Simon wants to set pace

By PARKER TAMBUA
SP PNG Hunters playmaker Charlie Simon says the inclusion of rookie halves Judah Rimbu and Solomon Pokare in the 2021 squad means he will have to work hard to maintain his spot in the starting side.
The former Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s 13 captain said on Monday that 29 players in Hunters roaster would compete for spots in the first 17 every week and that it would be healthy as far as the team performance was concerned.
Simon said he had learned a lot from veteran Ase Boas and former Hunter Watson Boas when he joined the side in 2018.
He said it was time to take the lead and set the pace for the squad’s other halves.
“This will be my fourth year with the Hunters and I feel that I have to take the lead on the field and be an example to the other playmakers in the team,” the Lae Tiger said.
“Rookies like Judah Rimbu and Solomon Pokare are quality players.
“I played against them in last year’s Digicel Cup grand final (when they played for Hela Wigmen).
“They (Pokare and Rimbu) are creative and always keen to learn new styles that comes with the change of the game especially in playmaking role.
“This means I have to work harder to maintain my spot in the starting side.
“Such competition is healthy because it makes you to push yourself harder.”