Marum warns Hunters

By JACK AMI
COACH Michael Marum has warned members of the Hunters training squad that ill-discipline will not be tolerated, as they look to regain their title-winning form from last year.
The Hunters edged the Sunshine Coast Falcons 12-10 in the 2017 Queensland Intrust Super Cup grand final at Suncorp Stadium after a stellar season in which they recorded 17 wins, five losses and a draw in the regular rounds.
This year, they recorded 13 wins and 10 losses to finish seventh and miss out on a place in the six-team finals — thanks to a 38-22 defeat by the second-from-bottom Central Queensland Capras in the final round at Browne Park.
Marum, pictured, knows playing consistent football is tough and believes ill-discipline does not help their cause either.
“There is no messing around,” Marum said.
“If you are ill-disciplined, you will be released for the good of the team.”
Marum said several senior players had been released over the years due to ill-discipline.
“It doesn’t matter whether you are good, if you have an attitude problem, you’ve got to go,” he said.
“The team’s aspirations are greater than one player, so we can’t afford to have any distractions or setbacks.”
Marum said the players released had to return to the Digicel Cup to prove that they were worthy of a spot in the Hunters.
“Everything that we do on and off the field requires a lot of discipline as professional footballers,” he said.
“We should understand and follow the policies set by the Hunters board and the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League.
“We must respect each other in camp, on and off the field, and when out in public.
“There are camp rules that all the players are aware of and follow at all times. The rules also help the players become role models for young footballers.”
Meanwhile, Marum is expected to trim the squad from 42 down to 30 on Sunday, before allowing the players to take a break during the festive season.
The Hunters’ pre-season preparations resume on Jan 19.