Lama hungry for more after impressive Hunters debut

SP PNG Hunters centre Clent Lama is looking forward to his second match at Rockhampton against the Central Quuensland Capras after scoring a hat-trick on debut at the National Football Stadium on Saturday.
Lama made the Queensland Rugby League round one team of the week at centre after an impressive performance against Wynnum Manly Seagulls, scoring a total of 18 points.
He credited his commitment to training during their preseason that prepared him well for the season.
“Scoring three tries on debut was a result of hard work and training,” he said about Saturday’s match.
“The preseason was very tough but I knew I had to train very hard and get into the starting line-up, which paid off. I am now looking forward to another weekend of competition.”
From playing with Mendi Muruks in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup to making his debut for the Hunters last weekend, Lama said the feeling was still surreal.
“I made the Hunters preseason squad in 2021 but didn’t get the call back so spent the next two season playing in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup with the Muruks,” Lama said.
“My then coach Roderick Puname told me to focus on what I was good at, put my head down and continue to play.
“Getting into the Hunters 30-man squad and the starting 13 for the opening round this season (2024) is an achievement and I will continue to give my best.”
He said the preseason experience with head coach Paul Aiton and his team of coaches and trainers paid off for him. He said he learned a lot of new skills and techniques each day and week during training. “Coach Aiton and his team have been really great, most of us debutants who came through the intercity competition have learnt a lot of new things and will try to take that experience into account especially for the upcoming matches.”
Meanwhile, Lama is expecting another physical game and expects to go up against former Muruks teammate Bob Tenza when the Hunters take on Central Queensland Capras in Rockhampton.