Hunters Tame Tigers at Home

The PNG Hunters bounced back into the winner's circle with a comprehensive 40-6 win over the Brisbane Tigers in round 4 of the QRL Hostplus Cup on Sunday, March 30th, 2025, at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. 

After suffering a 28-6 loss to the Sunshine Coast Falcons in round 2, the Hunters had a bye last week and regrouped, displaying a scintillating performance and trouncing the Brisbane Tigers in PNG’s metropolitan city.  

Explosive center Brandon Nima got things to a flying start in the ninth minute when he scooped the ball from the ruck and barged over the try line, but halfback Jamie Mavoko failed to convert the goal, leaving the points at 4-0. 

Two minutes later, utility rake Finley Glare made a line break and offloaded to five-eight Gairo Voro and he passed the ball to the support player Benji Kot, who ran all the way to score the second try. This time, Mavoko converted the goal successfully, increasing the lead to 10-0.

Just under 20 minutes of play before the break, speed-star Solo Wane scored the third try for the home side, followed by Alex Max’s 4-pointer, with Jamie Mavoko nailing the two conversions, giving the Hunters a comfortable 20-0 lead at half-time. 

The Tigers tried to claw their way back into the contest with a quick try to veteran five-eight Ryley Jacks in the opening minutes of the second half, but the celebration was short-lived as the Hunters dominated the game in the ensuing sets.

The SP Brewery-sponsored side ran riot following Ryley Jacks’ sole try for the visitors, crossing over the line with four unanswered tries through Elijah Roltinga, Sanny Wabo twice, and Brandon Nima, capping off the match in style and registering their first win of the season.

Coach Paul Aiton was impressed with the result, heaping praise on the players for their impregnable defense and executing the game plan. 

“I am really happy with the performance, especially our defense. We were strong together and that’s what we aimed to do, and we delivered it. I was really happy with how we started and ended the game,” Aiton said.

Debutant Lynchill Kiap had a solid game, as well as teenage sensation Gairo Voro, who entertained the crowd with his razzle-dazzle feet and partnered well with the chief playmaker Mavoko and the spine. 

All the Hunters’ players stood up to the challenge and brought the visiting Brisbane Tigers to submission. Livewire Finley Glare, in particular, had a blinder and caused havoc in the middle with his craftsmanship. 

The PNG Hunters will travel down to Gold Coast to face the Tweed Seagulls in their round 5 clash on Saturday, April 5th.