Meninga scores against former club on return

TOWNSVILLE Blackhawks forward and Papua New Guinea Kumul Moses Meninga scored a try in his return from injury as he helped his side beat the SP Hunters 38-28 on the Gold Coast on Saturday.The round-nine victory was the eighth-placed Blackhawks’ fourth win of the Queensland Intrust Super Cup season. Former Hunters captain Meninga told The National after the game that he was excited but nervous to face his countrymen for the first time since joining the Blackhawks for the 2020 season.“I have a lot of respect for Ase Boas, Enock Maki, Stanton Albert, captain Ila Alu and all the young boys,” he said. “To play against them is a good feeling. “I knew I was up for a big challenge because they know how I play. But I had my 16 Blackhawks teammates backing me up, so I had no trouble. “The try I scored will definitely boost my confidence for the remainder of the season.”Meninga said he was confident that his side would make the finals despite their slow start to the season.“If we reach the finals, the rest will take care of itself,” he said.“I know what it takes to play in the finals.“I will be thrilled if we make it.”Meanwhile, Meninga said his return was timely as he was determined to retain his spot in Kumuls coach Michael Marum’s squad.“There are many emerging players who will be aiming to make the squad,” he said.“For me, it’s about working hard and playing consistent.“I would love to play in my second World Cup.”