Capras Shrug off Hunters in Season Opener

The Central Queensland Capras opened their season to a positive start after defeating the SP PNG Hunters with a 24-16 victory in Round 1 of the Hostplus Cup on Sunday, 8 March 2026, at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. 

The Hunters shot themselves in the foot with repeated errors, which saw the visitors capitalize and prop Valentine Richard bulldozed his way under the uprights in the 13th minute, with the Capras taking a 6-0 lead. 

Six minutes later, the Capras scored their second try after a well-executed second-man play, sending winger Malachi Dumas over the corner in the 20th minute, but Trey Brown did not convert the goal, leaving the score at 10-0.

Valentine Richard crossed over the line again in the 25th minute, and Tane Kiriona bagged the 4th try for the visitors in the shadows of half-time, with Brown nailing two goals to dominate the first half proceedings (22-0).

In the second half, the Hunters contained the Capras’ onslaught, conceding only a penalty goal. The home side swung the momentum in their favor and scored 3 tries through Sanny Wabo, Ila Alu, and Myles Banam, but fell short. 

Despite the disappointing result, coach Paul Aiton said he was proud of his men’s performance, noting that they would work on their ball security and prepare for the round 2 match. 

“We struggled to score points in the first half due to simple errors. You can’t afford to do that. Remove those (errors), and it changes everything,” he stressed.  

“The 6 again and penalties didn’t help us. There were some tough calls made against us, but we’ll go back, reassess, and improve from there.”

The new halves pairing of Jamie Mavoko and Joel Gena did not click, with Aiton revealing that Mavoko was under the weather when he took the field, praising the experienced chief playmaker for his resilience.

“Jamie was lucky to play. He got really ill last night (Saturday). I’m really happy that he was able to show up. He has a wealth of experience, more than any half in the team. I’m really proud of his effort, despite being sick. He’ll be better,” he explained. 

Coach Aiton lauded the debutants: “I’m very happy with the boys (Himson Ulalom, Joel Gena, and Myles Banam.” 

The visitors featured five PNG players - Valentine Richard, Nixon Putt, Roderick Tai, Zev John, and Bob Tenza - who played an integral role in the Central Queensland Capras' win against the Hunters. 

The SP Brewery-sponsored side will regroup and aim to bounce back in the winner’s circle in round 2 when they host the Wynnum Manly Seagulls on Sunday, March 15th, at Santos National Football Stadium.