The SP PNG Hunters endured a devastating 50-16 defeat at the hands of the Redcliffe Dolphins in 2025 QRL Hostplus Cup Round-12, played at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby city on Sunday 8th June.
It was a brutal showing from the Dolphins, who ran in an effective nine tries to dismantle a struggling Hunters outfit that failed to match their opponents’ pace, discipline, and execution across both halves.
The striking tone was set early when Dantoray Lui and Aublix Tawha’s crossed the line within the first 10 minutes, followed by Tom Opacic’s in the 27th.
The Dolphins led 18-10 at halftime.
Meanwhile, the Hunters showcased brief moments of promise with tries from Solo Wane and Elijah Roltinga just before the break, while the Dolphins led.
The second half was a one-sided play as the Dolphins shifted into a high gear scoring 6 tries, led by a commanding performance from playmaker Joshua James, who contributed 7 out of 9 conversions and a try in the final minute. Dontoray Lui, Tom Opacic, Tom McGrath, Zacariah Miles, and Aublix Tawha added their names to the scoreboard in a relentless scoring spree that saw the Hunters’ defense fall apart under sustained pressure.
Despite a second try from Roltinga in the 68th minute and two successful conversions from Trevor Solu, the Hunters were still unable to claim their position back into the contest.
The heavy loss has raised alarm bells for the Hunters, who now face critical questions around their defensive structures and mental resilience.
For the Dolphins, the performance was dominant, a clinical display of disciplined rugby from start to finish.
Furthermore, this is the first loss for the Hunters on home-ground. The Hunters will now wind down, and prioritize their attack and defensive strategy to face the SC Falcons in Round-13 on Sunday 15th June, 2025.
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