Church to pick squad for 2022

By ROBINSON LEKA
SP Hunters coach Matthew Church says he will select players from the 2021 Digicel Cup season to join his train-on squad when they kick off pre-season training next month.
The Hunters will again relocate to Queensland for the 2022 Intrust Super Cup (ISC) season.
Church told The National that he had identified a number of Digicel Cup players with him and assistant coach Paul Aiton still reviewing the 2021 season in consultation with local coaches.
“We have identified a number of players and also sought the opinions of local PNG coaches in the Digicel Cup,” he said.
“Assistant coach Paul Aiton and myself are watching all the Digicel Cup games of 2021 to select players.
“We will select a number of players from the Digicel Cup for the 2022 train-on squad that suits the style and game speed of the ISC.”
The Australian coach said he was also looking at players who would suit the standard of discipline set by the Hunters with more talks between his coaching staff and players in the country prior to the pre-season.
“Additionally, we want players of good character that will represent the Hunters and PNG well while they will be required to relocate to Queensland for the 2022 season,” he said.
“We can easily see how they play, but we require feedback for their suitability to the Hunters and what type of young men they are.”
Pre-season training will kick off in Port Moresby in mid-November with the Hunters management to announce a train-on squad.
Church said following the pre-season, a final squad would be selected and relocated to Queensland in late January.