The SP PNG Hunters suffered a 20-30 defeat to the Souths Logan Magpies at Santos National Football Stadium on Sunday despite a spirited late comeback in front of their home fans.

The Hunters struck first in just the second minute when Bruce Bawase crossed over to give the home side an early 4-0 lead. However, the Magpies quickly responded through a dominant first-half performance, with Teapo Stoltman bagging a double in the 8th and 16th minutes to swing momentum the visitors’ way.

Souths Logan continued to pile on the pressure as Byron Johnson and Kienan Tempest added tries midway through the half before Callum Eggerling crossed in the 29th minute. Accurate boot work from Kylem Vunipola, who slotted three conversions and two penalty goals, helped the Magpies build a commanding 30-10 advantage before halftime.

The Hunters showed resilience late in the first half with Bawase grabbing his second try in the 24th minute. Clent Lama added the conversion to keep the hosts within reach heading into the break.

Carlos Lung sparked hopes of a second-half comeback when he scored back-to-back tries in the 37th and 39th minutes. Lama converted one of the attempts to reduce the deficit to 30-20, but the Hunters were unable to add further points after the break.

Both sides endured disciplinary setbacks in the second half, with Hunters forward Manisa Kai sent to the sin bin in the 61st minute, while Magpies try-scorer Kienan Tempest was also temporarily dismissed late in the match.

Despite the loss, the Hunters showed attacking promise with four tries, including doubles to both Bawase and Lung. The Magpies, however, proved too strong early, crossing for five tries to secure the victory in fine conditions at the Santos National Football Stadium.