Abavu, Rop let go by Hunters

Sports

BLAND Abavu and Junior Rop were released indefinitely from the SP PNG Hunters on disciplinary grounds.
This brings to four the number of players released from coach Michael Marum’s squad for breaching team rules — Joe Frank and Joe Joshua were given their marching orders in April for breaking the club’s drinking policy.
Marum said it was disappointing to see senior players failing to follow the club’s protocols.
Marum left the door ajar on the possible return of the two players, saying that while the club had the right to penalise ill-disciplined players their form and record could see them come back into consideration.
“Discipline has been an issue in camp,” Marum said.
“We have lost so many games but that is no reason to become slack and not maintain standards.
“When you are in the Hunters camp discipline is paramount and we can’t tolerate players breaking our rules.”
Marum said Abavu was dropped from the squad for tardiness to training.
“Abavu was released for turning up late to training. I know he has school to attend to but he made a commitment to the Hunters and has to manage that.”
Marum said Abavu could now focus on his other commitments and complete them and if his availability and form warranted it he would be considered for the Hunters later in the season.
Marum said Rop was released for breaching the club’s drinking policy.
He said Rop had been warned earlier in the season on the same issue.
“Junior Rop has also been released indefinitely because of his alcohol consumption.
“We warned him earlier in the season after he broke our team rule but he did it again so we had no choice,” Marum said.
Marum maintained that while the pair’s indiscretions did not seem serious a standard needed to be set and maintained to be fair to everyone.