Gotuno credits halves, side for hat-trick in win over Ipswich Jets

By PARKER TAMBUA
SP PNG Hunters winger Brendon Gotuno has credited his halves and side’s the right edge for making it possible for him to score a hat-trick in their 44-22 win over Ipswich Jets on Saturday.
Gotuno told The National after their Intrust Super Cup round 2 match that the Hunters’ right edge comprising halfback Charlie Simon, hard running back-rower Keven Appo and centre Brendon Nima had combined well to create time and space for him out wide.
“I felt overwhelmed to score a hat-trick,” he said.
“I’m just really happy with our halves (Charlie Simon and Watson Boas) and my right side block (Appo and Nima) for having trust in me.
“They ran some great lines and attracted defenders, which gave me enough space and time to get to the try line.”
The Port Moresby Viper said the win was an emotional one for the team given the challenges they had gone through over the past couple of months to play in the Intrust Super Cup this season.
“To record our first win and knowing the challenges we faced with the relocation, it really meant a lot to us,” Gotuno said.
“Everyone put their heart out on the field and the win was a reward to players and the coaching staff.”
The former PNG Prime Minister’s 13 winger acknowledged the side’s courage and composure shown in the opening two rounds of the competition. “Despite not playing a trial and coming out of a month in quarantine, the boys’ mental resilience was spot on,” Gotuno said.
“Everyone knows that we have made a commitment to play for our country and we want to make that sacrifice count.”
The 25-year-old said he and his teammates were committed to giving everything for the club throughout the season.