Hasu set to be focal point of Dabaris coach’s plan

CENTRAL Dabaris new recruit Nick Hasu is set to be the focal point of coach Gairo Pepena’s plans as the club looks to make the finals in the 2021 Digicel Cup season.
Pepena said their game plans would revolve around hooker Hasu, an experienced Digicel Cup player who had played at two other franchises – Lahanis and Isou – as well as spending a season playing for the SP PNG Hunters in Queensland’s Intrust Super Cup.
Pepena said this after his side’s 28-10 win over the Gulf Isou in a trial match yesterday in Port Moresby.
He said while he was pleased with the result, there were some areas of concern which had allowed the Isou to score two tries in the second half.
Pepena said his side completed their sets well in the first half but had a poor second half.
The Dabaris had a strong half and lead 16-0 at halftime.
“I was really disappointed in the second half because of our ball control, our completion rate went down. That was probably because the boys were overconfident but apart from a lot of dropped balls, the play was good,” Pepena said.
“We still have a lot to work on both in our defence and attack.
“We’re still not following our game plans.
“Instead, we’re getting carried away and that’s where mistakes happen.”
Pepena said the key was to have leaders directing play and for the team to collectively follow a game plan.
He said having a player of Hasu’s class was an advantage.
Pepena said Hasu’s combination with halves Sebastian Gausi and Lohia Arua would be important in the team’s ability to be competitive in matches against the competition’s top sides and when playing away matches.
“We were lacking in our spine and needed some control so Nick (Hasu) brings that experience in,” he said.