The Papua New Guinea Hunters have started the defence of their Super Cup rugby league title in style, defeating the Ipswich Jets, 22-12.
The PNG Hunters in action against the Ipswich Jets. Photo: Melvin Levongo
The round one clash at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby was Michael Marum's 100th game as Hunters coach.
The home side scored first when star halfback Watson Boas stepped through the defence just five minutes into the game.
A handling error by the Jets set up the Hunters' second five minutes later, as stand in fullback Adex Wera took an offload to sprint 20m to score
But the Hunters were also guilty of mistakes with Pio Seci scooping up a loose ball to score for Ipswich in the corner in the 26th minute.
Right on half-time Watson Boas swooped for his second try of the match to give the defending champions a 16-6 going into the half-time break.
The Jets dominated possession at the start of the second half but couldn't turn the pressure into points until their skipper Nathaniel Neale crossed the line in 75th minute.
But the visitors comeback was short lived with the Hunters captain Ase Boas scoring his sides' fourth try right on full time.
Boas converted his own try and two others, but said he would look for improvement from his side in their round two match with the Northern Pride on Saturday in Cairns.
"We're happy with the win 'cause that's what we wanted to start off with," Ase Boas said.
"Like coach said, a lot of work to do but at least we come up with a win."
