The SP PNG Hunters travelled to Totally Workwear Stadium to take on the Brisbane Tigers in Round 19 of the Hostplus Cup but couldn’t build on their early 12-0 lead, falling 32-18 after 80 minutes. A poor end to a Tigers set ended with the Hunters hot on the attack and with the first real opportunity to produce points. Passing and offloading, a sweeping Morea Morea played Jamie Mavoko through a flimsy Ryley Jacks tackle before the halfback sent Rodrick Tai over for the opener. With a chance of their own to attack the Hunters line the Tigers again looked in the direction of Lehmann but a superb solo effort from Wane put an end to a sure-try for the visitors to keep their 12-0 lead through the first quarter of the match. Coming back, the Hunters continued to build pressure by turning the ball over in the right parts of the field. That pressure forced loose passes from the Tigers as the home side desperately looked to flip the momentum. An error in defence from Henry Wan Noki saw the veteran forward marched to the sin bin in the 36th minute in what proved to be a pivotal moment in the match. With the extra man, the Tigers went to where they’d found previous success and scored through Solomona Faataape down the left edge. Despite starting strong and refusing to concede while the starting middle rotation rested on the bench, another late blemish saw the Hunters’ lead cut to eight by the break. The Hunters started the second half with six minutes still to play with only 12 men but didn’t get through one before conceding again. Geyer spotted Lau late to the short side and targeted the five-eighth to crash over the line. What looked to be a strong yardage set in response ended with an error as the Hunters again gave up cheap field position to the Tigers. Another penalty kicked the Tigers further up the field and inside the Hunters’ 30-metre line. Finally, the pressure turned into points as Jennings made no mistake on his second crack at the line for the Tigers to take a 14-12 lead in the 57th minute. With all the running, the Tigers cruised into the final 20 minutes of the match 18-12 in front. On top and with the lead, former Hunters coach Matt Church looked to keep his side moving forward while Stanley Tepend responded with the reintroduction of Rop and Alu. Another Lehmann try and a third lifting penalty saw the Hunters chasing a 26-12 deficit heading into the final ten minutes. Leaving no stone unturned, Alu went close to crashing over in the middle and Tai threw his opposite man away with the line in sight shortly after. But it was Benji Kot scoring his seventh try of the Hostplus Cup season who gave life to the idea of a late comeback. Alu’s captain’s knock continued with two strong carries in three tackles as he finished with a team-high 180 metres. However, a clunky end to the set after points saw Alu’s effort go unrewarded before an 11th penalty conceded saw Corey Thompson and the Tigers put the game beyond doubt. The Hunters now prepare to take on the 4th-placed Redcliffe Dolphins at the Santos National Football Stadium in Round 20.