Hunters clip Magpies, registering three straight wins at home

In their final home game, the SP PNG Hunters made a statement with a 52-32 win over the South Logan Magpies in round 21 of the QRL Hostplus Cup on Sunday, August 17th, 2025, at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. 

With the advantage of hosting three straight home games, the Hunters defeated the Ipswich Jets three weeks ago, belted the Western Clydesdales last weekend, and thumped the South Logan Magpies yesterday, clinching three consecutive wins at home. 

Former Brisbane Broncos’ stalwart, Anthony Milford, opened the scoreboard with a four-pointer in the 6th minute, but the Hunters quickly responded four minutes later through captain Ila Alu, who showed brute strength to barge over the line, leveling the score at 6 points apiece.

The Hunters dominated the proceedings in the ensuing sets, with Alex Max and Solo Wane scoring a try each and Manase Kai crossing over the line twice. However, the Magpies stopped the Hunters’ onslaught before half-time, with the home side taking a comfortable 28-10 lead at the break.

After the breather, the red-hot Hunters continued their attacking prowess. Solo Wane bagged back-to-back tries and extended his try-scoring streak to four, widening the margin to 40-10.  

However, the visitors swung the momentum in the last 20 minutes of play and put the Hunters under the pump, scoring three unanswered tries and reducing the deficit to an 8-point buffer (40-32).

In the last five minutes of play, the SP Brewery-sponsored franchise regrouped and scored two tries through Solo Wana and Joshua Lau, capping off the match in a high-scoring grandstand finish.

Coach Paul Aiton was pleased with the victory, crediting his troops for sticking together as a unit and stopping the fast-finishing Magpies, who boasted a couple of former NRL players, led by Anthony Milford. 

“I’m really happy with the boys’ performance. We spoke a lot about family during the week and playing for each other,” Aiton said.

“We’ll enjoy the win and celebrate together because we play for each other. We’ll probably have a session or two before we travel, so it’s a short turnaround for us. The focus in our next game is on energy.”

The PNG Hunters are sitting in 7th position with 26 points, recording 13 victories and tasting 9 losses. The playoff spot is not guaranteed, with only 4 points separating the teams sitting in the 8th and 9th positions, respectively. 

The Hunters have two remaining must-win games. They will travel to Brisbane to face the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in round 22 of the Hostplus Cup on Saturday, 23rd August, and finish off the regular season against the Northern Pride next weekend.