Hunters facing big test

ALTHOUGH the PNG SP Hunters are keen on bouncing back from their disappointing home loss last weekend, they are faced with another huge challenge with a host of injury concerns depleting their stock.
Hunters face another tough task when they face the Burleigh Bears in the Hostplus Cup round 7 match tomorrow.
Preparation this week was not smooth for Paul Aiton’s men with starting hooker Judah Rimbu down with illness and reserve No.9s Finley Glare and Trevor Suli unavailable due to injury.
Front-rower Koso Bandi is injured and he will miss his match for this season while Robert Mathias was dropped due to visa issues.
Hard running forward Valentine Richard, who has been missing away matches along with Mathias due to visa concerns, is not confirmed to travel today despite being named to start.
Despite having a depleted side and a rough week in training, Aiton believes in the quality of the team.
“We have a quality team and we are focused on games ahead,” Aiton said on Tuesday.
“We’ve been focusing on our defence this week and we are looking forward to face the Bears. Some moments in the game (last week) didn’t go our way but hopefully we can turn that around this week.”
Aiton was pleased with the performance of halfback Jamie Mavoko who played his first game of the season last week.
Movoko replaced Sakias Komati, who has been wearing No.6 jersey from round 1-5 this season, and Aiton was happy his halves combination with Joshua Lau.
“It was only his first game of the season but he played well and his fitness was okay,” Aiton said.
“I’m happy to see Jamie and Josh Lau continue in the halves and I think they are communicating well and there’s some good combinations there.”
Meanwhile, Hunters fullback Sanny Wabo said he would be looking to get involved more in the Hunters attack.