No guts, no glory for Hunters flyer Gotuno

By ISAAC LIRI
NAMED on the wing for the Papua New Guinea Hunters’ final home game of the season, Brendon Gotuno wants to prove that he can be a reliable finisher in the team.
The 22-year-old, from Chimbu and East New Britain, will be determined to add to his tally of two tries when he lines up against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in front of his home fans on Sunday.
Since debuting in round three, when they lost 24-10 to the Sunshine Coast Falcons, the former national AFL representative has struggled to lock down a spot on the wing with Butler Morris, Wawa Paul, Junior Rau, Adex Wera and Edene Gabbie giving coach Michael Marum plenty of options to consider.
According to Marum, Gotuno had been inconsistent until round 14 when he finally got a firm grip of what it meant to be part of the Hunters, which eventually saw him build consistency in the starting side.
Earning a spot on the wing in nine consecutive games since then has proven that Gotuno is a star of the future.
He told the media earlier this week that he was looking to keep the wing spot till the finals and beyond.
“As a first-timer in the Hunters this year, I am enjoying every bit of it,” Gotuno said.
“Playing more than 10 games is an achievement and I look forward to adding to it.
“It’s hard because they’re a lot of good wingers in the team, so I just have to push hard at training every day.
“We all respect each other, so I guess it’s a healthy competition amongst us.
“It’s tough being part of the Hunters because no one owns a spot in the team.
“You just have to prove yourself to the coaching staff by playing well each week,” Gotuno said.
“I am just doing all I can to contribute to the team, complete this season and hopefully earn a spot again next season.
“The important thing I’ve learned from being a Hunter this season is to be committed to the team — put the team first. “Discipline is very important. “Being part of the club has not only helped me to be a good player but a good person in life.”