Hunters back Paul excited to retain spot in Church’s squad

SP PNG Hunters back Gilmo Paul is happy to retain his spot in the Matthew Church coached side for the second straight season.
The man from Karinz in Mendi, Southern Highlands, told The National yesterday that he was expecting a call to return to the side for pre-season training.
He said he was not surprised when he received the selection list via WhatsApp.
“I know I did not get many games under my belt in my debut season in the Intrust Super Cup this year,” the 25-year old said.
“But I was glad I get to play few games toward the end of season.
“Despite the limited games I had I was satisfied as I knew I done enough to earn a spot for second straight season.
“It’s a train-on side now but I’m happy I’ve achieved my goal.”
The former Hela Wigmen player, who is a product of the Clancy Warriors in the Mendi league, said he learned a lot of things in his debut season.“It was a challenging year for me to play in a different level of competition for the first time.
“But it’s good to get that short experience.”Paul said his short term goal now was to improve the areas in his game that he had been advised to and to come back a better player.
“I want to work on those weaknesses in the pre-season and go back a better player compared to last season. Paul said he now knows what to expect in the Queensland competition and I had to be in a better position to compete against quality players.
Meanwhile, Paul said he was happy to see several new faces named in the train-on side.
“I’m not new to the new players named as we know each other well at Digicel Cup level.
“If we all happened to make the final squad then we will easily bond together
“It’s good for the team.”