The PNG Hunters have come from the clouds after a slow start to 2018, remaining in the chase for the Intrust Super Cup finals with a 40-16 win against Wynnum Manly.
Reigning premiers after their fairy tale 2017 victory, the Hunters struck a blow against the Seagulls in the opening seconds via Wartovo Puara and went on a run to lead 20-6 at halftime.
Victory notched the Hunters' sixth win in succession, a stark reversal on earlier this season when they lost six from seven games at one point.
After losses for the Norths Devils and Sunshine Coast Falcons on the same weekend, the contenders for the Intrust Super Cup finals has been whittled down to seven hopefuls.
Redcliffe (33pts, +189), Burleigh (32pts, +132) and Townsville(30pts, +219) are safe.
Meanwhile, one team must miss out from the pursuing pack of Easts Tigers (28pts, +103), Northern Pride (28pts, +70), PNG (28pts, +42) and Ipswich (26pts, +41).
PNG can put their own destiny beyond threat with a win against the CQ Capras on Saturday at 6pm.
While that may seem a relatively straightforward task, given the Capras are second-last on the ladder, CQ is notoriously stronger when playing at home.
The Capras have won six of 10 games at Browne Park this season, while the Hunters have only won three of 10 away games in 2018.
Other key match-ups from the coming round which will determine the top six are Easts v Burleigh, Northern Pride v Tweed Heads, and the final game of the regular season, Norths v Ipswich.
Final team lists and full scoring details from Round 23 games available at QRL Live.
Click here for updated ladder in its entirety.
PNG HUNTERS 40 (Edene Gebbie 2, Wartovo Puara, Adex Wera, Mekenzie Yei, Moses Meninga, Ase Boas, Watson Boas tries; Ase Boas 4 goals) def WYNNUM MANLY SEAGULLS 16 (Jayden Berrell, Delouise Hoeter, Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard tries; Michael Dobson 2 goals) at Oil Search National Football Stadium.
