Hunters Need Answers

The SP PNG Hunters have suffered six losses and registered two wins after round 8 of the 2026 Queensland Rugby League (QRL) Hostplus Cup, sitting second-last on the competition ladder with 4 points.

After losing to the table-topping Sunshine Coast Falcons over the weekend, their confidence has been demoralized. However, there is still hope of reaching the finals if they can put together a string of wins. 

With the departures of more than five players to Australia’s QRL teams and the UK’s Super League, this has affected the club’s performance, despite showing signs of improvement in the last few rounds.

Compounding that problem, injuries and suspensions to key players have derailed the SP Brewery-sponsored club’s progress, putting a dent in their premiership aspirations. 

Despite these setbacks, there is a silver lining, with the team blending a mix of exciting talent alongside a few experienced campaigners, slowly building team chemistry and combination to find their groove. 

Coach Paul Aiton has reiterated many times the importance of sticking to fundamentals and structures, being disciplined on and off the field, and having faith in themselves to compete against some of the best players in the competition.

Languishing at the bottom of the ladder is a bitter pill to swallow, given the fact that their 2026 campaign replicated last season’s run. However, they found their mojo in the middle of the 2025 regular season and made the finals, bowing out in the quarterfinals. 

The team is currently down in confidence. Understandably, it will take time for the new players to adjust and build combinations with the experienced players after transitioning from the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup to the second-tier competition. 

Lo and behold, like a phoenix, the Paul Aiton-coached men will rise from the ashes, just as they always do, when their backs are against the wall. The Hunters are a resilient side that always thrives under immense pressure. 

The coming rounds will be crucial as the Hunters are desperate to win a couple of games to keep their season alive. Every match will be treated like it’s their last, as they anticipate finishing in the top 8 at the conclusion of the normal rounds.

The PNG Hunters have another tough challenge ahead of them when they travel to Australia's Central Queensland to face the Mackay Cutters in round 9 of the Hostplus Cup on Sunday, May 10th, at BB Print Stadium in Mackay.