The Papua New Guinea Hunters have claimed an historic first minor premiership in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup with one round of the regular season still left to play.
The Hunters have lost only four matches this season, and they beat the Wynnum Manly Seagulls 28-22 at home in front of full house in Port Moresby on the weekend to nail down first spot.
Coached by Michael Marum and led by skipper and goal-kicking five-eighth Ase Boas, the Hunters have ensured they will have a bye in the first week of the five-team finals format of the Queensland Intrust Super Cup, and they have secured a home final for the grand final qualifier in the second week of the finals.
The Hunters will be joined in the finals by the Redcliffe Dolphins, the Easts Tigers and the Sunshine Coast Falcons, with the Souths Logan Magpies and the Townsville Blackhawks likely to battle it out for fifth spot.
At the start of the season bookmakers had the Hunters at $8 to win their first premiership. Those odds have since shortened dramatically.
The Hunters have been a very popular team both in their homeland and with Queensland fans since they joined the Queensland competition in 2014. In that first season they missed qualifying for the semi-finals by a point, but they made the finals series in both 2015 and 2016.
Rugby league is the official national sport in Papua New Guinea and the Hunters’ exposure to the Queensland Cup has undoubtedly been good for the development of the game there. The Lloyd Robson Oval in Port Moresby, where the Hunters play their home games, was recently significantly redeveloped. It is now known as the National Football Stadium, with its capacity being increased from 15,000 to 25,000 as part of the upgrade.
Last year the Hunters provided the bulk of the players for the Papua New Guinea Test team, the Kumuls, helping them upset Fiji 24-22 in a thrilling test match at Pirtek Stadium. They will also make up the bulk of their squad for the World Cup at the end of the year, with their week-to-week experience in the Queensland Cup inevitably helping their cohesion and development.
Plenty of people will be hoping the Hunters go all the way in the Queensland Cup for the development of rugby league internationally. It would be a genuine “feel good” story for the game.
PNG Broncos fan88
Roar Guru
Winning their 1st ever semi final match is still the biggest hurdle for them. Judging by last encounter against Townsville in Oz, that was one helluva comeback with stoic goal line defence never produced by them before. They will take it out this year and probably the next 2 years after that - another possible dynasty in the making.
Fred
Guest
Yes a country double the population of NZ is ignored. One of the most fascinating countries on earth to boot! Over 800 languages, amazing environment (though sadly the loggers are moving in), where ancient culture and modernity live side by side. And the friendliest, most humble (but toughest) people I've met.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
The Hunters, good on them.But wait ,isn't rugby league only a 2 state game ,and doesn't exist outside these shores according to the usual suspects. The national game of a country with over 7 million doesn't count,accroding to the cynics.
Mikail-Eagle
Guest
Than in a few years if they keep winning than they might get too big for the ISC.
Roknrol joe
Guest
Hunters wins the isc Cup than what?
Mikail-Eagle
Guest
Its a great result and fingers crossed we go all the way. Also maybe a few more from the current team get snapped up by NRL Clubs or other ISC Clubs like Justin Olam (Storm) and Thompson Teteh (Redcliffe). The current Hunters spine of Fullback Stargoth Amean, the Boas Brothers in the halfs and Hooker Wartovo Puara jnr would not look out of place at a higher level.
Big Daddy
Guest
Also see Wyong have NSW Intrust minor premiership for first time. Both new clubs at this level. Hope they both go on and win major prize and meet on grand final day.
BigJ
Roar Guru
Ill do that mate
Rellum
Roar Guru
Ahh matth, I had respect for you before you went and said 'mighty Dolphins' :). I look forward to the mighty Magpies smashing the Dolphins on the way to the grand final.
matth
Guest
They might use one in the halves as a back up?
matth
Guest
I'm still hopeful that the mighty Dolphins can match them if and when they both reach the big day, but I won't be too disappointed if the Hunters go all the way. They add an extra dimension to the comp and are getting stronger every year.
Fred
Guest
Hooker is one position where PNG is spoilt for choice. As well as the incumbent from this year's Pacific Test, there is James Segeyaro, Paul Aiton and Kurt Baptiste. All quality, so it's a pity at least one will probably have to be cut from the extended squad.
matth
Guest
You know nothing Johnny Snow.
Fred
Guest
And Canberra's Kurt Baptiste.
remo
Guest
Thanks for your comments Nat
remo
Guest
jonnysnow, its taken nations hundreds and thousands of years to grow to be where they are today. We are only 40yrs young my friend... problems and situations are part of growth to be a better nation... we are moving ahead regardless..whats the boys.. one of the most exciting teams in the making at every level in years ahead..
Joe
Roar Rookie
And Justin Olam as well who's playing for the Storm.
Nat
Roar Guru
Nah not at the GW Big J, just painting a piccy of iconic Rocky-only things. I remember going to his tents in the Shamy carpark and that pub on back Rd down to Emu Park (forgotten the name) and the racecourse. He believe still runs the odd NYE events at the Cracow hotel. You're right about Yeppoon. I have family there and it's cool to run my red dog down the beach to chase the seagulls without anyone losing their mind. Prob because there is 5 people on the beach at any one time. Keep an eye on this young fella. He is my cousins young boy. Captained the St Brennans team and just got a gig with the Titans. https://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/videos/tyler-szepanowski/48803/
BigJ
Roar Guru
Kc i grew up there mate and nothing is wrong with it better than Darwi Nat hell yeah mate but i dont remember ever seeing brphies at the great western must of missed it. And Yeppoon is sh!t but your correct you can go in the ocean. Emu park is way better
Nat
Roar Guru
He can't hear you Fred. His pink Polo shirt collar is turned up around his ears and his head's up in own backside.