The SP PNG Hunters have produced their best performance of the 2023 QRL Hostplus Cup season, overcoming the Tweed Seagulls 34-18 in a dominant second half display on Saturday afternoon. Despite conceding first points through experienced NRL halfback Toby Sexton, the Hunters held their nerve to quickly drag the game into a grind. A huge shot from Tommy Moide – starting at lock in place of his injured skipper Ila Alu – in the kick-off set forced an error from Tweed on tackle one, and Moide was the man to turn that field position into points a few tackles later. As a light rain settled over the stadium, both teams were forced to adjust their approach in attack. The Seagulls though – who employ an expansive approach to their footy – stuck to their guns to move the ball smoothly across the field. Mire was first to setup points when he rolled a beautifully weighted grubber kick into the in goal for captain Brandon Nima to score just short of the dead-ball line. Not to be outdone by his halves partner, Mavoko stepped up in PNG’s next attacking set to bamboozle Tweed’s defence on their own line. Just as he did last week against the Pride, Mavoko used his footwork and sleight of hand to engage two defenders before passing Morea Morea into a space on the edge. Morea’s try gave PNG an 18-12 lead going into the sheds. The Hunters took the field in the second half with intent. They went set for set with Tweed in yardage as both sides fought for ascendency. Again though, it was the kicking game of Mire and Mavoko that slowly swung momentum in PNG’s favour. Mavoko’s starring performance continued the other side of the ball as the Seagulls desperately tried to reduce PNG’s lead. Twice in consecutive attacking sets the visitors fell into shape down their left edge, only for Mavoko to come up with a big defensive play to shut things down. Taking confidence from their defence, the Hunters added to the scoreboard as the clock wound down. The Hunters weren’t done there though. Getting reward for his leading role in the frontrow, Hunters prop Junior Rop crashed over the line in the final minutes to ice the game for PNG. A consolation try to Seagulls winger Kaleb Ngamanu allowed Tweed to finish on a positive note, but it was all the Hunters in Round 12. With improved discipline and a good kicking game to end their sets, the Hunters were able to play most of the contest in Tweed’s territory. The craft and ballplaying of Mire and Mavoko proved too much for Tweed to handle from there as PNG took their opportunities in attack. With two more home games at Santos NFS in the coming weeks, the Hunters have a wonderful opportunity to climb up the Hostplus Cup ladder and stay in touch with the top eight. SP PNG Hunters Head Coach Stanley Tepend was delighted with his team’s response after a recent run of narrow losses. “Some of the defense on our own try line was great,” said Tepend. “We scrambled really well to save a couple of certain tries.” “The boys really showed a never give up attitude. We were undermanned by injuries and suspensions; we had young players in the spine but despite the disruption we got the job done.” Tepend said it was a strong team performance but was happy to pay tribute to some individual efforts. “I thought Jamie (Mavoko) was great for us. They targeted him all game but he held his own in defence and made a number of crucial tackles. We’re starting to see the kind of player he really is which is great for him and for us as a team.” “Sanny (Wabo) through the middle is doing a good job too. His leg speed and footwork once fatigue sets in is a real point of difference for us. Against those tired forwards he’s working really well.” “The boys will take a lot of confidence out of that one and we’ll carry that into training this week. It should be another good game next Saturday (10/6) against the Clydesdales.”