Two tries by Townsville Mendi Blackhawks five-eighth, Kyle Laybutt, left Hunters trailing by two points in the first half of the match at the Jack Maski oval in Townsville.
In the Intrust Super Cup round 23 clash, Hunters opened the scoreboard with an unconverted try from Adex Wera in the 8 minutes to lead 4-0.
Twelve minutes later, the Blackhawks regrouped in a fast pace to capitalise into the Hunters zone with their first from Laybutt to level with Hunters, 4-4.
With only 5 minutes on the clock, Laybutt slid through the Hunters defense for his second to extend the lead to 6-4 at half-time.