Reality check

THE SP PNG Hunters will be looking to bounce back from last week’s loss when they take on Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Hostplus Cup round 3 fixture at home on Saturday.
Coach Paul Aiton has resisted the urge to make major changes to the team that was out-played and beaten 38-18 by the Central Queensland Capras at Browne Park, Rockhampton last Saturday.
“We were all disappointed in last week’s loss, we had three straight wins (before that), the two trials and the round 1 win but the loss was a reality check for the boys,” Aiton said of their round two performance in Rockhampton on the weekend.
“We need to improve on our kicking. Sakias Komati has played forward before and for him to play in the middle doesn’t help but, he’s practicing more on kicking so he can improve on that, he’s a great player. It’s just the little things that we have to work on.
“Sometimes they try to rush it, or they hold the ball for a little bit longer (then they should) so that’s what we need to improve on.
“We are looking for a big game against the Falcons this weekend at home and we’re expecting all the fans to come out and support us. There are things that need to improve and we’ve addressed that during training.”
Joshua Mire is set to play his first game in 2024 after earning a spot on the bench while Robert Mathias and Valentine Richard return to the side in the No.12 and No.8 jerseys respectively after missing the round 2 match due to visa issues.
The debutants from last week in Junior Talin and Manisa Kai, along with Seal Kalo drop out of the 18.
Kumul enforcer Junior Rop has been named as 18th man and is on standby if required to come into the starting 17.
Hunters: 1. Sanny Wabo 2. Brandon Nima 3. Clent Lama 4. Elijah Roltinga 5. Solo Wane 6. Sakias Komati 7. Joshua Lau 8. Valentine Richard 9. Judah Rimbu 10. Jordan Pat 11. Whallan Tau-Loi 12. Robert Mathias 13. Ila Alu (captain). Interchange: 14. Finley Glare 15. Koso Bandi 16. Weiyah Koi 17. Joshua Mire 18. Junior Rop