Confidence growing

By ISAAC LIRI
SP PNG Hunters coach Michael Marum has praised his men for keeping their top six hopes alive with their 32-10 win on Sunday in Lae.
The victory for the Marum’s men pushes them one notch up from 10th to ninth on 20 points along with the Falcons (8th), Tigers (7th) and Magpies (6th) with points differential keeping the Hunters at the bottom of that group.
“It was a good win last weekend, we are now ninth on the ladder with 20 points keeping our chances of the finals alive with five games remaining,” Marum said.
“It’s going to be tough this weekend against the Burleigh Bears who are third on the ladder and are coming off a good win over the CQ Capras (24-12).
“I had a meeting with the players after the game on Sunday because I was concerned about our wasted opportunities.
“We could have piled on more points against the Devils which would have given us a good points differential and improved our place with the other sides outside the six but a win is a win.”
Experienced centre Thompson Teteh returns to the side from a one-match suspension for a dangerous throw in their round 18 match against Northern Pride.
“Thompson is currently in Goroka at the moment and will join us tomorrow (Wednesday). After his suspension we gave him some time off,” Marum said yesterday.
“Thompson’s return will see Willie Minoga shift to the back row while Ila Alu moves to the bench.”
Winger Junior Rau was put on report for a dangerous throw but Marum was confident the Kumul would be cleared to play this weekend. “Junior Rau was put on report for a dangerous tackle but I’m confident that he’ll be okay,” Marum said.
“But if the decision goes against him then we’ll have to bring in Butler Morris for him.”
Marum also praised captain Ase Boas for an outstanding performance to steer the side to victory.
“Ase has done a lot of work during his off days on his skills – his kicking, goal kicking running and passing,” he said.
“He’s been pushing himself hard and he delivered one of his best performances last weekend.
“He is leading the team well and that is what we need from him especially with only five games remaining.
“Last week was a good win but again we have to concentrate on the Bears this weekend.”
SP Hunters: 1. Edene Gabbie 2. Junior Rau 3. Thompson Teteh 4. Adex Wera 5. Brendan Gotuno 6. Ase Boas (c) 7. Watson Boas 8. Enoch Maki 9. Wartovo Puara Jr 10. Moses Meninga 11. Nixon Put 12. Willie Minoga 13. Stanton Albert; Interchange: 14. Charlie Simon 15. Ila Alu 16. McKenzie Yei 17. Dilbert Isaac 18. Butler Morris 19. Patrick Morea 20. Gahuna Silas.