PNG Hunters face Silktails at Lawaqa today
The Paul Aiton coached PNG Hunters take on the Kaiviti Silktails in the Melanesian Bowl challenge today at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. The visiting side has the likes of Junior Rop, Sylvester Namo and Solo Wane.
The side lost 20-12 to Central Queensland Capras in the trial match at Santos National Football Stadium over the weekend. Assistant head coach Aiton said, “It was good for us, as it was their third match but it was our first.”
“We are looking forward to it as it has been a tough pre-season for us.
“We have some new players and we just had a trial match last week.
He added playing the Silktails should measure their preparedness before the season kicks off. “When we play each other we go for it and we do support each other too as both counties are Melanesian.
“The Silktails have the potential and we are not taking them lightly, we will play the footy we need to play.
“This is a great test for us. We want to repeat and better our game from last season.
“We will give the boys the chance and let them hold on to the ball more often,” he said. The side has been training with the western based rugby league teams in Lautoka.
Other event
Meanwhile, the grand official officiating of the Melanesian Bowl will be held at the old Tru Blu Restaurant in Sigatoka town today from 2pm.
Guest speakers are: Fiji Australian High Commission Charge’ d’affaires John Williams, NSW Rugby League representative John “Choc” Anderson, Fiji National Rugby League chairman Aporosa Lutunauga, Kaiviti Silktails Head of Pathway and Board Member Peni Tikosaya and PNG Hunters head coach.
The Silktails v Hunters match kicks-off at 6.30pm at Lawaqa Park.