The SP PNG Hunters resurgent fairytale run in the 2024 Hostplus Cup season ended on a bittersweet note following a 46-30 loss to the Norths Devils in their Preliminary Final clash on Sunday, September 15th, at Bishop Park in Brisbane.
In a seesawing and high-scoring affair, the tries came raining down as both teams put their bodies on the line and competed at a high intensity. The Hunters tried to play catch up footy but their defensive lapses allowed the Devils to score seven tries and shut down Paul Aiton’s men.
Despite the disappointing result, coach Aiton was pleased that the Hunters managed to exceed expectations and make it to the finals for the first time since 2017, capping off their stellar season on a high. The Hunters have had an incredible season, which is a positive sign for next year.
No one gave rookie coach Paul Aiton and his troops a chance before the season started, given the fact that the Hunters have been struggling for almost a decade to play in the finals. Against all odds, the Hunters weathered the raging storm and sailed courageously to the preliminary final, shying eighty minutes away to reach the big dance.
Aiton has been emphasizing more on playing simple football, working hard, building good team chemistry, and staying disciplined. He has reiterated on those key pillars time and again, which has finally bore fruits when the 17-strong warriors broke the seven-year finals drought and proved the critics wrong.
With the strong season that the SP Brewery-sponsored outfit have had, a couple of players have been signed by overseas-based clubs - such as Solo Wane, Junior Rop, Judah Rimbu - and a few others. Although the Hunters didn’t finish the season the way they would've liked, the good news is that a couple of players will have the opportunity to further their careers abroad.
Coach Aiton was really impressed with the overall performance of the team this season and reflected back on what they’ve learnt and achieved as individuals, and as a group collectively.
“It was really disappointing for the loss but you know, one has to win and one has to lose. For the season as a whole, I’m really proud of the boys with their effort and all the hard work they’ve put in,” Aiton commented
“I learned a lot as a first time coach, including my two assistant coaches, who were also rookies. Everyone at the club were first timers, including most of the players. It was new for everyone, so I thought we ended the season really well.
“It was quite a lot of pressure in the finals, but the boys handled it really well. It’s only going to make us better for next season.”
It was sort of a trial and error for Aiton and his coaching staff, as well as the bulk of the playing group this season. They passed the litmus test and are looking forward to redeeming themselves and becoming a force to be reckoned with in the 2025 Hostplus Cup season.
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