PNG Hunters v Ipswich Jets preview

A must-win game in PNG awaits an understrength Ipswich Jets this Saturday. After dropping two spots on the Intrust Super Cup ladder in the wake of last weekend's Country Week loss to the Burleigh Bears, the eighth-placed Jets desperately need the two competition points to be a realistic shot of figuring in this year's finals. 

However, the brutal reality is the odds are stacked heavily against the Jets. So much so that if they were to return with a win, it would surely have to be the greatest victory in the club's history. Without a number of key players, including suspended duo Wes Conlon (two games - dangerous contact) and Mikaere Beattie (one match - dangerous throw), Ipswich will embark on what could be dubbed the Intrust Super Cup's version of mission impossible. 

The Hunters have won 30 of their 32 home games in PNG, including their last 24. The Jets will however be able to draw considerable confidence from their 30-12 win over the Hunters at the North Ipswich Reserve in Round 12. Forwards Adam Korave and Brandy Peter will both play their 50th games for the Hunters, who are coming off a strong 38-8 win over the Easts Tigers.

PNG Hunters

1. Oti Tony 2. Butler Morris 3. Justin Olam 4. Thompson Teteh 5. Adex Wera 6. Ase Boas 7. Wartovo Puara 8. Enock Maki 9. Warren Glare 10. Esau Siune 11. Edward Goma 12. Adam Korave (c) 13. Brandy Peter 14. Gahuna Silas 15. Ishamel Baikawa 16. Benjamin Hetra 17. Watson Boas 18. Henry Noki 19. Tuvi Lepan 20. Philimon Kimisive

Coach: Michael Marum

Ipswich Jets

1. Wesley Conlon 5. Richard Pandia 3. Ben White 4. Nemani Valekapa 18. Michael Purcell 6. Haydan Lipp 7. Dane Phillips (c) 8. David Fa’alogo 9. Mikaere Beattie 16. William McConnachie 11. Samuel Martin 21. Jesse Roberts 22. Tyson Lofipo 12. Liam Capewell 13. Fakahoko Teutau 17. Sebastian Pandia 19. Peter Whittaker

Coach: Ben Walker and Shane Walker

PNG Hunters v Ipswich Jets

National Football Stadium on Saturday, July 30 - 4pm

Referee: Tim Rutherford

Head-to-Head: PNG 3 Ipswich 3

Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PNGvJETS

Source: qrl.com.au