Hunters help in discipline

By PARKER TAMBUA
WAGHI Tumbe say the inclusion of SP Hunters’ Emanuel Waine, Casey Dickson, Joe Frank and Baundo Aba has improved their level of discipline for the upcoming Digicel Cup season.
Tumbe coach Joe McConnor told The National yesterday that the Intrust Super Cup players had boosted the Jiwaka government-sponsored side’s preparations ahead of their round-one clash with reigning premiers Lae Tigers in the Morobe capital on July 5.
“The presence of our Hunters recruits has boosted our confidence and team spirit,” he said.
“We’ve been training over the last two weeks and having these players in camp, they are are like role models to the rest of the squad.
“They bring experience and quality to the team and they are bonding well with the rest of our players.
“Other notable recruitment is former Guria Gene Markham. He’s a strong player so he’ll certainly provide a boost for us.”
He said five-eighth Saki Peter, who was also part of the Hunters training squad during pre-season last year, would lead their backline this season.
Meanwhile, McConnor said Tumbe had 35 players who had been training in four groups in Minj.
“We are adhering to the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) Covid-19 protocols,” he said.
“We are training in four groups. Our players are using hand sanitizers and their temperatures are being checked regularly.
“We are residing at Minj Lodge. We also have a gym there so the players are making most of it.”
McConnor said PNGNRLC manager Stanley Hondina had warned that no trial matches were to be played prior to the season kick-off on July 5.