PNG Hunters v Sunshine Coast Falcons preview

The Hunters will be hoping their imposing home record remains intact after suffering some indifferent form on the road of late. The Hunters have won 34 of their 36 home games, including their last 26 in a row. However, five of those wins this year have been by a margin of four points or less. Last weekend, the Hunters were disappointing in going down 40-16 against the Pride – especially after putting in a good showing against their other NQ opponents Townsville 24-20 in Round 23. For the Falcons – it is a difficult away trip to end the regular season, but no matter the result, they are guaranteed to finish in either fifth or sixth place on the ladder. This will be the first time the Falcons feature in final since 2010, an achievement they celebrated with gusto last weekend after downing Wynnum Manly 30-28 in a thriller at home. This game will be the 100th Cup game for Sunshine Coast back Rowan Klein, making him the first player to play 100 games for the club. Twin brother Callum is not far behind, with this to be his 99th Cup game for the club. This Sunday, both teams have had a player ruled out by suspension, with Falcon Tui Kamikamica Tui pleading no contest to a careless high tackle charge, while Philimon Kimisive has pleaded guilty to a Shoulder Charge offence.

PNG Hunters

1. Bland Abavu 2. Butler Morris 3. Noel Zeming (c) 4. Justin Olam 5. Stargroth Amean 6. Ase Boas 7. Wartovo Puara 8. Enock Maki 9. Gahuna Silas 10. Esau Siune 11. Timothy Lomai 12. Nickson Borana 13. Brandy Peter 14. Warren Glare 15. Adam Korave (c) 16. Henry Wan 17. Edward Goma 18. Benjamin Hetra 19. Watson Boas

Coach: Michael Marum

Sunshine Coast Falcons

1. Samuel Wright 2. Tony Tumusa 3. Callum Klein 4. Paul Ivan 5. Rowan Klein 6. Alex Bishop 7. Ryley Jacks 18. Ryan Hansen 9. Jake Turpin 10. Martin Cordwell 11. Troy Giess (c) 12. Charlie Galo 13. Thomas Murphy 14. Brett Doherty 15. Jacob Samoa 16. Ben Nakubuwai 17. Tui Kamikamica 19. Tom Geraghty

Coach: Craig Ingebrigtsen

National Football Stadium on Sunday, August 25 - 3.05pm

Referee: Michael Gordon

Head-to-Head: PNG 3 Sunshine Coast 2

Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PNGvSCF

**Statistics by Brad Tallon/ qrl.com.au