Balance crucial: Tepend

STANLEY Tepend says it is crucial that he balances his new role as the national men’s rugby league team head coach with his existing job as an assistant mentor of the SP Hunters.
The former Kumuls playmaker was appointed on an eight-month contract to prepare the Papua New Guinea Kumuls for the June 25 Pacific Test and end-of-year World Cup.
“I’m just humbled and grateful for the opportunity,” Tepend said of last week’s appointment.
The Digicel Cup premiership-winning former Lae Tigers mentor said joining the Hunters’ coaching staff had so far been a learning curve.
“The last few months have been interesting,” Tepend said.
“There’s a lot of work to be done with the Pacific Test fast approaching. I need to make sure I balance both roles because first and foremost I’ve got a job to do here with the Hunters.
“I’m thankful for the support around me.” Meanwhile, the Hunters congratulated Tepend on his appointment. The club board and management said he was thoroughly deserving of the opportunity, having enjoyed great Digicel Cup success, and proving an invaluable member of the Hunters’ coaching staff this year.
The Hunters said Tepend had their full support in accepting the new role while also fulfilling his duties as an assistant coach in the Hunters’ Hostplus Cup campaign.
Hunters chairman Stan Joyce said he was delighted with the announcement.
“On behalf of the Hunters, I would like to extend congratulations to Stanley on his appointment as the Kumuls head coach,” he said.
“Stanley is doing a wonderful job as an assistant coach of the Hunters, and I am pleased to see him get the opportunity to further his development with the national (men’s) side.”