The PNG SP Hunters were downed by 4 points to Townsville Blackhawks in a 20-24 game at the Jack Manski Oval in Townsville.
Trailing 10-4 in the first half, the Hunters came back hard in the second half, sending in Thompson Teteh for an unconverted opener to minimise the lead to 8-10.
Blackhawks retaliated, kicking a penalty to lead to 12-8 before Andrew Niemoeller scored the 58th minute try to further their lead to 18-8.
Ten minutes later, Edward Goma grounded the ball through a set play from Watson Boas’ grubber kick for 14-18.
However, with seven minutes left on the clock, Blackhawks winger Delouise Hoeter sealed the lead with a flying converted corner try to extend the score line to 24-14.
The dying minutes grew more aggressive and physical as Hunters set in with a late try by a strong run from centre Justin Olam, but fell short by 4 points.