Papua New Guinea Hunters coach Michael Marum is demanding a better defensive effort in tomorrow's Intrust Super Cup clash against the bottom placed Mackay Cutters in Port Moresby.
Hunters prop Dilbert Issac. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Melvin Levongo
The Hunters three match winning run came to a halt last weekend as the defending champions were thrashed 30-12 away to the Easts Tigers.
Michael Marum said they had been playing well recently but simply didn't turn up against the Tigers and the needed to execute their core roles.
"From last weekend's game I think all the tries have been scored on the edges so our wingers, our centres (need to do better).
"Thompson (Teteh) did well last two games but last weekend we missed seven tackles there and we didn't shut down the halfback and five-eighth for the Tigers so defensively I think as a team again we have to work hard for each other out there," Marum said.
Hunters skipper Ase Boas has been out of action with dengue fever. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Melvin Levongo
Ase Boas will miss his third match in a row after contracting dengue fever and Marum said they were taking a cautious approach with the Hunters skipper.
"Just more recovery, recovering now. He had dengue fever so we make sure we are careful in getting him out on the playing field," Marum said.
"He hasn't restarted training so hopefully by the end of this week or the back-end of this week he starts training and he can be considered for next weekend game against Jets."
Mackay have only notched up three wins from nine games, but Marum expected the visitors to lift their game at the National Football Stadium.