PNG Hunters welcome back six for Dolphins showdown

PNG Hunters have received a timely boost ahead of Saturday's home clash against the Redcliffe Dolphins, with six players cleared to return from injury layoffs.

Assistant coach Enoch Maki confirmed the good news at a Port Moresby press briefing yesterday, saying the returning group would strengthen the side as it enters the final stretch of the Queensland Hostplus Cup season, with round 20 on the horizon.

 PNG Hunters welcome back six for Dolphins showdown/Photo supplied

Miles Banam, Clent Lama, Joel Gena, Sylvester Namo, Seal Kalo and Josh Mire are all back in contention after using a two-week break to complete rehabilitation programs, giving the coaching staff a wider pool of options for the weekend fixture.

With only four rounds remaining before the season closes out, Maki said staying focused and chasing consistent performances remained the priority for his squad.

The break, he explained, had come at a good time given the physical toll of a long campaign, allowing the injured players to recover fully before rejoining the group.

Maki said avoiding the wooden spoon was now a key motivation for the team as it looks to finish the season on a stronger note than results so far have shown.

As part of the squad management plan, several development players from the Hunters' feeder system were sent back to their respective Digicel ExxonMobil Cup clubs for a week to continue building match fitness.

Maki also had words of gratitude for the Hunters faithful, acknowledging their continued backing through a season of mixed results, and urged fans to come out in numbers for Saturday's 3:30pm kickoff against the Dolphins at the Santos National Football Stadium.

"We have got six boys returning from injuries. Miles Banam, Clent Lama, Joel Gena, Sylvester Namo, Seal Kalo and Josh Mire coming back to regroup for the weekend's game," Maki said.