Direct play crucial: Coach

SP Hunters coach Matthew Church says it is crucial that his 2017 Queensland Intrust Super Cup (ISC) champions play direct and avoid lateral movement in attack.
The former Sunshine Coast Falcons assistant coach wants the Hunters to pick up from where they left off after their 32-20 comeback win over the Souths Logan Magpies in the only game of last season.
However, it is easier said than done as the level of attack in Australia’s second-tier competition continues to evolve in terms of speed and fluidity.
“It’s about the habits at the ISC level, playing faster and direct,” Church said.
“We have to play a lot more direct compared with Papua New Guinea rugby league where everyone wants to run towards the corner posts.
“Habits like that are hard to correct, and it will take a lot of time and effort to do that.
“That is something we have been working on at training, just to make sure that playing direct with speed becomes second nature among our players.”
Meanwhile, Church said their pre-season camp would resume on Sunday after his train-on squad were given more than a week off to spend time with their families during the festive period.
The Australian said he had given training programmes to his men to follow during their break.
“We’ve encouraged them to find a gym and do some weights,” Church said.
“This is basically to let them know that when they come back, they’ll be expected to pick up from where they left off.”
Church has already finalised his 30-man squad which he intends to name in the New Year ahead of their relocation to Australia for next season.