Wait and see on side to face PNG

THE Townsville Blackhawks are bracing for the prospect of travelling away to Port Moresby without a number of key personnel following Saturday’s 40- all draw with the Easts Tigers.

Ricky Thorby and Neville Costigan still have to pass a number of tests after suffering concussion, and the Blackhawks were overnight waiting on a charge from the Queensland Rugby League after Mosese Pangai being placed on report following an on- field melee.

The Blackhawks could lose Pangai to suspension, but nevertheless yesterday named an unchanged team from last week’s side until further news comes from team medical staff and the QRL.

“Ricky and Neville are both fine health- wise, but they still have to go through a few things with our doctor before they are allowed to play,” Blackhawks coach Kristian Woolf said.

“We’ll name them, but we will know more later in the week.

“With Moses we have until 12pm ( today) to decide what to do.”

Saturday’s game in Port Moresby against the PNG Hunters will be a top- of- thetable clash, with the Hunters just one win behind the ladderleading Blackhawks.

The Hunters have not lost a game since Round 6 and beat the Sunshine Coast 24- 20 in Port Moresby last weekend.

“We’re expecting it to be a similar game to the Easts Tigers,” Woolf said.

“The Hunters obviously like to play very physically, and both teams will be trying to get on top of each other.

“I’ve been to PNG myself and I know the boys are going to have a great experience.”