Sport
20 February, 2026
Pride outdone by PNG
NORTHERN Pride have had a heartbreaking start to the season, being defeated 20-16 by PNG Hunters in their Hostplus Cup trial at Stan Williams Park, Cairns on Sunday.
PNG Hunters opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Judah Rimbu crossed, with Jamie Mavoko converting for a 6-0 lead. Solo Wane added another try four minutes later before Ila Alu extended the margin in the 23rd minute.
Northern Pride hit back in the 29th minute through Laitia Moceidreke, but the conversion was missed, leaving the score at 12-4.
The Hunters went into the break with a 12-4 lead after Robert Mathias scored in the 37th minute and Mr Mavoko converted.
The visitors maintained control in the second half. Sanny Wabo crossed in the 54th minute and again in the 66th minute, both converted by Mr Mavoko. Mr Wabo completed a hat-trick in the 77th minute, with Clent Lama adding the conversion.
Northern Pride’s only other points came in the 71st minute when Dane Aukafolau scored a thrilling try, with Seamus King-Smith converting.
Head coach Sam Williams said the match provided valuable preparation.
“Look, to be honest, we got out of it exactly what we needed to and to have some nice physical contact,” he said.
“It was a 25-man squad, so we got to give a lot of players some opportunity who haven’t had that type of opportunity before.”
Mr Williams said there were areas to improve.
“Certainly, a bit of ball handling we can improve on. But all in all, it was a positive hit out.”
He said the team showed signs of progress late in the match.
“There’s probably opportunities we could have taken earlier on. But as I said, I think that the boys did a fairly good job to work on what we’ve been trying to put in place. It’s the first game to a new style and new playing group. So, you know, we’ll certainly improve from that.”
Mr Williams confirmed there were no serious injuries.
“No, there was a few that, if it was a regular season game, they would have stayed out there on the field, but in a trial game, you certainly get them off and make sure that they’re right, right to go, but they’ll be fine.”
Northern Pride will review the performance as they prepare for their next trial match.
