PNG Hunters v Burleigh Bears round 8 preview

The traditional Anzac weekend clash between the Burleigh Bears and PNG Hunters throws out an intriguing contest this year. The Bears have finally clicked and have now notched back-to-back wins, including a gutsy effort against Townsville last weekend where they won 20-18. The Hunters too were last round winners, toughing it out for a 12-10 win over the Dolphins in a match were centre Adex Wera stood out in a dour encounter.

 The Bears have won two of the of the three games played between these sides at Pizzey Park, while the Hunters have a reason to be optimistic, having claimed victory in three of their four away games this year. Although he has been named on an extended bench by coach Michael Marum, Moses Meninga will not play this weekend after taking an early guilty plea for a Dangerous Contact charge. On the milestone front, Burleigh centre Connor Broadhurst will play his 50th game for the Bears (in a tally that also includes his appearance in last year’s State Intrust Super Championship Final).


The Teams

Burleigh Bears

1. Kurtis Rowe 2. Henare Wells 3. Sami Sauiluma 4. Connor Broadhurst 5. Oliver Regan 6. Keanu Te Kiri 7. Daniel Schwass 8. Luke Page (c) 9. Christopher Law 10. Matt White 11. Jamie Dowling (c) 12. Hayden Schwass 13. Parahi Wilson 14. Tyler Sparkes 15. Samuel Grant 16. Darren Griffiths 17. Dylan Kelly

Coach: Jim Lenihan

PNG Hunters

1. Bland Abavu 2. Stargroth Amean 3. Israel Eliab 4. Adex Wera 5. Karo Kauna Jr 6. Ase Boas (c) 7. Watson Boas 8. Henry Wan 9. Wartovo Puara 10. Esau Siune 11. Nixon Putt 12. David Loko 13. Wellington Albert 14. Rahdly Brawa 15. Willie Minoga 16. Stanton Albert 17. Moses Meninga 18. Enock Maki 19. Wawa Paul 20. Ishamel Baikawa 21. Butler Morris

Coach: Michael Marum

Burleigh Bears v PNG Hunters
Pizzey Park on Sunday, April 23 - 2.05pm
Referee: Jarrod Cole
Head-to-Head: PNG 4 Burleigh 2
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #BEARSvPNG
Live Stream: QRL Live Stream

Source: QRL