New look Hunters beat Magpies 36 - 18 in season opener

New look Papua New Guinea SP Hunters have opened their  2016 Intrust Super cup campaign by downing South Logan Magpies 36 - 18 at Davis park in Brisbane this afternoon. 

The Magpies were first to score in the first minute after a good kick and chase and took the early lead 4 - 0.  

The Hunters  replied through new youngster recruit Justin Olam but with unsuccessful  Conversion, the score was levelled  4-4.

Hunters returned with another stunning foot work from Atte Bina’s grubber at the corner as Adex Wera slid in and planted the ball to lead 4-8.

The hosts replied with a converted try to lead 10-8 before Hunters took over the lead with a 4 pointer from Wartovo Puara’s dummy half try that take the game into half-time.

In the second half,  the Hunters were first to score to Ase Boas to take the lead to 18-10 .

The next play saw Hunters forward, Henry Noki chase a grubber kick into the Magpies tryline and touch down the footy to further the lead to 24-10. However, the Magpies retaliated in quick succession with  two quick tries to make their way back into the game but it was too late.

The Hunters extended the lead to 30-18. However in the dying minutes of the game, Bland Abaru sealed the match after he latched onto a nice ball on the fifth tackle count to score a converted try bringing the final score to 36-18.

In round two match next week, the Hunters will take on Wynnum Seagulls.  The Hunters will then  return  home in round three to take on Tweed Head Seagulls at the National Football Stadium .