8 Mar 2014

Sport: PNG Hunters expecting Mackay backlash

7:33 am on 8 March 2014

The Papua New Guinea Hunters are expecting a backlash from defending premiers the Mackay Cutters in this afternoon's Queensland Cup clash in Kokopo.

The match is the first ever home game for the Hunters, who beat the Redcliffe Dolphins in their debut match last weekend.

Mackay had a less auspicious start to the season, thumped 40-12 by the East Tigers.

But Hunters CEO Brad Tassell is expecting a much different outfit to run out at the Kalabond Stadium.

"They'll be tough this weekend, they'll come out firing because you know they were embarrassed last weekend I think against East in the Grand Final replay so anyone who thinks that because they got beat last week pretty easily that we're going to have an easy game this weekend should really be slapping themselves around the head because I know for sure Mackay will come out all guns blazing. They are the defending premiers, they've got a lot of pride at stake and it'll be a tough game for us."

Brad Tassell says a sell-out crowd of eight thousand is expected for their home debut.