The SP PNG Hunters have fallen short to a fast-starting CQ Capras side 26-16 in Round 2 of the Hostplus Cup at Browne Park, Rockhampton.
The Capras were on from the kick-off, working their way up-field in the opening set to launch an attacking kick skyward on the last. The Hunters couldnāt field it cleanly and Caprasā winger Brandon Roberts was the beneficiary, diving on the loose ball to open the scoring.
Backrower Ethan OāNeill was next to score for the Capras, latching onto a perfectly weighted grubber from five-eighth Raedean Robinson to score next to the posts.
The Hunters fought back to halt the onslaught but couldnāt stop a spinning effort from Bailey Butler close to the line, nor a slick inside ball from halfback Jack Madden to put Tyler Szepanowski over for the Caprasā fourth try of the match.
As both packs rotated their starting forwards the momentum swung back towards the Hunters.
Samuel Yegip, Junior Rop and Kingstimer Paraia had instant impact when they entered the game, with Paraia diving over from half to score the Huntersā first points in the 35th minute.
Two quick tries to begin the second half through Terry Wapi and Brandon Nima kept the comeback hopes alive for the Hunters.
Captain Keven Appo produced a miracle offload close to the line for Wapi to score and then it was Gilimo Paulās turn, skipping to the outside, drawing the defence and throwing a one-handed offload back inside for Nima.
