PNG Hunters will be hoping to repeat their victory over the Northern Pride in pre-season. Photo: SP PNG Hunters
The Papua New Guinea Hunters kick off their second Queensland Cup rugby league season tomorrow, on the road against the Souths Logan Magpies.
With a full pre-season behind them and some exciting new talent in their ranks, plenty is expected.
The Hunters finished one point shy of making the playoffs in their inaugural campaign, where the newcomers impressed plenty of observers with their talent, style and support.
Gone are the likes of Jason Tali and Stanton Albert overseas, while top try-scorer Gary Lo has been told he must impress first in the local domestic competition.
There's also plenty of new faces, with head coach Michael Marum including nine debutants in his side to face the Magpies.
"We've got some experience in our team now and that's a bonus. Even though we've got most of the players here that were retained from last season we still have around about 13 new boys and we also lost a few of our good players at the end of last season, but we've got a bit more experience from where we were last year".
The Queensland Cup has been expanded to 14 teams this year with the introduction of the Townsville Blackhawks, with the finals series also increased to six teams.
