Hunters say Rau failed to impress

By ROBINSON LEKA
INCUMBENT winger Junior Rau was overlooked for the final SP Hunters squad after he failed to impress on a train-and-trial deal, according to the Hostplus Cup side.
Hunters head coach Matthew Church told The National on Monday that the flyer had been given an opportunity to prove himself during pre-season training prior to Christmas.
“Junior was informed that he would have the pre-Christmas training block to impress the coaching staff to retain him after Christmas,” he said.
“He didn’t meet the training level required of him by the coaching staff and was told that he wouldn’t be returning in the New Year.”
Church said Rau was among eight players who had been offered train-and-trial deals.
“He was released at the end of the pre-Christmas training block,” he said. “He was one of eight players from the 2021 squad who were only offered train-and-trial deals.
“The other 13 returning players were offered 12-month full-time contracts – a first in the Hunters’ history.
“Train-and-trial deals were offered to returning players whose attitudes needed some adjustment.
“If they accepted the offer, it was an opportunity for each individual to prove that they could correct their habits and fit into the values of the Hunters.”
Meanwhile, Church said the squad kicked off their pre-season preparations at Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast on Monday.
“We’re working on combinations, starting the framework for our game plan and challenging the players to see who wants to be selected for round one,” he said.