Hunters a work in progress: Tassell

 By MARTIN LIRI

THERE is still a lot of work to be done before the PNG Hunters are ready for their season opener in the Queensland Cup next month. 

PNG Rugby Football League chief executive Brad Tassell made these remarks after the SP Hunters’ 30-18 loss to the Central Queensland Capras on Saturday night in Rockhampton.

“The trial matches were valuable for us, particularly as it was the first time this group of players have played together,” Tassell said.  

“The players now have a taste of this level and what it will take to be competitive and that’s a big plus for us at this stage. The majority of this comes down to mental preparation – we are fit enough, strong enough and talented enough. We need to be mentally strong week after week, which is what it takes at this level.”

Coach Michael Marum and his backroom staff will have plenty of work to get these areas fixed when they return home today.

“We are under no illusions about the amount of work we still have to do. Michael (Marum) and his coaching staff will identify the areas we need to work on and be better at before our first game against Redcliffe on March 2nd.”

And one area that will need a lot of attention is the Hunters’ discipline and ball control.

That was an aspect of the Hunters game which hurt them badly in a game where they used 21 players to the Capras 29.

“There were a lot of basic errors we need to fix up and that’s what trials are for.”

At half-time the Capras led 18-6 and held the advantage 24-12 by the third quarter.

“It was pleasing that although we gave away a lot of possession we held them to only six points in the second half and we put on 12 points,” Tassell said.

“Having said that the Capras rotated 29 players and were able to rest their big men after 20 minutes.”

 “Overall the trials were valuable for us to work out where we are fitness wise.”

“We have to continuously work on our discipline with the ball and mentally with the players to back up every week in a tough comp.”

After the season opener against Redcliffe on March 2 away, the Hunters have three consecutive games at home in Kokopo in conditions that should suit them as games will be played at 2.30pm.

These are against Mackay Cutters (March 8), Capras (March 15) and Northern Pride (March 22).