Hunters look to bounce back

THE SP Hunters will target a return to the winners’ circle when they host Sunshine Coast Falcons in round four of the Hostplus Cup at Bycroft Oval on the Gold Coast tomorrow (3pm kick-off).
The South Pacific Brewery-sponsored Hunters have made a fair start to the season, winning their opening game before losing tight contests over the last two weekends.
In both losses, the Hunters finished strongly to win the second half and the focus would now be on starting well against the Falcons.
Sunshine Coast have also begun the year with mixed results, making light work of the Dolphins in round one before being comprehensively beaten by Tweed Heads Seagulls in round two.
It’s no coincidence that hooker Tyson Smoothy managed limited minutes in that loss to Tweed Heads, and with him playing the full 80 minutes last week the Falcons eased past Souths Logan Magpies in round three.
The last time the Hunters and Falcons met was in round 13 last year with Sunshine Coast coming out on top 26-12.
There has been a fierce rivalry between these two clubs since clashing in the 2017 grand final and this weekend’s game is expected to be no different.
Hunters coach Matthew Church said his squad were moving in the right direction despite two losses.
“Every side poses a challenge and our opening few games have been no exception,” he said.
“We are developing our young PNG talents and while we aren’t as clinical as we would prefer, we are not too far away.” Church said he was looking for further improvement in the Hunters’ ball security and ability to capitalise on attacking opportunities.
“Our turnovers on the first or second tackle are costing us,” he said.
“Many of these have been in prime attacking positions.
“In a game that is still in the balance, like the last two weekends, these missed opportunities are decisive.
“But we’re working hard to improve on this in preparation for the Falcons.”
Hunters: Matthew Jesse, Brandon Nima, Gilmo Paul, Benji Kot, Solo Wane, Mark Tony, Jamie Mavoko, Dilbert Isaac, Wesser Tenza, Sylvester Namo, Roderick Tai, Keven Appo (c), Emmanuel Waine; Interchange – Kingstimer Paraia, Jordan Pat, Junior Rop, Anthony Worot.
Fixtures: Sat, April 9 – Hunters v Falcons, Pride v Blackhawks, Capras v Cutters; Sun, April 10 – Bears v Tweed Heads, Wynnum Manly v Dolphins, Tigers v Jets, Devils v Magpies.