Ellison eyes Digicel Cup consistency
By MICHAEL PHILIP
RABAUL Gurias winger Roy Ellison says he is aiming for consistency in the upcoming Digicel Cup season following an injury-disrupted 2021 campaign, in which he missed seven matches.
The former SP Hunter told The National that he had been doing his own training in an effort to rebound from an ankle injury.
The Agmark-sponsored Gurias kick off pre-season training later this month.
fence.
Ellison said the Gurias had recruited Francis Ray as head coach for the next two seasons after a tough 2021 season, in which they bowed out in the first week of the finals at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
“We tried our best last season, but were unable to progress deeper into the finals as we fell short to Tumbe,” he said.
“It all comes back to commitment on the pitch and during training.
“I was unable to play for seven games due to an ankle injury, but I made a comeback in the last five rounds before we got knocked out.
“I am hopeful that next season will be better.
“I am maintaining my fitness ahead of pre-season training.”
Ellison said he was eager to learn new skills from former Papua New Guinea Kumul and Mt Hagen Eagles legend Ray.
The Hunter No.83, who made his Hostplus Cup (formerly Queensland Intrust Super Cup) debut against Easts Tigers in Wabag, Enga, in 2019, said he needed to focus on his short-term goals.
“My aim is to remain injury-free in order to play consistent rugby league this year,” Ellison said.
“I’m hoping to re-gain my form and earn another shot with the Hunters.
“But it all depends on my performances.
“I need to have a strong pre-season.
“The areas I’ll be working on are my edge defence, speed and footwork.”