Rugby league glory for PNG Hunters
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PNG Hunters have claimed a piece of sporting history, winning the Queensland Rugby League’s Intrust Super Cup premiership 12–10. It was the first premiership for the team, after just four seasons in the competition.
Ase Boas was the hero for the PNG Hunters, kicking the winning conversion in the hard-fought win against Sunshine Coast at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium in late September.
The match was a scrappy affair, but the errors meant the game was close right to the end, giving the Hunters the chance to strike late. The scores were tied up with just over a minute to play when big Willie Minoga showed true determination to touch down on a Boas grubber in goal, sending the mostly pro-PNG crowd into raptures.
The try was sent to the video referee who confirmed the decision – sending the crowd into cheers once again.
Minoga said he was “really emotional” about the win and that the victory was history for his team.
A proud PNG Hunters coach, Michael Marum, told QRL Media that he was already thinking about playing extra time after Minoga scored the try to level the game – just in case the conversion attempt from Boas failed.
The game started badly for the Hunters, with Sunshine Coast racing to a 10– 0 lead after seven minutes. It took the Hunters until the 41st minute to hit back on the scoreboard.
The game was characterised by tough defence, with both teams putting bodies on the line.
After the victory, the Hunters were welcomed back to Port Moresby as heroes. Fire trucks hosed down the Air Niugini plane that they arrived on (Air Niugini is one of the team’s sponsors), followed by a motorcade through the city. ■
Willie Minoga showed true determination to touch down, sending the mostly pro-PNG crowd into raptures.