SP PNG Hunters’ 2024 Season Ends in 46-30 Defeat to Norths Devils The SP PNG Hunters suffered a tough defeat to the Norths Devils in the preliminary final of the Hostplus Cup on Sunday, 15th September 2024. Held at Bishop Park, Brisbane, the high-scoring clash saw the Devils secure a 46-30 win, earning a spot in the grand final while ending the Hunters’ season.
Norths Devils wasted no time in getting on the scoreboard, with Oryn Keeley scoring in the 5th minute, followed by tries from Blake Paskins and Cooper Jenkins in the 12th and 16th minutes. The Devils' aggressive start overwhelmed the Hunters, and by halftime, the Devils led 22-12, leaving the Hunters with plenty of work to do in the second half.
Norths Devils wasted no time in getting on the scoreboard, with Oryn Keeley scoring in the 5th minute, followed by tries from Blake Paskins and Cooper Jenkins in the 12th and 16th minutes. The Devils' aggressive start overwhelmed the Hunters, and by halftime, the Devils led 22-12, leaving the Hunters with plenty of work to do in the second half.
The SP PNG Hunters managed to respond in the first half, with Finley Glare scoring a try in the 26th minute and Robert Mathias crossing the line just five minutes later. Both tries were converted by Jamie Mavoko, helping the Hunters keep pace with the Devils. However, a late first-half try by Tesi Niu in the 37th minute extended Norths’ lead as they continued to dominate.
The second half saw the Devils continuing their strong performance, with Julian Christian scoring a try in the 45th minute, followed by a conversion from Jordan Lipp. Lipp, who had been consistent with his conversions throughout the game, added five successful kicks from eight attempts, including one after his own try in the 55th minute that further pushed the Devils ahead.
The Hunters fought valiantly, trying to close the gap. Alex Max scored right before halftime, while Solo Wane crossed the line in the 63rd minute, giving the Hunters a glimmer of hope. Judah Rimbu’s try in the 79th minute capped off their scoring efforts. Despite their best attempts, the Hunters were unable to overcome the Devils’ solid defense.
Jamie Mavoko was flawless in his kicking duties, converting all five of the Hunters' tries. However, the Hunters' efforts weren’t enough to counter the relentless pressure from the Devils. Jeremiah Simbiken and Julian Christian scored two more late tries for Norths, sealing the result in their favor.
The match concluded with a 46-30 victory for Norths Devils, ending the Hunters' campaign in this year’s Hostplus Cup. The Hunters can hold their heads high, having shown determination and resilience throughout the game, but ultimately, the Devils’ stronger attack and defense carried them to victory.
With this win, the Norths Devils now advance to the grand final, where they will face the Redcliffe Dolphins. The Devils have been a force to be reckoned with throughout the season, and the upcoming final is expected to be a closely contested match between two of the competition’s top teams.
For the SP PNG Hunters, this defeat marks the end of their 2024 season. Despite falling short in the preliminary final, the team displayed a fighting spirit and resilience that will serve them well as they look to regroup and come back stronger next year.
As the Norths Devils set their sights on the grand final against Redcliffe Dolphins, the Hunters will reflect on their season and aim to build on their experiences. The 2024 Hostplus Cup season has been a challenging one, but the Hunters will undoubtedly look to return even more determined in the future.
Although the Hunters’ journey ended in Brisbane, their efforts throughout the competition have been commendable. As they prepare for the next season, fans can expect the team to come back with renewed focus and a determination to go further.
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The second half saw the Devils continuing their strong performance, with Julian Christian scoring a try in the 45th minute, followed by a conversion from Jordan Lipp. Lipp, who had been consistent with his conversions throughout the game, added five successful kicks from eight attempts, including one after his own try in the 55th minute that further pushed the Devils ahead.
The Hunters fought valiantly, trying to close the gap. Alex Max scored right before halftime, while Solo Wane crossed the line in the 63rd minute, giving the Hunters a glimmer of hope. Judah Rimbu’s try in the 79th minute capped off their scoring efforts. Despite their best attempts, the Hunters were unable to overcome the Devils’ solid defense.
Jamie Mavoko was flawless in his kicking duties, converting all five of the Hunters' tries. However, the Hunters' efforts weren’t enough to counter the relentless pressure from the Devils. Jeremiah Simbiken and Julian Christian scored two more late tries for Norths, sealing the result in their favor.
The match concluded with a 46-30 victory for Norths Devils, ending the Hunters' campaign in this year’s Hostplus Cup. The Hunters can hold their heads high, having shown determination and resilience throughout the game, but ultimately, the Devils’ stronger attack and defense carried them to victory.
With this win, the Norths Devils now advance to the grand final, where they will face the Redcliffe Dolphins. The Devils have been a force to be reckoned with throughout the season, and the upcoming final is expected to be a closely contested match between two of the competition’s top teams.
For the SP PNG Hunters, this defeat marks the end of their 2024 season. Despite falling short in the preliminary final, the team displayed a fighting spirit and resilience that will serve them well as they look to regroup and come back stronger next year.
As the Norths Devils set their sights on the grand final against Redcliffe Dolphins, the Hunters will reflect on their season and aim to build on their experiences. The 2024 Hostplus Cup season has been a challenging one, but the Hunters will undoubtedly look to return even more determined in the future.
Although the Hunters’ journey ended in Brisbane, their efforts throughout the competition have been commendable. As they prepare for the next season, fans can expect the team to come back with renewed focus and a determination to go further.
Also read