Marum calls on clubs to do part

By BENJAMIN KOITAKA
SP PNG Hunters coach Michael Marum has called on the Digicel Cup clubs to be mindful of their duty of care to Hunters players they acquire for matches during the season.
Marum said this after Jack Oii, who has since been released from the Hunters, injured his right shoulder in the first minute of the Central Dabaris-Goroka Lahanis game last Sunday.
Hunters prop Stanton Albert was ruled out for close to two months after suffering a knee injury playing for the Mendi Muruks three weeks ago.
Dilbert Isaac was also injury when played for Rabaul Gurias last weekend.
Marum said the franchise management needed to clear a player’s status and fitness before and after every game.
“Every player trained and looked after here has the right to play in their local clubs but their welfare and health must be a priority,” Marum said.
“We are not stopping them from playing in the Digicel Cup but there has to be a certain level of due diligence taken on the part of clubs. Hunters players must be fully checked and scanned for injuries before sending back to camp.”
Marum said players returning injuries was part and parcel of the game but things would be easier if clubs did their part in assessing injuries and providing reports for the ease of management by Hunters staff.
Marum said while the lure to play in the Digicel Cup if not picked for the Q-Cup was strong players needed to practice some self-discipline particularly if it was advisable for players to stay off the field for a weekend to allow niggling injuries extra time to heal.
Aside from issues with injury management and playing in the Digicel Cup, Marum also noted that some players who had not be recalled to the Hunters squad for games had dropped off in intensity at training and that was a worrying trend.
He said some of the attitudes being exhibited by players was not conducive to an environment where success could flourish.
“It’s a struggle sometimes because guys can’t take and follow simple instructions and cautions,” Marum said.
“Physically we are fit but in terms of attitude some players are not there and that can drag the team down.
“We sacked Joe Joshua and Joe Frank because of their attitude to team rules and ability to function as a part of a team.
“They are great players and have potential but I can’t have individuals being a disruptive influence on the team. It’s not fair on the other players and on the staff so we took this step to send a message to the team that we are a serious rugby league club.”