The Papua New Guinea Hunters are looking to build on their growing momentum heading into their Intrust Super Cup match against the Northern Pride.
The return of test hooker Wartovo Puara has coincided with crucial victories against the league leaders, the Redcliffe Dolphins, and reigning premiers, the Burleigh Bears, over the past fortnight.
The Hunters have risen from seventh to second spot on the table.
PNG Hunters coach Michael Marum. Photo: Supplied
Coach Michael Marum is hoping for more of the same when they host the Northern Pride at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby this afternoon.
"We've changed a few key positions with Wartovo coming back and just controlling the ruck, so that combination from the last three years is starting to come back to those boys again so that's pleasing to see," Marum said
"It probably allowed the younger boys to have a bit more game time experience the early part of the season.
"Everyone is still trying to find their form but it was probably a good thing that we rested Wartovo [earlier]," he said.
The Hunters beat Northern Pride in their first organised match prior to their debut season in 2014 and Marum said it's always a good contest when the clubs meet.
"Since 2014 we've played five games...2016 we played two games: we lost one, they won one.
"They've won three out of five and they were the first team to beat us back in Kalabond (the Hunters former home ground in Kokopo) too so expecting a tough match," he said.
The Intrust Super Cup takes a break next weekend for the International weekend, which includes the Pacific Test triple-header in Sydney.
Michael Marum said the PNG Kumuls squad to take on the Cook Islands will be announced on Sunday.
