The sudden death elimination final of the 2024 Queensland Rugby League (QRL) Hostplus Cup competition saw the SP PNG Hunters defeat the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with a 23-8 margin and advanced to the semi final on Saturday, August 31st, at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
With both teams’ 2024 finals campaign hanging in the balance, the Hunters and the Seagulls had everything to play for in the first week of elimination final. It was a do-or-die match, where coach Paul Aiton’s men managed to eliminate the relentless Seagulls.
The visitors struck first in the eight minute through center Connor Broadhurst, and half-back Bryce Donovan successfully nailed the conversion. A few minutes later, the Hunters got penalised for a strip offence and Donovan opted for a 2-point goal, extending the points to 8-0.
Unfazed by the lead, in-form five-eight Joshua Lau, did a couple of fake passes and sent winger Brandon Nima over the try line in the 21st minute. Following the try by Nima, the home side took matters into their own hands and produced two outstanding tries through hooker Judah Rimbu and fullback Sanny Wabo. With two successful conversions from three attempts by half-back Jamie Mavoko, the Hunters took a 16-8 lead over the Seagulls at half time.
Not so much happened in the second half as both teams were riddled with errors, leaving the match in a stalemate for almost the 60th minute. However, the Seagulls made a costly mistake in the 61st minute, which saw Lau catch the loose ball and pass it to Wabo, who sprinted and zigzagged his way past a few defenders, and assisted utility Robert Mathias to score the match winner. As the game winds down, Lau took a field goal in the 78th minute and put the icing on the cake.
Despite not playing well in the second stanza, coach Paul Aiton was happy with the result and praised the players for sticking together and playing as a group.
“I’m really impressed with the effort of the players. Their scrambling defence in particular was solid. We have to maintain what we’ve done all year. Play simple footy and stick to the process,” Aiton commented.
The SP PNG Hunters will meet the Falcons in the semi final at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Sunday, September 8th.
Kommentare