Hunters taste first preseason victory

The SP PNG Hunters started their 2026 Hostplus Cup first preseason trial on a high after shrugging off the Northern Pride with a 20-16 margin on Sunday, February 15th, at Stan Williams Park in Cairns, Queensland, Australia.

The Hunters’ three-month bruising training was put to the test over the weekend by Pride as the old players and newcomers worked on their combinations and team chemistry ahead of the proper season kicking off on March 7th. 

A tough and physical 40 minutes of the first half saw the Hunters register two converted tries, while the Northern Pride scored a solo unsuccessful 4-pointer, trailing the visitors by 8 points in the breather. 

The SP Brewery-backed team posted two more tries in the second half while the Pride also crossed over the white line twice, with the Hunters claiming a 4-point victory (20-16) against the spirited northern men.

Paul Aiton and his coaching staff blooded a few recruits and experienced campaigners, hoping to build their combinations, fine-tune the team’s attacking and defensive structures, and make necessary adjustments before the proper season commences.

PNG Hunters dusted off their cobwebs with a hard-fought win, setting the tone for their second and final preseason trial against the Ipswich Jets on Sunday, February 22nd, at National Sports Institute in Goroka, Eastern Highlands.