Hunters Blitz Seagulls at Home

The SP PNG Hunters recorded a commanding 30-12 victory over the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the sweltering conditions of Port Moresby during the QRL Hostplus Cup round 8 fixture on Sunday, May 4th, 2025, at Santos National Football Stadium. 

With the advantage of hosting two straight games at home (rounds 7 & 8), the Hunters capitalized on the home ground support to register two consecutive wins against the Burleigh Bears and Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the nation’s capital.

In a physically contested 40 minutes of play, the Seagulls struck first through five-eight Ben Farr in the 5th minute, who used his brute strength to score and half-back Jock Madden successfully converted the goal to give the visitors a 6-0 lead.

The match went to a stalemate following the try by Ben Farr. However, the Hunters opened their account in the 15th minute through winger Brendon Nima. On the stroke of half-time, Nima bagged his double, but half-back Jamie Mavoko failed to nail the extras, leaving the score at 8-6. 

The SP Brewery-sponsored side maintained their momentum in the second half to dominate the game, stacking up the try-scoring sheet through fullback Sanny Wabo in the 55th minute, followed by winger Solo Wane in the 59th minute, extending their lead to 18-6. 

Undeterred by the 12-point margin lead, the Seagulls responded in the 65th minute through Ben Farr, who scored his second try to put the Matthew Head-coached side back in the game. However, the Hunters hit back with two converted tries through Brandon Nima and Solo Wane to ice the game.

Brandon Nima had a field day, crossing over the try line three times, followed by Solo Wane’s double, and Sanny Wabo’s solo try. Jamie Mavoko converted one kick from three attempts, and Trevor Solu nailed two conversions from two attempts.

Although the game was entertaining at times, the entire match was riddled with ball-handling errors and ill-discipline from both teams, which leaves coach Paul Aiton disappointed but happy to get the 2 points.

“I think it was a little bit frustrating with the amount of drop balls and penalties both sides have made, but it was really good to get the win. We’ve got a week off to reassess and get ourselves ready to face the Norths Devils,” Aiton expressed.

The third-placed Hunters will have a bye this week and travel down to Bishop Park in Brisbane to meet the reigning champions and table toppers, the Norths Devils, in round 9 of the QRL Hostplus Cup (May 18).