The 2017 minor premiers the PNG Hunters are into the Intrust Super Cup decider after defeating the Redcliffe Dolphins 6-4 at the National Football Stadium earlier today.
Hunters skipper Ase Boas was the main man for the home side, scoring a try and converting his effort in the 65th minute to put his side in front.
The Hunters continued to put in a strong defensive effort all game – with the Dolphins unable to crack their line.
Both sides threw plenty at each other with Hunters led by the Albert brothers Wellington and Stanton at the front.
They were matched in their efforts by Dolphins forward pack who were well serviced by Matt Lodge and Sam Anderson.
While it was an intense affair with both sides refusing to take a backward step; they were also both guilty of making too many handling errors.
A penalty resulted in the first points of the game – with Phins winger Jonus Pearson successfully slotting the kick in the 18th minute for an early lead.
The visitors were awarded another opportunity to take the two just before halftime and they did so for a 4-0 lead at the break.
The arm wrestle continued into the second half with both sides missing a number of opportunities to score, with handling errors and incomplete sets again thwarting their chances.
However, that all changed with 15 minutes before fulltime, as a penalty gave the Hunters a chance at producing an attacking set.
Boas summed up the situation quickly and dummied his way over to score the only try of the match. Crucially, he added to his already impressive personal points haul this season by converting his own try – and that was just enough to see his into the grand final.
Redcliffe put in an immense effort; but they were also their own worst enemies and coach Adam Mogg will be expecting his side to cut down on their errors in their next game where they will face a fired up Sunshine Coast Falcons side next weekend who downed Easts in their elimination final today.
See full scoring details and final team line-ups for this game at QRL Live
PNG HUNTERS 6 (Ase Boas tries; Ase Boas goal) def REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS 4 (Jonus Pearson, Hugh Pratt goals) at National Football Stadium, Port Moresby.
