Hunters coach remains optimistic about squad transition

SP Hunters coach Matthew Church says the transition of new players is always a challenge but they remain optimistic about their development for the Hostplus Cup (formerly Queensland Intrust Super Cup) season.
The South Pacific Brewery-sponsored Hunters had released Enock Maki, Ase Boas, Stanton Albert, Charlie Simon, Mark Pitti, Brendon Gotuno, Norman Brown and Jeffery Robert from their 2021 squad due to varying reasons.
But despite the challenge, Church said he was happy with the progress of his 32-man train-on squad.
“New players are always a challenge,” he said.
“But they have set the standard at training in the first two weeks.
“I’ve always been mindful when speaking to them.
“I tell them not to take a step back when senior players train with them.
“They have added value to our squad and are improving.
“Some of the senior players like Wartovo Puara Jr are helping the new players and talking to them.”
Meanwhile, Church said it would be tough to trim the group to 26 players as everyone in the train-on squad was putting in every effort to make the final cut.
“Everyone is putting their hand up which is what we want to see,” he said.
“Everyone is pushing for spots and they are working hard at training. I couldn’t be happy more with where we are at the moment.”