The SP PNG Hunters will take on the Blackhawks at Jack Manski Oval in Round 9 of the QRL Hostplus Cup in Townsville this afternoon at 6:30pm. The Hunters going in with confidence into todays matchup having secured back-toback wins in their last two games. Making the most of their home ground advantage, the Hunters put on a show for the locals at the Santos National Football Stadium in the last fortnight to register wins over the Mackay Cutters and Ipswich Jets. The Hunters recent form has them sitting just outside the Top 8 coming into Round 9, and they have a good chance to strengthen their position on the QRL Hostplus Cup ladder if they take over the 13th placed Blackhawks this evening. Meanwhile, SP PNG Hunters Head Coach Stanley Tepend was pleased with the results over the last fortnight but insists there is still plenty of work to be done. “I think our start to games has been really good the last two weeks.” said Tepend. “Against Ipswich we completed the opening quarter without an error." "Our discipline was much improved and that laid the foundation for the rest of the game.” “It was disappointing to concede a few late points and we’ve worked hard this week on staying focused, keeping our communication strong and working to play out the full 80 minutes.” Tepend is expecting a strong showing from the Blackhawks at home tonight night and stressed the need for PNG to stick to what has worked for them over the last two weeks. “We’ve had a short turnaround this week so we’ve focussed on getting the boys refreshed and ready for Friday night." “We’ve mainly concentrated on our own game, but we know the Blackhawks will provide a good test for us.” “The boys are looking forward to going up against some of their fellow countrymen. It’s a great challenge for our boys to play against International talent and test themselves.”