Eighth and ninth place will face off against one another this Sunday at Totally Workwear Stadium, in a bout that carries more gravity than the two competition points up for grabs.
The Brisbane Tigers and PNG Hunters will come together for the 17th time, and it’s the Tigers with the historical advantage having eight wins and two draws against the Papua New Guineans.
The Tigers have the attacking edge with 20 extra points over the Hunters this season, though the Hunters have the defensive edge with 36 fewer points.
The Hunters have lost three of their last four games away from home, while the Tigers have lost three of their last four home games.
When you look towards influence you can look no further than Tigers centre, Josh Smith.
The Tigers’ centre has been prowling the field like Shere Khan in the Jungle Book.
In over 200 hit ups, Smith has accrued 2126 run metres, the Hunters will be on high alert for his impact with ball in hand.
Smith has made his move from the Mackay Cutters lined with gold.
It was Smith that got the Tigers moving last game against the Northern Pride with their first try.
On the other side of this attacking smorgasbord the Hunters have a returning weapon.
Sanny Wabo is back, and he will be looking to add to his 11 tries in as many games.
Wabo has been out with a neck injury he sustained against the Dolphins and hasn’t played for two weeks.
The Hunters lost to the Falcons by two but somehow had 59 percent of the ball and dominated throughout the match.
Wabo will go a long way to helping them turn that possession into points.
PNG have lost two weeks in a row and will have to turn it around this week or risk losing touch with the top eight.
The return of last year’s Petero Civoniceva medalist, Judah Rimbu, will also be a welcomed addition for the Hunters’, as he will look to provide dynamic playmaking from dummy half.
The Hunters have won the last two games against the Tigers and will be keen to stretch it out to three.
The Tigers haven’t had a win against the Hunters since Round 19, 2023.
Catch every minute of this intriguing match up live and free on Qplus.tv, Kayo or 9Now.
