Hunters eye Pride’s NRL contingent warily

PNG Hunters coach Michael Marum says stopping the Pride’s NRL-contracted weapons will be the top priority when they visit Port Moresby on Saturday.

Gideon Gela-Mosby and Ben Hampton have both played for the Cowboys this year, while allocations Marcus Jensen and Patrick Mago have all been named to make the trip north.

Marum said there was no extra pressure for his side to perform with the carrot of Kumuls selection for much of his side.

“All players have been advised to focus on this weekend game and there is no pressure on their performances as it’s our last game before they go away and have a break with family,” he said.

“We expect a tough game against Pride at home after their impressive win against Devils last weekend.

“We understand they have a few attacking players from the Cowboys who have a lot of experience and we will be working hard to stop them.”

The Hunters have been meeting their own high expectations this season at home and away, hinging on them being the most disciplined team in the competition.

“We just have to be disciplined if we are to compete with the other teams in the competition,” he said.

“Our attitude last week was good against the Bears and we have to build from that for this game.

“We set our goal to win more of our away games compared with last year and we have levelled that with four wins away already with a lot of games remaining.

“This year we want to go one better than last year but our focus is on one game at a time.”

Marum said the team had a good mix of youth and experience, particularly in a strong pack featuring Wellington Albert, Esau Siune and Henry Wan, who he expected to lead from the front again this weekend.