Hunters Kokoda Cup drought since 2018

SP PNG Hunters continued their Kokoda Cup losing streak, hunted down by a resilient Burleigh Bears outfit, 24-48 at UAA Park in Gold Coast, Australia.

Hunters haven’t held the Kokoda Cup since 2018, and the hopes to end the seven years drought was faded by eight tries defeat in Hostplus Cup round 7 encounter on Saturday.

A disappointment Hunters coach Paul Aiton said the "biggest takeaway is that we weren't in it [match] at the start at all," Aiton told QRL media after the 24-points loss.

"They're a great team... they (Bears) played really fast, aggressive.... they played really tight and we were loose... I don't think we came to play mentally."

The Kokoda Cup was introduced in 2014 and has been annually played in the ANZAC round between the Bears and Hunters.

Hunters won the cup twice, in 2015 and 2017, but Bears have dominated the Kokoda Cup record with 10 wins, 8 on the trot.    

Bears captain Sam Coster described the match as an important event dedicated to all the service men and women in World War I and II.   

"It's always good and a good honour (to play in the ANZAC jersey for the Kokoka Cup)... it's an honour to be able to have this game every year with PNG. Feel very privileged to play on such a great weekend," Coster said.

Hunters stalwart Judah Rimbu was awarded the player of the match medal along with Bears play-maker Josh Rogers for their spirited efforts.

Rimbu was classy off the dummy mark as he scored a 4-pointer in Hunters five-try loss.

Despite the meager defeat, the Hunters showed some positive signs with Aiton highlighting preparation as an important aspect of the game. 

"Preparation is great... we're better looked after now than we ever have been, making sure everything is in place... you can do all that but if the players don't come mentally prepared to play.... I'll be focusing on that," Aiton said.