldt 4. Mosese Pangai 5. Jonathan Reuben 6. Tom Humble 7. Michael Parker-Walshe 8. Lorenzo Ma'afu 9. Anthony Mitchell 10. Daniel Beasley (c) 11. Noel Underwood 12. Kelepi Tanginoa 13. Neville Costigan 14. Nathan Norford 15. Chris McLean 16. Corey Jensen 17. Ricky Thorby

Coach: Kristian Woolf

Source:  qrl.comau / PNG Today