Hunters Edge Bears to Reclaim Kokoda Cup

The SP PNG Hunters made history by hosting the Kokoda Cup for the first time on home soil and reclaiming the prestigious cup after eight years (since 2017) following their gritty 22-14 victory over the Burleigh Bears in the 2025 Hostplus Cup ANZAC round on Saturday, April 26th, at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

The Kokoda Cup is played annually between the PNG Hunters and Burleigh Bears during the ANZAC round as a tribute to the bravery, endurance, and mateship displayed during the Kokoda campaign in World War II.

In their past 10 meetings of the annual Kokoda Cup clash, the Bears have the upper hand over the Hunters, claiming the significant trophy eight times while the SP Brewery-backed team won the cup twice in 2015 and 2017. Eight years later, the Hunters have reclaimed the trophy.  

Just under three minutes of play, Brendon Nima made a line break and offloaded the ball to support player Gairo Voro, who sprinted 80 meters to score the opening try under the uprights, with Jamie Mavoko nailing the extras to give the Hunters a 6-0 lead.

Following the try by Voro, the match turned into a slugfest as both sides fought hard to dominate the contest. However, with a better field position in the 18th minute, the home side struck again through Solo Wane, but Mavoko failed to slot the conversion, taking a 10-0 lead at the break.

The Bears did not waste time after the ten-minute breather and opened their account in the 48th minute of the second half through Lachlan West, but Tom Steadman did not convert the goal, reducing the lead to 10-4.

A few minutes later, the Hunters returned the favor as Robert Mathias scored back-to-back tries in the 53rd minute and 64th minute, with Mavoko converting the two goals and extending the lead to 22-4.

Undeterred by the huge lead, the Bears hit back in the 69th minute through Jacob McCudden and Steadman successfully kicked the conversion, narrowing the deficit to 22-10. As the clock wore down, Lachlan West crossed over the line in the 77th minute but time was not on their side, leaving the full-time score at 22-14.

It was a hard-fought contest as the Hunters showed determination and resilience to hold off the fast-finishing Bears to snatch their third Kokoda Cup challenge. The match was played with intensity and pride, fitting for a trophy that honors the courage and sacrifice of the Kokoda Track campaign. 

PNG Hunters coach Paul Aiton heaped praise on the courage shown by his men and acknowledged the quality of the opposition. 

“I thought they (Bears) were good. They played well and we played well, too. They played well, and we scrambled and defended our line,” Aiton said.   

"The Bears are a strong side. I have seen them play with 12 men and no one on the bench and still win, so they are not easy to beat. 

"There were a few little things we were not doing in the last two weeks, but I’m very proud of the boys’ efforts today.” 

Team Captain Ila Alu also shared the emotional significance of the victory and what it means to him personally. 

"It was a personal victory for me. Since being with the club, we have been on the losing end of the Kokoda Cup, so winning this one was a great personal achievement,” Alu said.  

The PNG Hunters will now look to build on this momentum as they continue their 2025 Hostplus Cup campaign next weekend when they host the Wynnum Manly Seagulls at the Santos National Football Stadium on Sunday, May 4th.