Learning new lessons is vital

HELLO again to all our loyal fans and supporters. Welcome to this 11th edition of Coach’s Corner in our official print media partner — The National.
I will be the first to admit that Redcliffe showed too much class in the second half to overrun our SP Hunters team in last Saturday’s game in Brisbane.
We have analysed the video and the lessons learned from that game show the difference in skill and standards at this level.
Patience is what we need. The first half of the season is nearly done and the team has learned a lot in turning up week in, week out and being consistent. We will just keep working hard.
The Regional National Schools Championships kicks off in Kokopo for the NGI schools. Under-14, U16, U18 boys and U18 girls talent will be on display.
Next week, the championships goe to Minj for the Highlands schools followed by the weekend after in Lae for the Northern Confederate schools.
Southern schools will have theirs at the end of the month in Port Moresby.
The best players will be selected from these regional championships to represent their confederates at the National Championships in Port Moresby from July 1-8.
This is our future. This is where the basics skills are developed. This is where tackling techniques and other technical areas are learned.
This is where the attitude and character of each individual is tested.
The players — boys and girls — know that the only way is up.
Give your best as many eyes will be watching and following you closely.
Guard your education and be yourself when playing. You and you alone are the master of your destiny.
The PNG Orchids team to play Fiji in Sydney on June 22 is expected to be announced next Tuesday.
I have seen the women train under the watchful eyes of my colleague Nigel Hukula. Having worked with him at the Hunters and Kumuls, he will bring the best out of the women. Well done to those who are selected and wear the red, black and gold jumper with pride and passion as the whole of PNG and supporters from abroad will be following closely.
The PNG LNG Kumuls team to play Samoa in Pool B of the Oceania Cup will be named the following week.
Our media team will confirm the date and time as media protocols have to be met with NRL and Rugby League International Federation.
I am in close contact with the players we have on the radar. I will not disclose if players from England and France are being considered.
We will find out when the team is announced. More on the Kumuls in next week’s column.
The Hunters players and staff and the bigger rugby league family send our sincere condolences to Hunter No.73 Justin Yoka whose beloved mum passed away in Pangia yesterday morning.
We pray for God’s comfort and peace to be with you and the family during this time.
The biggest rugby league spectacle on the planet was played last night.
The result was not known at the time of this article going to press. As I said this time last year when the State of Origin is on, the supporters and those aspiring rugby league players, don’t only watch and support but learn as much as possible the way the game is played.
You can’t be like them, but you can learn many areas of the game to get better.
A referees refresher course starts in Port Moresby today to improve refereeing in the Digicel Cup. Another step in the right direction to lift the standards of our game.
The season is at the half way mark and well done to those teams that won last weekend. We are all learning to improve each week. We are all learning from our mistakes. Learning from every game is vital for a player as well as the team.
Keep those comments — good or bad — coming through to the Hunters Forum on email [email protected].
We value your views and take them into consideration. Until next week, play hard, play safe and play by the rules in whatever sport you’re taking part in.

Cheers Mikz