The Townsville Blackhawks hosted the PNG Hunters for the beginning of the Round 8 fixtures.
Jack Manski Oval welcomed back the Hunters for the first time in three years since their last match up.
A bad blow at the start of the match for the Blackhawks with skipper Josh Chudleigh injuring his shoulder.
The hosts managed to score the first try through Jaelen Feeney as he dived on a Robert Lui grubber.
The Hunters hit back with a try of their own from a kick through Matthew Jesse diving on a loose ball. The Hunters hit the front when prop Sylvester Namo charged over from close range.
The Blackhawks wrestled back over the advantage after Jaelen Feeney’s cut out ball landed on the chest of Jordan Lipp.
The winger's sideline try was converted by Michael Bell, leaving the half-time score at 12-10.
Match: Blackhawks v Hunters
Round 8 -
home Team
Blackhawks
7th Position
away Team
Hunters
11th Position
Venue: Jack Manski Oval, Townsville
The Hunters were quick to jump to the lead in the second half through Anthony Worot and went back-to-back off the Blackhawks kick-off after Brandon Nima finished a length of the field try, scooping up Terry Wapi’s grubber.
Blackhawks five-eighth Aaron Moore put his team back on the board as he ducked under a tackle to score close the line.
The Hunters powered to more points when Emmanuel Waine broke through the line and offloaded to Sylvester Namo for his double.
Hunters winger Solo Wane added to the visitors lead when he crossed over in the corner.
Taniela Sadrugu scored a consolation try for the Blackhawks when he caught the defence napping from a quick tap off a penalty.
The Hunters crossed for the game’s final try when Tyler Han capitalised on tired defence. The Hunters celebrated their 42-20 with a strong supporter base at Jack Manski Oval.
“The boys really respond to playing in front of a big crowd because it’s what they’re used to playing at home," Hunters coach Matt Church said.
"So whenever we have a big crowd, we genuinely put on a good performance and it was a really good turnout from everyone in Townsville. And the boys were happy to celebrate with our passionate fans."
The Hunters will face Redcliffe Dolphins in Round 9.
Match: Hunters v Dolphins
Round 9 -
home Team
Hunters
12th Position
away Team
Dolphins
10th Position
Venue: Bycroft Oval, Gold Coast
The Blackhawks will take on Ipswich Jets.
Match: Jets v Blackhawks
Round 9 -
home Team
Jets
14th Position
away Team
Blackhawks
7th Position
Venue: North Ipswich Reserve, Ipswich
