Finals Week 3 Sunday wrap: Devils book in third grand final in four years

"I'm happy and excited but pretty calm," he said of the win.

"We've been poor starting in the back end of the season so we really wanted to focus on that today.

"It was very pleasing we were able to do that but still patchy in making some silly errors but that's part of the game as well.

"We'll take the good with the bad and look forward to next weekend at Kayo Stadium.

"I know there's a job to do next week. It's a big week and an emotional week. It's exciting for the boys that haven't been there before."

The Devils' fast start kicked off with a barnstorming Oryn Keeley, who bagged a try in the 5th minute.

With the Hunters on the back foot, the Devils capitalised quickly, scoring through winger Blake Paskins in the 12th and forward Cooper Jenkins in the 16th.

From here, the rest of the match started to see-saw as PNG fought their way back in, showing plenty of guts and determination.

But every time the gritty Hunters outfit came close, the Devils responded strongly and held them at bay to finish with the same 16-point lead they started with.

Ahead of their date with the Dolphins on Sunday, Ahearn said he wants to see more of the same from his team at Kayo Stadium.

"We have to start well and stick together," Ahearn said.

"It's all about process and we've been that way driven all year. Stick to processes and stay connected and complete high and that will go a long way.

"Reddy did awesome yesterday against Pride and came away with a win up there in tough conditions. They're going to be up for it and it's going to be a good contest."

Ahearn originally retired from rugby league at the end of the 2023 season to pursue a career as a firefighter.

But once he worked out the balance with his new job, he returned to the Devils mid-season with a glimmer of hope he could get one more premiership.

"When I came back I was excited about the opportunity," he said.

"It was nearly a whole new squad and I knew the talent they had. I wanted to come back and contribute in anyway I could... Hopefully lead and control a bit and help guide them to a grand final.

"Unfortunately we've lost some troops along the way...  but we're building nicely and have to stay focused for one more."

The Hunters were left heartbroken after the preliminary final loss, following an impressive month of football which saw them go on a red hot run to this point.

Despite the loss, skipper Ila Alu said they never gave up, even scoring in the final minute through hooker Judah Rimbu.

"I couldn't be prouder of the group," Alu said.

"We said we were a top four side and we believed in that and we played our hearts off today. It wasn't our day today.

"As much as I hurt from the loss, I couldn't be prouder of the boys.

"We said we had to give an 80-minute performance and despite the scoreboard, we just kept turning up for each other... that's how much heart and pride we have for the jersey."

For a wrap of Saturday's preliminary final thriller between the Redcliffe Dolphins and Northern Pride, click here.

Catch all of the action live and free at Qplus.tv.

To get your tickets to this year's highly-anticipated Queensland Rugby League grand final day, presented by Ford, click here.