Seagulls upset Hunters in second-half comeback

The Wynnum Manly Seagulls stunned the SP PNG Hunters with a 28-20 win in round 2 of the Hostplus Cup match on Sunday, 15 March 2026, at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

After last week’s disappointing loss to the Central Queensland Capras in the season opener, the Hunters regrouped and made a statement in the first half, but lost the battle in the second half. 

The Hunters went on a try-scoring blitz in the first three quarters of the match, with rookie winger Myles Banam crossing over the line twice, followed by Graham Rex’s and Douglas David’s 4-pointers, respectively, taking a comfortable 14-0 lead. 

With a little bit of possession, the Seagulls made use of the opportunity to hit the scoreboard for the first time, reducing the deficit to 16 points at the break (20-4).            

The visitors ran riot in the second half, scoring four unanswered tries and stealing the win from the home side with a 28-20 scoreline. 

It was a game of two halves, with the Hunters dominating the first half proceedings and the Seagulls rebounding in the second stanza to shock the SP Brewery-sponsored outfit.

The Paul Aiton-coached men were caught flat-footed due to repeated ruck infringement and ball-handling errors. They shot themselves in the foot, giving the win away to the Brisbane-based club.  

The Hunters have tasted back-to-back losses at home. They will travel to Australia to face the Western Clydesdales in round 3 on Sunday, March 22nd, at Toowoomba Sports Ground.