The SP PNG Hunters were dealt their first loss of the season going down tonight to the Northern Pride 26-14 at Barlow Park in Cairns, Australia.
A double from winger, Shawn Bowen plus two successful conversions and a penalty goal from Jake Clifford shot Pride up to a 14-0 lead at half-time.
Murray Taulagi extended the lead out to three converted tries crossing over in the 45th minute.
Tries to Charlie Simon and captain, Ase Boas put the Hunters back in contention.
Boas added the extras to his own try to bring the score to 18-10 with 19 minutes remaining.
But the home side ran in their fourth try of the night through Nathan Wales only minutes later to regain a comfortable lead.
The Hunters still had fight in them and this showed when Butler Morris flew in for a consolation try six minutes out from full time.
But the win for Northern Pride was all but sealed with Clifford kicking another penalty goal before full time to make it 5/6 for the night.