Marum to step down

MICHAEL Marum, pictured, says he will stepping away from his role as SP Hunters coach next year to concentrate more on his responsibilities as coaching director.
But the former Rabaul Gurias coach said he would still be involved with the 2017 Queensland Intrust Super Cup premiership-winning side as they aim to rediscover their mojo from next year.
“There was a succession plan for us to bring in coaches where we brought (assistant coaches) Glen Nami and Roderick Puname and me becoming coaching director,” he told The National.
“I want to focus more on our next group of young players coming through.”
Marum said he would lead the PNG Kumuls as coach at the 2021 World Cup in England.
Asked what disappointed him the most about the Hunters’ campaign this year, the 45-year-old said: “(At the) beginning of the season, we didn’t say we were going to play finals football.
“All we were asking for from the players were their 100 per cent commitment to the team and when we didn’t get off to a good start, players lost confidence and struggled to handle pressure at a higher level.
“We lost our key players to clubs overseas and it’s not easy to replace (them) with the new players we have as it will take time.
“There’s issues with player discipline but every club goes through that every year.”
The Hunters are second from bottom, with just three wins from 15 matches.
The have eight matches to restore some pride, with a place in the playoffs beyond their reach.
Marum said since their debut season in 2014, the Hunters had made significant progress in what is arguably the second toughest rugby league competition in the world, behind the NRL.
“We have the best club record over the five years,” he said.
“Our debut season saw us drawing massive crowds at our home and away games.
“In 2015, we had and unbeaten run of 17 matches but we lost in the finals.
“There was the 2017 premiership. I also won the coach of the year awards in 2015 and 2017.”
Marum said he would focus more on the junior development in rugby league in Papua New Guinea.