Hunters poised for tough semifinal clash against Falcons

PNG Hunters roll to finals faces another wearing encounter as they travel down south to meet Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Hostplus Cup semifinals.

Coming off a huge win last week, the Paul Aiton coached side are resolute to continue the finals quest against Falcons at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

The playoff scheduled at 2:10pm on Sunday will be a do-or-die match as both sides look to cement a spot in the preliminary finals next week.

Hunters 23-8 win over Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the elimination round had boosted the team’s spirit with coach Aiton hoping for a similar result against the Falcons, who were hammered by Northern Pride 38-0 last week.

Aiton was impressed with Hunters performance in the first week of finals, but tomorrow’s game will surely be a test for the Port Moresby-based club.

“I was pretty happy with the boys last week against Wynnum Manly. They put a lot of effort into the game and to keep a good side scoreless for 60 minutes, it was a real achievement by the players,” Aiton said.

“It showed they really wanted to win. A few times this year, our biggest enemy has been ourselves. But last weekend, we showed up to win and we did,” Aiton said.

Both teams recent meet was in round 14 where the Falcons thrashed Hunters 66-8. The host side certainly would be putting on a show for their home fans, but Hunters are not to be counted out.

Aiton said they’re focused heading into semis with hopes for a gritty performance as the winner of the game will face North Devils at Bishop Park.

“I watched the game back weeks later and there were certain things we don't really do normally that we did into that match,” he said.

“Leading into this game, we've definitely acknowledged that, and we have to make sure our preparation is on point.

“They're a good quality side. The key this weekend is to give ourselves a chance and most of the times, that's all we need. We need to give ourselves the chance to be in the game. That's all we ask.”

The 2017 premiership winning side have made several changes in the lineup with Alex Max, Joshua Mire and Jordan Pat ruled out.

Growing injuries to Max and Pat have sidelined the pair with Valentine Richard and Clent Lama called back into the squad after sitting out last week.

The entire playing squad have nil finals experience, but they would be banking on the valuable leadership provided by spark hooker Judah Rimbu and skipper Ila Alu along with assistant coaches Enoch Maki and Wartovo Puara Jr.

Maki and Puara were part of the winning side that defeated Falcons in the 2017 grand final.

“Having them here has been really stable,” Aiton said of the inclusion of the premiership winning players Maki and Puara

“A lot of things happened off the field. Having their presence in the team from the start leading now into the finals has been really good. I'm lucky to have these two.

“They've been in the finals. Having them here has been really good for the boys. They can always lean on them for experience.”