Church to trim squad

Hunters to release five players before Christmas

COACH Matthew Church says he will cut his 35-man squad down to 30 before Christmas due to limited time leading up to the SP Hunters’ relocation to Queensland next year.
He said earlier in the week that the squad had to be trimmed compared with past pre-seasons as the visas for his men had to be processed on time for their Intrust Super Cup season-long stay in Australia.
But Church said the squad could be further trimmed before their travel to Brisbane.
“With the relocation, we don’t have much time,” the Australian said.
“So we are looking at just before Christmas to narrow the squad down.
“We are looking at 30 players but that may change as we might narrow it down further, depending on the cap on how many players we have to relocate.
“The 30 players named before Christmas will complete the entire pre-season early next year before we announce who gets the nod.”
Church said he would not name his captain and vice-captain until the final squad was picked.
Meanwhile, the former Sunshine Coast Falcons assistant coach said he had been impressed with the efforts of his rookies since training started last Monday.
“It’s been really positive for most of the young players coming through,” he said.
“Players like (forward) Jeffery Robert and (utility) Judah Rimbu have been leading their respective positions.
“They are willing to learn and it just makes my job easier.”
Church said playmaker Ase Boas, understood to be the frontrunner for the captaincy, was the only player carrying an injury (hand) but added that the 31-year-old would be fit for round one.