Hunters eager to bounce back despite the absence of star halfback

Hunters' halfback Jamie Mavoko charging at Falcons defence (Dylan Parker Photography)

PNG Hunters are preparing for an important game against the Redcliff Dolphins this weekend following the embarrassing effort two weeks ago.

Star halfback Jamie Mavoko has been ruled out due to ankle injury sustained from the disappointing 8-66 loss to Sunshine Coast Falcons in round 19.

Despite the massive loss, Hunters coach Paul Aiton has maintained the core group with Sakias Komati coming in for the injured Mavoko for the Dolphins clash on Saturday at Kayo Stadium, in Redcliff, Brisbane.

Dolphins are fifth on the 15-team Hostplus Cup ladder with the Hunters just sitting below on sixth place separated by points differential.

Both sides have lost their previous games and would be eager for positive results in the round 20 meet.

“They're a good quality team,” Hunters coach Aiton said of his opponent.

“I know their performance. Their scorelines haven't looked well for them for the last two weeks but they're a quality side and we give them a little bit; they're going to take a lot.

“We're looking forward to a very big game and it means a lot for both sides this game. We're expecting their very best.”

Aiton said the loss against Falcons hasn’t distracted them from their goal of earning a finals berth.

He admitted that Hunter's spirit was not on display, but this crucial match with the Dolphins on Saturday would test their finals aspiration.

The rookie coach said they’re on a mission to ending the finals drought and their premiership quest will be at stake in the remaining three rounds.

Hunters barnstorming center Alex Max in action against Falcons (Dylan Parker Photography)

“I think the finals have what it takes to be in the top four… I really believe that” Aiton said.

“And from some of our performances you'd think the same thing, but the flip side is we need to do that every week.

“There's some performances like against the Falcons, we can't do that, we can't expect to be in the finals if we play like this.

“Believe it or not, but it comes back to the boys and their preparation for the game. But I definitely believe that we have what it takes.”