Hunters cap off final home game with a gritty win over Clydesdales

The SP PNG Hunters ended their 11-game losing streak with a hard-fought 18-12 victory over the Western Clydesdales in Round 21 of the QRL Hostplus Cup on Saturday, 15 August 2026, at Santos National Football Stadium. 

Desperate to win at PNG’s spiritual rugby league home ground, the Hunters stood up to the challenge and not only snapped their consecutive losses but also won on home soil and finished their last home game with a deserving victory.

The Clydesdales missed a try-scoring opportunity in the 10th minute. They made up for it in the 17th minute after fullback Chris Woodbridge grubbered the ball, which saw halfback Joel Hughes run to collect the ricocheted ball to ground it, taking a 6-0 lead.

Five minutes before halftime, fullback Marcus Spence made a line break and sprinted to the 50-meter line and assisted support player five-eight Kaden Buhse, who ran to score under the paddings, extending the lead to 12-0.

Right on the stroke of halftime, the Hunters executed a nice play and sent winger Myles Banam to score in the corner. Hooker Trevor Solu failed to convert the goal, trailing the Clydesdales 12-4 at the break.

It was all Hunters in the second half, who scored two tries through center Clent Lama and prop Himson Ulalom. Following the two tries by Lama and Ulalom, the Hunters displayed defensive grit to grind out a gripping 18-12 win.

Coach Paul Aiton said he was relieved with the win, crediting the players for competing until the final whistle and ending the final home game with a much-needed victory.

“I’m relieved. We could’ve done it better during the season, but we will celebrate the win,” Aiton said with a grin. 

He noted that the return of a few players from injury, including prop Koso Bandi and Clent Lama, has boosted the team's morale, pushing the boys to win the match.

Aiton said it was pleasing to win the final home game in front of the pioneering Hunters and former club legends.

“I’m really happy with the boys, especially to do it in front of the old boys, was a really big thing for us,” the Hunters’ mentor expressed.

The coach thanked the fans and sponsors for their support this season and hopes to return to the finals next season. 

The win has instilled confidence in the players to be competitive in the final two games of the regular season and end their turbulent, roller-coaster season on a high note.