The CQ Capras found out the hard way that rugby league can be a cruel game, while the PNG Hunters celebrated after playing hard right to the final minutes.
The CQ side had earlier toiled their way back into a gripping season opener against the visitors after finding themselves behind.
After trailing 16-4, the home side hit their straps and for a sustained 20-minute period, were untouchable.
They went bang, bang, bang – running in three quick tries, from which PNG had no answer for.
But just before that last knock-out blow, old habits crept back in and the game was lost with the Hunters getting out of jail 22-16.