Aiton: No lodging excuse

AFTER back-to-back losses to Redcliff Dolphins and Burleigh Bears in the last two rounds, PNG SP Hunters coach Paul Aiton says the players have to be mentally prepared heading into their weekend matches.
Senior players Jamie Mavoko and Anthony Worot said individual preparedness was vital for the Hunters squad if they were to salvage their season.
The National asked coach Paul Aiton during Tuesday’s training session if the current players’ boarding arrangement had an impact of the team’s performances.
Compared to this year’s team, the 2017 Hunters squad that went on to win the team’s maiden Queensland Cup premiership were accommodated and camped all season at the Gateway Hotel.
This is not the case in recent years with some players opting to reside with their families while others lived in the Hunters camp.
However, Aiton said that this should not be an excuse.
“Well the contract of the players was done before I came in, I don’t have dealings with that. What I was given was team that is a pathway for PNG players,” Aiton said.
“When I first moved to Penrith Panthers, I didn’t live in camp, I was told to go live with another young player and a family I didn’t know. That’s just the way it was, why I would be complaining about living with a family I didn’t know. You do what you can to get to where you want to go.
“For PNG players who are playing overseas, some live with families, some live with another player, it is what it is; players have to be responsible.
“I won’t use any of that as an excuse, if there is a player in my team who is living out of camp and his performance is dropping, well that player won’t make the team, simple.”