The trip to Papua New Guinea always takes prominence in each Hostplus Cup team’s calendar, and our trip over the weekend was no different.
On top of the flights, accommodation and visas to be organised, you have to face a physically immense team with a whole country behind them.
Having lost in 2024 twice in Port Moresby, our coaching staff entered the week with greater knowledge of what to expect from this game.
We started well with Ben Farr hustling his way over the line in the 6th minute, after breaking away from the initial tacklers.
The Hunters’ Brandon scored to get his team on the board in the 15th minute, before a 20 minute stalemate period, where neither team could break the deadlock.
The heat and humidity wore each team down, particularly our Seagulls, who are not used to these playing conditions.
In the 38th minute, Nima scored again out wide to take the Hunters to an 8-6 lead going into halftime.
Seagulls halfback Jock Madden didn’t return after the break, which was a cruel blow to both him and Wynnum manly, given the exceptional form he has been in.
The Hunters scored a quick double in the 55th and 59th minutes to push out to an 18-6 lead.
Then Ben Farr grabbed his second of the afternoon, as he put Luke Gale through the defensive line and then backed up to receive the ball and score under the posts.
Another 15 minute period ensued where both teams had their opportunities, but a number of errors or good defensive reads stopped any points.
With the Seagulls right in the game at 18-12 and creating chances, the Hunters scored a couple of tries against the run of play and sealed their win 30-12.
Another tough trip to Port Moresby for our Seagulls, but we look forward to the opportunity to host the Hunters in the penultimate round of the regular season at BMD Kougari Oval.
We have the bye next weekend before returning home on Saturday 17 May against the Mackay Cutters.