Ex-Hunter Maki to take up new role as Vipers assistant coach

By SULI SULI
FORMER SP Hunters enforcer Enoch Maki is ready to take on a new role with the Port Moresby Vipers after being named as the club’s assistant coach.
The 33-year-old will assist head coach Joe Sipa in this year’s Digicel Cup season following his retirement from the game last year.
Maki said he was keen on furthering his career in the coaching arena and was looking forward to the challenges his new job would offer.
“As a player converting into coach, it’s a different role altogether,” Maki told The National yesterday during the Vipers first preseason training session at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.
“I look forward to taking on the challenge. It will be a new environment for me.
“I’ve always been in the field playing but this time I’ll be watching from the sidelines, and the pressure is different.
“It’s quite challenging but I’m excited to be the assistant coach for Vipers and will work together with Joe to deliver positive results this season.”
The Western Highlander had a glittering rugby league career after winning the 2013 Digicel Cup grand final with the Vipers.
His stint that year earned him a spot in the PNG Kumuls squad where he made his debut in the 2013 World Cup that took place in England, Wales, France and Ireland.
He was part of the 2017 SP Hunters team that won the Queensland Intrust Super Cup (now Hostplus).
Maki was in his career best form in the 2017 World Cup, where PNG won all its pool games in Port Moresby.
He was with the Hunters in 2021 before rejoining his local club where he retired at the end of last season.
Maki told The National that his aim was to help players build a career in rugby league and help the club end its premiership drought.
“All the teams work towards reaching the finals every season and that’s our goal for 2023,” he said.
“As a new member of the coaching staff and having to play footy for a very long time, I believe the experience I’ll impart to the team will add value as we aim to finish in the top 4.
“I think one of my goal is to mentor the players especially the young guys.
“I want to help them build their skills and game level so they have a good career to at least be in the Hunters and maybe one day represent the country in Kumul colours.
“I’m eager to work with the boys and see how they progress throughout the season.”