Choice of Hunters coach irks Chow

By LARRY ANDREW
LAE Snax Tigers owner Ian Chow yesterday expressed his disappointment after Digicel Cup-winning coach Stanley Tepend was overlooked for the top job at the SP Hunters.
Out of the 14 applications, Tepend was shortlisted alongside new Hunters coach Matthew Church and former development officer Shane Morris.
It is understood that one of the requirements the Papua New Guinea Kumuls assistant coach failed to meet was a level two coaching certification from the National Rugby League.
Following Tuesday’s appointment of Church as Michael Marum’s successor, Chow said it was one thing to be certified and another to have a proven track record as a coach.
“Stanley has a track record of achievements,” he said. “He was (Kumuls coach) Marum’s assistant when PNG beat the visiting Great Britain Lions (28-10) last weekend.
“Kumuls interchange rake Edwin Ipape, who starred in the win, will be travelling to Australia next week for a trial with the Manly Sea Eagles. He is a product of Stanley’s.
“If you are going to assess Stanley, then do so by his results and achievements in rugby league.
“In nine years, Tepend has achieved five minor premierships, three premierships and next year will be his third Melanesian Cup.”
Chow said Tepend was the coach of one of the most successful clubs in the country’s premier rugby league competition.
He said Tepend’s systems and mentorship was the backbone of the Tigers’ consistent campaigns over the years.
Chow said Tepend had all the traits to lead the Hunters in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup.