Church open to extension

Sports
Hunters coach: Decision will depend on outcome of next year’s campaign

By PARKER TAMBUA
SP Hunters coach Matthew Church says he is open to staying on with the 2017 Queensland Intrust Super Cup (ISC) champions when his tenure expires at the end of next season.
The Australian told The National yesterday that he was keen on remaining in the role if all parties, including the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League, were happy with the outcome of the Hunters’ 2021 campaign.
“There is an option for a third year,” said the former Sunshine Coast Falcons assistant coach.
“It’s possible that I’ll remain with the Hunters in 2022.
“When I accepted the role (in late 2019) it was for two years (2020 and 2021).
“No-one was to know that the Covid-19 pandemic would limit my time in PNG.
“The ISC cancellation and Hunters’ Queensland relocation next year will mean I have only about seven months in PNG across my two-year contract.
“I feel that I have a lot to offer the game in PNG.
“So if I am entrusted with carrying on my duties beyond 2021 then we will discuss the extension.”
The Hunters only played one match under Church which they won 32-30 against the South Logan Magpies in round one early this year.
The competition then was suspended after the opening round and later cancelled due to the pandemic.
Starting his coaching career in 2006, Church took over from foundation coach and PNG Kumuls boss Michael Marum.
Marum guided the side for six seasons since the Hunters’ inaugural campaign in 2014, including winning an ISC premiership.
Meanwhile, the 37-man Hunters train-on squad had their first pre-season training session at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Monday.