The Northern Pride and PNG Hunters will face off in a fascinating top-of-the-table Intrust Super Cup clash this weekend.
Both teams have started the season with three straight wins, setting the scene for what should be an epic contest at Kalabond Oval, Kokopo.
The Pride’s most recent victory came against Redcliffe at Barlow Park on Saturday night, with the home team doing just enough to keep the Dolphins winless this season.
After going into the half-time break at 6-all, the Dolphins skipped in front 12-6 after 47 minutes when Adrian Davies converted an Aaron Whitchurch try.
But the Pride responded with a Jack Svendsen try and Shaun Nona conversion to level proceedings at 12-all.
Nona slotted over a 61st minute penalty to give the home team the lead, before a Jason Roos try and another successful conversion inside the final 10 minutes sealed the 20-12 win for Jason Demetriou’s team.
Cowboys forward Joel Riethmuller was a late inclusion in the Pride lineup after being relegated to 18th man duties for North Queensland’s match with Brisbane the previous night.
“I’m pleased to win but I thought we were a bit scrappy in the first half. We just didn’t look after the footy. We didn’t build any pressure,” Pride coach Jason Demetriou told the Cairns Post.
The Mackay Cutters had a bye at the weekend.
Northern Pride 20 (Justin Castellaro, Jack Svendsen, Jason Roos tries; Shaun Nona 4 goals) def Redcliffe Dolphins 12 (Aaron Whitchurch, James Ackerman tries; Adrian Davis 2 goals) at Barlow Park.
