Hunters, Capras Trial Match Ends in a Cliffhanger

The final preseason trial match of the 2025 Hostplus Cup at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday, February 22nd, saw the SP PNG Hunters pull off a 20-20 draw against the visiting Central Queensland Capras. 

In the fifth minute of play, a nice grubber kick from hooker Trevor Solu saw the makeshift five-eight Finley Glare race past a couple of defenders to ground the ball, putting the Hunters on the front foot.

Thirteen minutes later, the hosts crossed over the try line through a well-executed second-man play, where center Alex Max was the recipient of the 4-pointer. Skipper and chief playmaker Jamie Mavoko failed to nail the extras, with the Hunters taking an 8-0 lead. 

With a bit of field position, the Capras hit back through new PNG recruit Khaiya Waiembi, who received a nice pass from hooker Jai Hansen to barge his way over the try line. The visitors scored another 4-pointer, leading with a 10-8 margin. 

The Hunters returned the favor in the 38th minute when hooker Trevor Solu scooped the ball from the ruck and assisted the veteran campaigner Ila Alu to score next to the padding, taking a 12-10 lead over the Capras at half-time. 

The second half was an arm wrestle as both sides fought hard to exert their dominance. The Hunters’ scrum feed in the 54th minute saw lanky center Elijah Roltinga step and swerve past a few defenders, running 80 meters to score an individual brilliant try and extend the lead to 20-10. 

In the 65th minute, the Capras responded through winger Tom Farr, who stepped and danced his way to score in the corner, narrowing the margin to 20-14. With three minutes left, Khaiya Waiembi made a barnstorming run to put down an equalizer, finishing the match in a stalemate.

The PNG Hunters will have a week break and prepare themselves for the season opener on March 8th against the Mackay Cutters at BB Print Stadium in Mackay, Queensland.