The Townsville Blackhawks rugby league team are determined to make amends after being embarrassed by the Papua New Guinea Hunters earlier this season.
The Hunters thrashed the North Queensland club 42-4 in Port Moresby in Round 12 of the Intrust Super Cup and coach Kristian Woolf, who also works with the Tonga national side, said almost three months on the result still hurts.
"It was definitely our worst performance of this year and probably our worst performance in our short history so it's something we certainly want to make amends for," Woolf said.
Tonga rugby league coach Kristian Woolf. Photo: Townsville Blackhawks
"I'd certainly think it's in the back of every players mind we certainly want to make up for that performance and that effort that day".
The Hunters lead the cup standings with three rounds to play, while the Blackhawks occupy the sixth and final playoff spot, two points clear of the chasing pack.
Woolf said there's great respect between the two teams and everything is set for another memorable clash.
"They've only got a couple of games left and they certainly want to win the minor premiership, which would be an outstanding achievement for them." he said.
"It's something they haven't done before and really shows their progression as well too.
"There is a bit of a rivalry there with us as a team too so they'll be right at their best this weekend, they'll be very motivated this weekend and it will be a great game of footy because I know our blokes will be the same".
The Hunters have travelled well this season, winning seven of nine games on the road, but Woolf said they have added motivation to perform in their final home game of 2017.
"We really want to finish off the season at home well and we've got a couple of guys that are retiring, that have been real stalwarts for us over the last three years as well, so we've got a fair bit to play for tomorrow and I'd hope that our performance shows that".
Today's match will also mark a return to Jack Manski Oval for Hunters centre Willie Minoga, who spent last year with the Blackhawks before returning to PNG.
The Hunters and Blackhawks have started a strong rivalry Photo: PNG Loop
