Paul, Nima swap roles

By PARKER TAMBUA
WITH just one win from four rounds in the Hostplus Cup, SP Hunters coach Matthew Church says he is still trying to find workable combinations for his 11th-placed side.
The South Pacific Brewery-sponsored Hunters will face fifth-placed hosts Burleigh Bears at Pizzey Park on the Gold Coast on Monday (3pm kick-off).
Church told The National yesterday that he had moved Brandon Nima from wing to centre while Gilmo Paul was named at No.2 for the round-five Anzac Day clash.
He said their remaining matches were important with the Hunters aiming to halt a four-game losing streak. “We had planned to make this change for round four, but Nima had an illness which kept him out of that game (against Sunshine Coast Falcons),” he said.
“We are just trying to lock in our best combinations.
“Every game is important as we want to win each contest.
“We are only two points outside the top-eight. We haven’t been far from our best in the past three weeks. I feel we are building towards a strong performance.”
Church said the Hunters were remaining focused on the remainder of the season despite a poor start.
“Our focus remains the same while we learn to play at this level, improve our completion rate and kick well,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Australian said the Hunters took some time away from training and had a good rest during the long Easter weekend.
“After playing for six-straight weeks, we trained up until Friday and the team had a barbeque,” Church said.
“We encouraged all players and staff to get away from football for the rest of the weekend.”
Hunters: Matthew Jesse, Gilmo Paul, Brandon Nima, Benji Kot, Solo Wane, Mark Tony, Jamie Mavoko, Dilbert Isaac, Wesser Tenza, Samuel Yegip, Roderick Tai, Keven Appo, Junior Rop; Interchange – Kingstimer Paraia, Emmanuel Waine, Casey Dickson, Sherwin Tanabi.