Hunters end finals spell

PNG Hunters are through to the Hostplus Cup finals after a gutsy 46-12 win against Western Clydesdale over the weekend.

Rookie coach Paul Aiton navigated the team to a top-5 finish, putting an end to the finals drought after 7 years, following the 34-point triumph. 

Hunters last taste of finals was in 2017 when Michael Marum led the team to its first premiership title.

Saturday’s victory over the last-placed Clydesdale ensured Hunters position in the finals was secured and will now face Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the elimination fixture.

The round 23 match at the Santos National Football Stadium was played under the scorching heat of Port Moresby as the visitors ran in for the first try through hooker Drew Timms in the opening 5 minutes to take an early 6-0 lead.

Hunters found their footing in the 15th minute mark after a slow start when workaholic five-eight Joshua Lau produced an individual brilliance with a try of his own.

Halfback Jamie Mavoko had no mistake nailing the conversion as the scores were locked at 6-6.

Lau’s vivid footwork troubled the Clydesdales in the first stanza as he delivered Hunters second try from his boot through a chip-and-chase, completing his double.

The home side extended the lead to 18-6 at the sheds with a try to centre Elijah Roltinga on the stroke of halftime. Roltinga accomplished his double in 62 minute with a plucky effort.

Despite the concrete defence by the Queensland Rugby League wooden spoon team, Hunters showcased crafty footy in front of the fans, stealing the show in second half.

Individual brilliance from Benji Kot, Brandon Nima, Judah Rimbu and Whallan Tau-Loi, propelled the score with star halfback Mavoko successfully kicking 7 goals from 8 attempts.

The fifth-placed Hunters are set to meet the eight-placed Seagulls at NFS in a do-or-die match with the winner advancing to the semifinals.