HOSTPLUS CUP ROUND 14 MATCH REPORT
The Brisbane Tigers have stormed to a dominant 36–16 victory over the PNG Hunters at Totally Workwear Stadium in Round 14 of the Hostplus Cup, turning around a halftime deficit with a commanding second-half performance.
A blistering start from Tigers skipper Ryley Jacks — who opened the scoring in the second minute off a sharp linebreak — the Hunters responded with typical grit, crossing for three unanswered tries through Judah Rimbu, Elijah Roltinga, and Solo Wane to take a 16–8 lead late in the first half.
Coby Williamson gave the Tigers a much-needed response with a powerful linebreak and try in the 26th minute, but missed conversions left Brisbane trailing 16–8 at the break.
From there, it was all Brisbane.
The second half belonged to the home side, with Jacks taking control and igniting the attack. Jacks led the charge with a double in the space of four minutes, one off a ruck linebreak and another supporting a break by Tahj Wood. With the boot of Keagan Russell-Smith steadying the ship, the Tigers surged ahead 26–16. Suddenly the Tigers were back in front, and they didn’t look back.
Momentum remained firmly with the hosts as Jackson Chang powered over in the 64th minute, before a perfectly timed linebreak from Saimone Ahomana set up a flying Jodeci Baker to seal the result with under six minutes to play.
While errors crept into both sides’ games throughout the match, the Tigers’ superior polish and ability to capitalise on key moments proved the difference.
Head Coach Matt Church is especially pleased with the resilience shown after a tough first half, and with Ryley Jacks again leading by example — bagging a hat-trick and orchestrating much of the Tigers’ best work.
Final Score:
Brisbane Tigers 36 (Tries: Ryley Jacks x 3, Jack Natapu, Coby Williamson, Jackson Chang, Jodeci Baker. Keagan Russell-Smith 4 goals)
PNG Hunters 16 (Judah Rimbu, Elijah Roltinga, Solo Wane tries; Jamie Mavoko 2 goals)
The Tigers now turn their attention to Round 15, looking to build on their momentum as they enter the top 8.
