Qualifications for coaching, trainers

Hello everyone, welcome to the 20th ‘Churchie’s Comment’ for the year in your favourite rugby league newspaper — The National.
It has been a quiet football week for the SP Hunters as we had some time off with the bye round last weekend.
With not much football to discuss, I thought I would highlight some of the things we have put in place for the staff and playing group over the year so far.
Last week, I mentioned the players and staff undertook the level one National Rugby League coaching and level one sports trainer courses. To return more than 30 players and staff with these qualifications is great for rugby league in PNG.
The players will additionally undertake the level one referees course as well. This will further their rugby league education and get an understanding on all the rules of the game.
Ten players are roughly halfway through their level one strength and conditioning course. Our long-serving staff member, performance boss Solomon Kuliniasi, will also undertake the level two strength and conditioning course over the coming weeks.
For someone like Kuliniasi, it would be almost impossible to undertake this course, being based in PNG. He could always travel to undertake this course, but he is also part of head coach Michael Marum’s Kumuls staff, as we know Test football is generally played at the end of the season. The opportunity to be in Queensland opens some doors for our players and staff to get easier access to these courses.
I’m a life-long learner myself, so it’s important for me to provide opportunities for the Hunters players and staff to grow and learn. It is hoped that this inspires the players to help their communities when they return to PNG. It also opens the door for them to continue in the sport beyond their playing days.
New South Wales entered a lockdown last week, which meant being locked out of flying into Queensland for game two of the State of Origin series. A number of tickets to the previously sold-out event became available which allowed some of our players to attend the Origin match.
Queensland has also gone into lockdown for three days, starting at 6pm on Tuesday, meaning at 6pm on Friday, restrictions will be lifted if the infection rate doesn’t increase. At this stage, our round-12 game against Mackay Cutters will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday at Bycroft Oval (3pm kick-off).
The Hunters are looking to bounce back and see some positive results for all of our hard work over the past seven games. The Cutters will be just as hungry to record a win, so we will need to be up for the battle.
Until next week, stay safe, play safe and let’s all respect and be kind to each other.

Cheers,
Matt