Hunters find positives

THE Papua New Guinea Hunters have the chance to push their way back into the top if they account for the next four matches in the Queensland Cup rugby league competition.
So far they have exceeded all expectations without a loss playing away.
Their grinding Round Five 20-20 draw against highly rated East Tigers at Langlands Park on Sunday and their 24-18 win over Redcliffe Dolphins in the opening round, would be turning a few heads among the premiership contenders.
The SP Brewery-sponsored franchise has dropped down to fourth in the 13 team competition with the draw, but can improve if they do well against lower placed teams in the next four matches (Ipswich Jets, Tweed Heads, Sunshine Coast and Burleigh Bears) before their bye.
The points table: North Devils 10, Northern Pride 10, South Logan Magpies 8, Hunters 7, Wynnum Manly 6, Ipswich Jets 6, Dolphins 6, Tigers 6, Burleigh Bears 4, Mackay Cutters 4, Tweed Heads 2, CQ Capras 2, Sunshine Coast Falcons 0.
The Hunters play competition leaders Norths Devils at Bishop Park in Round 12 and then third placed South Logan Magpies at the Kalabond Stadium in Round 14.
From the match against the Tigers, coach Michael Marum said the players showed a marked improvement in defence even though they were trailing for most part of the game.
“We have a lot to do still in our game and our focus is on the Jets next. Our preparations need to be spot on, but yes I thought all played well considering the performance the previous weekend,” Marum added. Out of the positives, kicker Noel Zemming continues his consistency with four out of four, winger Gary Lo is setting the competition alight with yet another barnstorming performance on the left flank and inter-change ‘power-puncher’ Willie Minoga is picking up a following with his impact on the game.
Minoga’s several runs against the Tigers were unstoppable as he ran over the top of defenders sprawling them like bowling pins.
The former Lae Tigers centre is turning into a crowd favourite and the fans rise every time he runs the ball.
It was his run that bowled over Easts defenders and earned a penalty for the Hunters which lifted them for the fight-back.
 The latest inclusion of Kumul five-eighth Dion Aiye in his first run showed his big time experience and has given Marum added depth in the playmaking department.