Teams in hunt for semis spots

 THE Port Moresby Rugby League quarter-finals double-header on Sunday is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

With minor premiers Magani and regular second-placed Brothers earning themselves a bye to contest the semi-finals in a week, the remaining quartet will fight for the right to take up the other spots.

Both Souths (Magani) and Tarangau (Brothers) came off a loss each in their respective qualifying finals last week and must lift their performance to have any hope of continuing their run in the 2013 Premiership race. 

Their challengers, Dobo Warriors (to play Souths) and Kone Tigers (to play Tarangau) come off morale-boosting wins over their opponents last week. 

The Tigers got off to a flying start, scoring two quick tries and never looked threatened in their disposal of West 16-4. 

Defending premiers Dobo Warriors did it tough by eliminating the Butterflies a fortnight ago before displaying a courageous defensive effort to hold out and remove the Hanuabada Hawks 8-4 last week.   

Former premiers – Tarangau (2011) – have experienced campaigners in prop John Giru, Gulf Isapea Barry Pakaea, diminutive halves pairing of Solomon Pokari and McKenzie Buka, Steven Ito and the Forova brothers and need to lift against a red hot Tigers side oozing confidence. 

The Tigers, on the other hand, have the experience of skipper Steven Joel, centres Anderson Karape and Agualani Kamia, and tireless little James Kapi, who will continue to be in the face of Tarangau’s defence all day.

In the other match, Souths will need to complete their sets and buy field position if they want to pressure and unsettle the defending premiers. 

A good indicator last week for the Southern Highlanders was when they had Magani on the ropes but could not go on and put them away. 

Head coach Tom Tiki will be asking for a huge lift from his big-match players in William Mone, Nicky Balop, Eremas Maso, Raymond Tia and skipper Robert Lavato. 

The return of five-eight sensation Willie Gandi will give Tiki the attacking variety he so needs on Sunday.

The premiers will field a full strength side that will include Adam Korave.