Down time for Hunters

 A HOME cooked meal and catching up with family is just what the PNG Hunters need to re-focus for the next 14 matches in the Queensland Cup rugby league competition.

The SP Lager sponsored PNG Hunters have been given their first break after exploding out of the blocks in the heartland of QLD’s premier competition.

Five wins, three losses and one draw … the Hunters are the talk of the competition.

After nine matches, and a three month heavy lead-up preparation on top of that, coach Michael Marum has told his battle weary charges to “go home and get re-charged” because when they return they will work twice as hard.

Marum, speaking from his home at Matalau Gelagela in the East New Britain province said five days at home is the best remedy.

“We’ve been together since November last year without a break…I’m sure the players are looking forward to catching up with family and having their favourite home cooked meal,” Marum said.

“They will need it as the next two games are against third placed Wynnum Manly Seagulls at Kalabond and fourth placed North Devils at Bishop Park,” he said.

“On top of that we are entering the business end of the competition and to be in fifth at this stage has exceeded all expectations,” Marum, pictured, said.  

Marum said it has been a breathtaking nine weeks that he, the coaching staff, management and the players were definitely not prepared for. 

“The players are steadily settling in a totally different competition with the high expectations and off-course the hype created through the media and social networking whether critical or good,” he said.

“There is no quick fix remedy to this as the players who come from vast different backgrounds are themselves learning new things like myself at this level.” 

Marum said the break should help to mend minor injuries to Willie Minoga (shoulder), George Benson (calf), Adam Korave (ankle), Brandy Peter (knee) and Timothy Lomai (wrist).

“Timothy will return after the two week suspension for the Devils match, so that is encouraging,” he said.

When asked about some of the positives, the former Kumul rake said their individual statistics on the players have shown big improvement.

He highlighted half-back Roger Laka who at the start averaged two or three tackles or supporting tackles. “Now he is working much harder with 15 to 17 tackles…and that’s not supporting tackles,” Marum said.

In terms of defence, Marum said the two smallest men in hooker Wartovo Puara Junior and Sebastian Pandia are averaging over 20 tackles per game.  

“Our coaching staff are working hard to addresses all issues to make a difference and I can say that it is the small minor issues whether on or off the field that we are working to address to set a foundation for the future.”

Marum said glaring daily issues are the players bad habits. “You must understand where these players came from…ultimately old habits die hard but the longer we plug away at them they will adapt to change,” he added.

 “We can still do better that I do know and come this Saturday it’s full on back at Bomana.”