PNG HUNTERS v MACKAY CUTTERS
2.30pm, Saturday 8 March, Kalabond Stadium (Kokopo)
Referee: Nick Morel
Head to head: First match
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #PNGvMC
Buoyed by an historic opening round win over Redcliffe, the Hunters will go in search of back-to-back wins in their first match on home soil.
Saturday’s clash against the Mackay Cutters at Kalabond Stadium in Kokopo is the first of three successive home games for the Hunters.
Coming up against a passionate Hunters team which continues to capture the hearts and minds of rugby league fans, the Cutters will need to reproduce the steely resolve that saw them clinch an inaugural premiership last September.
The Hunters have made one change from last week, with Joe Bruno replacing Gonzela Urakusie at prop.
The Cutters have been forced to make one adjustment to their starting pack following the one-match suspension of Jason Schirnack (striking).
Cowboys NRL squad member John Asiata has been named at lock as Schirnack’s replacement.
Sam Hoare and Anthony Mitchell complete the Cowboys contingent with Curtis Rona still unlikely to get a start as he recovers from a broken thumb.
CQ CAPRAS v NORTHERN PRIDE
6pm, Saturday 8 March, Browne Park
Referee: Rob Gallacher
Head to head: Pride 8, Central 5
Twitter: #intrustsupercup #CQCvPRIDE
The Pride shot straight to the top of the Intrust Super Cup ladder after a 36-0 victory over the Sunshine Coast at Barlow Park in round 1.
This match is poised to be a much tougher assignment given that the Capras are traditionally tough to beat at home as the Pride found last year in a surprise loss.
The Cairns team may have to do without Cowboys fullback Matt Wright who received a nasty cut to the palm of his hand in the first half last weekend.
Fellow Cowboys Javid Bowen, Cameron King, Ricky Thorby and Ethan Lowe are in the Pride’s starting 13.
Capras coach Jason Hetherington is again turning to youth, selecting Central Under 21 players Marlon Doak and Mark Johnstone at fullback and five-eighth respectively.
