Western Clydesdales to test their mettle in Papua New Guinea against Hunters

The Western Clydesdales will make the 3 hour plane trip to Port Moresby, PNG, with redemption on their minds, following their narrow defeat in their return to the Hostplus Cup in round one.

Western Clydesdales will look for redemption as they play the Hunters in Round 13. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Desperately needing a win and with redemption on their minds, the Western Clydesdales will head to PNG this Friday.

Off the back of a demoralising loss to the Redcliffe Dolphins, the Clydesdales have their sights set on a statement win in round 13.

Making the trek up north to Port Moresby, it will be the first time in the clubs history that they have an international game.

Up against the Hunters, the Clydesdales will be seeking to vindicate themselves after their round one loss at home.

Coach Jason Alchin is expecting his side to put together a tough performance, despite not having finalised his 18-man squad.

“We’ve got a number of injuries and players that are ill, so we will need to see how they fair for the rest of the week before we finalise the side,” Alchin said.

“Regardless, we will most definitely be competitive.”

Nofoasa Malutoa makes a break for the Clydesdales during their Round 1 loss to the Hunters. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The trip to PNG will be new for many players, as the majority of the side are playing their first season of the Hostplus Cup.

“Only a few of fellas have been to PNG before, so for the rest of them, this will be their first taste of playing footy overseas,” Alchin said.

“We have had positive chats during training and the whole group is definitely excited about the game, and it will be a great experience for the fellas.

“The boys know that they aren’t going over there for a holiday, and that they’ll be there to play some tough footy.

“We know the PNG’s number one sport is league and that it will be a tough game, but, we will tough it out when our backs are against the wall.”