The Papua New Guinea Hunters slumped to a second straight defeat in the Intrust Super Cup rugby league competition, with the Sunshine Coast Falcons prevailing 24-10 to avenge last season's grand final defeat.
The Hunters were missing key forwards Adam Korave and Enoch Maki through injury, while the Falcons were bolstered by the inclusion of Kumuls winger Justin Olam, Tui Kamikamica and Ryley Jacks from the Melbourne Storm.
It was halfback Jacks who opened the scoring at Sunshine Coast Stadium in the 13th minute, with Jake Ainsworth and fullback Matt Soper-Lawler also dotting down to open up an 18-0 lead at the break.
The PNG Hunters have suffered back to back defeats away from home. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Melvin Levongo
Centre Jye Ballinger scored the Falcon's fourth two minutes into the second half to extend the home side's advantage to 24 points.
The Hunters finally got on the scoreboard shortly before the hour mark through second rower Nixon Putt before hooker Wartovo Puara Jnr added another try four minutes later.
However, it proved too little too late for the defending champions, who are in 11th place after three rounds.
