PNG Hunters Round 4 Match Summary v Sunshine Coast Falcons – Intrust Super Cup 2021

The PNG Hunters temporarily took the lead of the Intrust Super Cup ladder courtesy of a great win over the Sunshine Coast Falcons and the fact that Norths and Wynnum had yet to play. Good enough reason for our PNG Hunters Round 4 Match Summary anyway.

This is a quick summary to give some thoughts on the big win over the Falcons, not necessarily a match report.

And this is also an unashamedly pro PNG Hunters opinion piece, as this website remains one of the big PNG Hunters fans in South East Queensland. 

For the official QRL match report follow this link.

PNG HUNTERS ROUND 4 v SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS MATCH RESULT

PNG HUNTERS 32

Tries:

• Terry Wapi 5′
• Norman Brown 23′
• Ben Kelly 34′
• Ben Kelly 45′
• Samuel Yegip 73′
• Norman Brown 80′

Goals:

SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS 12

Tries:

Goals:

• Tood Murphy 2 Conv

PNG Hunters Round 4 Match Summary

• The Falcons went the length of the field from the first set of the game, but their set ending kick earned the Hunters a penalty for interference. This gave the Hunters a free ride up field, and not long after were in front. After receiving another penalty deep in Falcons territory the Hunters took the tap instead of a relative easy two points, which pleases us and fans who want to see the Hunters attack. After a repeat set Terry Wapi scored the first try of the match as he made easy work of the Falcons left side defence on the right from 10 metres out. Hunters 4-0 – 5 mins
• The Falcons opened their scoring after a 40-20 kick gave them the territory and extra set they needed. Eventually Nat “Shooter” McGavin scored in the left corner after sustained pressure in the attacking set from Falcons. Falcons 6-4 – 15 mins
• After the Hunters defence of Alu and Namo force a mistake after a brutal hit, Norman Brown scored the first of his two tries of the afternoon. Hunters 8-6 – 23mins.
• Back to back penalties give the Hunters great field position, and they taker full advantage as Ben Kelly torpedoes his way through the Falcons defence from 10 metres on the left to extend the lead. Hunters 14-6 – 34 mins
• Ben Kelly scooted over from dummy half after some fine lead up work from the Hunters, especially a great run from Jokare Bire down the left a couple of plays before the try. Hunters 20-6 – 46 mins
• After handing over possession to the Falcons too close to their line, the Hunters were punished not long after when starting hooker Tyson Smoothy crashed over and the Falcons had a sniff. Hunters 20-12 65 mins
• Not a problem for the second half specialists as prop Samuel Yegip in the 73rd minute, and Norman Brown sealed a fine debut with a second try in the last minute. Hunters 32-12 FT.

PNG Hunters Round 4 Match Thoughts

WANE BEST

PNG Hunters had many great performers but Emmanuel Waine was our player of the match.

The Hunters second rower was heavily involved throughout the game with some great powerful runs.

He also applied some real pressure in defence with some big hits along with his team mates.

During the coverage of the game it emerged that coach Matt Church says he is the fastest player in the club.

The above mentioned speed on display for a short burst as he could have scored a try in support but for a forward pass. 

Promising signs for the Hunters with different players catching the eye each week, the quality in their forward pack is building without any big names from the past (aside from hooker).

HUNTERS IMPRESSIVE DEFENSIVE EFFORT

One thing that a lot of teams playing PNG sides have feared in the past is the Hunters/Kumuls punishing defense, and this quality was their best friend on Saturday against the Falcons.

Through the entire contest the Hunters were really up for it in defence, and some of those big hits were rewarded with points not long after.

Special mention for Sylvester Namo who pulled off a few beauties in the first half, and Ila Alu whose hit led to a try the next set. Same for Brandon Nima

For instance the defence on their line late in first half stopped several Falcons potential try scoring opportunities. The one to somehow hold off Chris Lewis was an unbelievable defensive event. Next Falcons attack another big hit jolted the ball free and stopped another Falcons attempt close to the line. This time it was Jokare Bire. The last five minutes of the first half provided a real defensive test which the Hunters passed with flying colours.

There were some instances as well in the second half as well as the Hunters kept the Falcons to just one try a piece in each half. Without that team effort in defence the result may well have been a lot closer or indeed a completely different result. Defence was the key to victory on Saturday against the Falcons.

PUARA A LOSS BUT MORE IPAPE GAME TIME EXCITES

Wartovo Puara is the Hunters record man for appearances, and has been a quality hooker for both the Hunters and Kumuls, so when he left the field in the 31st minute through injury it was a worry.

Until you realise that Edwin Ipape would be his replacement.

Ever since Ipape was plucked from the Wynnum Seagulls reserve grade to play for the Kumuls in 2019 we have been big fans.

He has reminded us of an younger Willie Minoga and the impact off the bench.

No team is ever better without Puara, but more Edwin Ipape is a good thing.

Good kicking out of dummy half is a bonus that Ipape offers to the Hunters attack, and a great compliment to the already excellent halves Watson Boas and Charlie Simon.

STILL THE SECOND HALF KINGS

That’s five second halves since 2020 where the Hunters have won the second half. And now they have added winning first halves to their routine they are going to be hard to beat.

TERRY WAPI KEEPS ON SCORING

Terry Wapi opened the scoring for the PNG Hunters, and the in-form PNG Hunters fullback made it look so easy as he brushed aside and/or evaded the Falcons defence close to their line.

Now scored six tries in the last five games for the Hunters, last week’s game in Mackay being the only game he hasn’t scored in since 2020.

He is solid in defence and fielding the high and long kicks seem no problem to the Hunters in great form.

If his form continues this season, there’s no reason he can;’t feature for the Kumuls in the Rugby League World Cup. Although he will struggle to be a starting fullback given the quality current options from the NRL based players.

FORGET THE TWO POINTS, WE’LL HAVE FOUR SAY THE HUNTERS

Twice in the first half the PNG Hunters were presented with penalties well inside Falcons territory, and both would have been an easy two points.

On both occasions in the first half the Hunters scored within the next set or the set after thanks to a repeat set.

What is encouraging is the Hunters feel confident enough in their attack to go for the maximum points.

Their confidence is well founded as the attacking decision led to tries.

Much like the Broncos back in their heyday where two points rarely seemed an option.

And we admire the dedication to attacking rugby league.

ERRORS

No team is ever perfect, but the PNG Hunters do tend to make a few mistakes throughout the season as they push themselves in attack.

Nine in the first half alone was not a good stat considering the conditions weren’t too good. It was 17 for the game in total.

Although the Hunters got away with the errors today, they won’t always face a team which will be so generous in handing over possession with their own errors.