Glare aims to make Hunters debut this year

JUNIOR Kumuls hooker Finley Glare is ready to step up another level in his rugby league career after being included in the PNG SP Hunters final 30-man squad for the 2024 season.
Glare, who is following the footsteps of his elder brother and former Hunter Warren Glare, said Hostplus Cup debut might not come too soon given that there were a number of hookers in the pecking order.
However, the 20-year-old said he was looking forward to learning from the experienced Judah Rimbu, Tapia Solu and others who’ve been there before him.
“There are couple of quality hookers such as Judah Rimbu and Tapia Solu so I’m learning from them,” said Finley who is a product of Lae Tigers.
“I’ve learnt a lot from them so I will continue to do that and hopefully I get the opportunity to make my debut during the season.
“I know there is competition for spots in the 17-man team list each week and I’ll continue to put my hand up.”
Finley said preseason training was intense but he was satisfied to finally make the cut in Paul Aiton’s top 30.
“It’s been a grueling four months of preseason and it’s a relief now that I’m in the team,” said Finley who hails from Ialibu in Southern Highlands.
“When coach Paul Aiton called my name, it was relieving and probably the happiest moment in my rugby league journey.
“But this is not the end of it, I have my next goals that I want to work towards and I know there’s challenges ahead.
“For a start, I still have to compete to break into the top 17 despite being in the 30-man squad.
“If I get to debut in the Hostplus Cup, then the next target is obviously Kumuls and hopefully getting opportunities to play in leagues overseas”