The Norths Devils entered the year as champions, and eight weeks into the competition they’ve given no indication that they’re going to relinquish that title.
The reigning premiers are on a ten-game winning streak dating back to Round 23 of last year.
As the old adage goes, defence wins premierships, and the Devils top of the table positioning is certainly providing legitimacy to that.
After seven games the Devils have only conceded 88 points, an average of just over 12 points a game.
It’s a testament to not only the on-field performers, but also their strength and conditioning team – as their fitness and resilience sits unparalleled in this competition.
Their defensive effort provides their attack a margin of error, allowing the Devils to show creativity with ball in hand – as this season has proved the Devils only need to score more than 12 points if they want a good chance of victory.
The Devils minster for defence has been Kierran Moseley, he’s been their wall in the middle since 2022, contributing 208 tackles from five games this season.
Moseley has topped the Devils tackle count in four of his five games, and averages 41 tackles a game with an average of less than three missed tackles a game.
He swarms like a killer bee and the opposition are left swatting at him.
The last time the Devils played the Hunters was in the preliminary final last year, where Norths triumphed 46-30.
So how will the Hunters break down the Devils stout defensive line?
They’ll first look to their outside backs to provide metreage early in their sets, before the creativity of Gairo Voro is paired with the fearless line running of prolific fullback Sanny Wabo, who currently leads the competition in tries scored.
The Hunters’ fullback pops up and makes a dent when the defence least expects it and his eight-line breaks at nearly one a game shows that he is a constant danger.
The Hunters’ last three away games have been decided by six or less, showing that the Papua New Guineans are continuously fighting until the end.
The Hunters’ last three games away from home have been decided by six points or less, proving their no strangers to competing outside of Port Moresby.
However, Bishop Park has not been a happy place for the Hunters - with the Devils winning five of their last six at home against them.
The Hunters have form at Bishop Park, winning last year in round 17, 20-18.
The Hunters have the formula; but can they repeat it this week?
HOW TO WATCH
This week's feature match between the Norths Devils and PNG Hunters will be broadcasted live and free via QPlus.TV, 9Now and Kayo - with every Hostplus Cup match this weekend played live and on demand via QPlus.
Monthly packages begin for as little as $2.50 a week, click here to find out more!
