Hunters rookies impress

PAPUA New Guinea SP Hunters coach Paul Aiton has praised four of his debutants on their Hostplus Cup performance in the win over Wynnum-Manly Seagulls in the opener on Saturday at the National Football Stadium.
Aiton said Clent Lama, Robert Mathias, Weiyah Koi and Elijah Roltinga proved that they deserved to be in the 17.
“They (debutants) were really good, all four of them played really well,” Aiton said.
“For Clent Lama to score three tries on debut that is huge; Weiyah Koi also scored one.
“The four players were not out of place in the game though it was their first game. They looked like they belonged here and they deserved to be here.”
Lama was one of the top performers making two line breaks and scoring 18 points – three tries and three goal conversions.
Mathias made one try assist and a line break assist as well, while Roltinga made two tackle breaks which made it possible for couple of line breaks in the game.
Aiton would certainly maintain the winning team for round 2 which will see the Hunters face Central Queensland Capras in Rockhampton.
The former Penrith Panther would keep all four debutants from round 1, however Mathias could be an exception as he was yet to sort out his visa.
Joshua Mire and Manisa Kai, who were named at No.18 and No.19 respectively for round 1 might get a chance to come in for Mathias. Meanwhile, Aiton was impressed with the speed of the ruck especially with Judah Rimbu managing the game.
Aiton said Rimbu’s NRL preseason with the Dolphins provided the game management skill which was evident in the game against Wynnum-Manly.