PETE’S PUNCHLINE | The National

The Hunters bagged a gutsy win over the Jets last round and showed their fans and critics alike that they are actually a good footy side that can wrestle a win over more fancied opposition. Was that a statement win, though? Not in my book. A statement win is one you get on the road against a strong side. And the Burleigh Bears will provide that precise test of mettle for Paulie’s crew tomorrow afternoon. The question is can the Hunters take last week’s effort and add another 10 per cent in all areas and be prepared to fight their way out of any situation they may likely find themselves in at UAA Park on the Gold Coast?

Hey Paulie, can you take my suggestion on board about starting Joshua Mire at lock and allow him to be that third ball-player in the middle third? C’mon man, I think it’ll work a treat. Josh is ready. He looks mean and lean. And he’s been running with bad intentions since he played his first game of the season a couple weekends back. He’s got a point to prove. I think something’s clicked in Josh’s psyche; he’s no longer taking crap from anyone, no longer happy to be a bit player, a support staffer, a back office operator. Dude is ready to claim what is his. Give him that chance, coach. Place him in the front line and shout CHARGE! He won’t let you down.

The other forward who has perhaps turned the corner a little in terms of his consistency is Manisa Kai. He always was a brute but probably held it back a bit. But he’s had some brutal efforts coming off the bench this year and proved he’s another guy who is switched on. May that form continue.

Finally, to a young bull that needs to be given a shot in ring centre. Vane Manuma. Surely he can get a game off the bench at the expense of a Jacob Lot or a Himson Ulalom or get ahead of Akunai and Wak? With Kip, Kai and Bandi providing the main front-row rotation option, Vane could get a slot on the pine and we will get to see if he can live up to his potential and fan hype. The man is 190cm and 108kg. Let’s see what he can do.

Soccer fans in Port Moresby please clear your schedules today and head down to the PNG Football Stadium in the Sir John Guise Complex. Our U16 women are playing the decider of their qualifying event for the OFC U16 Championship. They need to beat the Cook Islands to advance from this stage. Please, if you can, get there and support the house down and help our team to victory. Kick-off is at 2pm and admission is FREE.

I started this column with rugby league, so I’ll end it on the same note. The World Cup at the end of the year should really be the entire focus for PNG. Don’t worry about the Q-Cup, DEM Cup, Championship, Super League, NRL, etc … The 2026 World Cup may well be the Kumuls’ best chance of making a semifinal for the first time. All we have to do is beat Samoa on Sat Oct 24 at the NFS. – PGTP ([email protected]