Rookie Hunter learning a lot, aims for spot

SP Hunters rookie squad member Saki Peter says he is learning a lot under new head coach Matthew Church as he aims to secure a spot on next season’s roster.
The 22-year-old’s rise to prominence in his Digicel Cup debut season with Waghi Tumbe caught the eye of Hunters selectors who rewarded him with a spot in the training squad.
Peter, who looked up to Ase Boas while he was a high school student playing in the Banz Rugby League competition, told The National that while he was learning new skills under Church, he was also enjoying the opportunity of training with the veteran Hunters five-eighth.
“I like the new coach and his approach,” said Peter, who is a specialist five-eighth. “He is focused on skills, mostly ball drills. I’ve been learning a lot of new things since I came into pre-season camp.
“Ase has a chat with me from time to time. He’s told me of his experiences and the things I need to work on. It feels good to train alongside guys like Ase.”
The 2019 Digicel Cup player of the year said he was not getting too ahead of himself but would focus on getting the basics right during the pre-season.
“I am just focused on achieving my short-term goal and that is to do well in the pre-season,” the Jiwaka native said. “I’m a willing learner so I’m soaking in everything at training. The coaching staff have been really help since I got here and I’m grateful for that.”