Hunters stick together

By PARKER TAMBUA
SP Hunter Keven Appo says all 32 players in the train-on squad continue to learn from and challenge each other as they head into their fourth week of pre-season preparations.
The former Port Moresby Viper said last week that it was the sort of attitude the South Pacific Brewery-sponsored Hostplus Cup side needed if they were to make the finals for the first time since 2017.
“The new and old players continue to challenge each other at training which is great,” Appo said.
“Although we’re all competing for spots, the good thing is that we are learning from each other.
“The new players show some things the senior men can’t do and vice versa, so we’re supporting each other as a group.
“It’s good to learn and build as a team.”
The forward said relocating to Australia for the 2021 season was tough for most players.
“Relocation was new to most of us, so it had an impact on each player,” Appo said.
“I don’t want to use that as an excuse for our performance.
“But to be honest, it had impacted each player in some way.”
The Eastern Highlander said injuries had also impacted coach Matthew Church’s side despite recording four wins from their opening five games.
“Injuries played a big part in the results,” Appo said.
“Again, that can’t be an excuse as we had players who competed in each game. But injuries create inconsistencies in the line-up which isn’t ideal if you’re trying to establish combinations.”