Tente wants to get better

By MICHAEL PHILIP
RABAUL Guria Nathan Tente says he will continue improving as a rake in the upcoming Digicel Cup season despite not making the final cut for the SP Hunters.
The No.9 told The National early this week that despite not making the final 26-man South Pacific Brewery-sponsored squad, he would improve in the areas pointed out by Hunters coach Matthew Church.
“I have nothing to worry about,” said Tente, who will turn 20 on Nov 12.
“I enjoyed my time with the Hunters during pre-season training as I had learnt a lot under Church and assistant coach Paul Aiton and Stanley Tepend.
“It’s not too late for me (to make the Hunters final squad).
“For now, I just have to concentrate on pre-season training with the Gurias and continue improving.
“My focus now is to improve my passing and tackling skills, strength and conditioning, and staying injury-free all season.
“I am just beginning to build my career, so I am happy that whatever I’ve learnt in the pre-season will boost my performances in the Digicel Cup.”
Tente said his Hunters train-on squad selection had seen him become a leader at the Agmark-sponsored Gurias.
With high expectations of him, the East New Briton said he was not taking the pre-season lightly.
“Being part of the Hunters pre-season training for the first time was as an honour,” Tente said.
“My Hunters stint saw me earn the respect of fellow Gurias squad members and the coaching staff.
“So I have to lead by example on and off the field by demonstrating good sportsmanship.”
With the Gurias’ inclusion of fellow 2022 Hunters train-on squad members Wartovo Puara Jr and Epel Kapinias, Tente is primed for stronger Digicel Cup season.
Meanwhile, Tente is one of four players on standby should Church need them during the Hostplus Cup season this year.