Meninga eyeing big second year

By ISAAC LIRI
AFTER a successful debut year with the PNG Hunters and the PNG Kumuls last year, forward Moses Meninga is fired up for another big season in the Queensland Cup.
The 25-year-old returned to camp on January 5 with other Hunters players that played for the PNG Kumuls at the World Cup.
For the Western Highlander last year was a long and challenging season in which he was part of the Q-Cup premiership-winning side and then went on to play in the World Cup.
“It was a long year for us, especially for me and the boys that went on to represent the country at the World Cup,” Meninga said.
“After the World Cup we went for a good long break and we rested well until Jan 4 when we returned to camp,” Meninga
“It was my first year with the Hunters last season and I then went on to the Kumuls so it was a remarkable season for myself achieving a lot in my debut year.
“I think the challenge for me this year is to maintain that similar enthusiasm and use last year’s experiences as a stepping stone to have a successful year and also improve on some areas where I was lacking in.
“I think this year can be better for myself personally that is why I am working so hard in training at the moment.
“My major challenge last year was getting fit week in week out and I had an injury along the way but fortunately I seem to have overcome those obstacles.”
Meninga also referred to the loss of the Albert brothers as a challenge for them this season as they gear up to defend the premiership.
“It is a big loss for us, especially in the forward department in terms of size but I think the replacements are good, the thing that’s missing is probably the experience.
“Apart from the loss it’s a gain to have Adam Korave back. He’s a strong runner and very tough.
“I am sure he will be leading the boys as he used to do in the previous years.
“I think he’ll lead well and perform to the expectations of our coaching staff.”