We’re heading in the right direction

Hello and welcome to the third edition of the Coach’s Corner where I share my thoughts on our team, the SP PNG Hunters.
Firstly, let me thank those who responded with their comments — positive reinforcement and constructive criticism — in the Hunters Forum published on Tuesday.
I value your thoughts and suggestions. These comments give me and the coaching staff some of the little things we may miss. Getting the small things right is a good reminder and am sure the boys read The National newspaper and see for themselves.
We will get back to Bob Kebaja and his team to arrange a time to share the Thursday devotion. We really appreciate the interest to assist in this regard.
Please continue sending your comments and thoughts – good and bad – to the email address below.
In the first two games, we didn’t score any points. The next two, we scored 40 points. But the ability to be consistent was and is lacking. This is one area, of several, we are working hard on to correct – to be consistent.
My coaching staff and I will continue to uphold the values I shared last week by dropping players who don’t have the courtesy to inform the management of their whereabouts when they miss compulsory team meetings.
Injuries are part and parcel of our game. This weekend captain Adex Wera (hip), vice- captain Moses Meninga (ankle) and Wawa Paul (ankle) have been ruled out. I have to be prepared for these situations.
Jerry Teme and Jack Oii will make their debuts as Hunter No.78 and No.79 respectively when they run on at some stage off the bench. The enthusiasm and keenness they’ve shown at training gives me the confidence that they will perform at this level.
Last week, debutants Shane Haro, Kevin Appo and Epel Kapinias showed that they are ready to step up. The experience on the field and the video reviews we go through as a team is helpful for these young men. We are heading in the right direction. The process is gradual but the outcome will be best for everyone.
The Intrust Super Cup Round 5 this weekend is themed “Red Socks Round”. All the teams and referees will wear red socks to support a little Queenslander with a rare condition that requires bone marrow transplants and blood transfusions.
Grayson Little, who turns two today, is one of only a few children in Australia who has Dyskeratosis Congenita (DC). Grayson has had two bone marrow transpalnts and multiple blood transfusions.
QRL has introduced the Red Socks Round to support the family and others in need.
We have played Norths Devils on nine occasions since 2014. The results are five wins (three at home including the inaugural Country Round played in Lae last year) and four losses (one at home).
The Digicel Cup competition starts this weekend. I have allowed those players not travelling to Brisbane to play for their franchises. Those players injured and omitted for disciplinary reasons are NOT permitted to play.
The re-admission of the Hagen Eagles and addition of new teams Central Dabari and Kimbe Cutters to make it a 12-team competition in 2019 is sure to add more excitement and enjoyment for all rugby league supporters throughout the country. We encourage families, in particular women and children, to attend so players and officials know that your teams apart from playing to win are providing entertainment for all.
In the end there is only one winner and a loss should give you some lessons to work on and improve. That’s what I am going through now.
The International calendar was launched this week and it’s good to see the PNG LNG Kumuls play more games. Also it’s good to see some international games for our PNG Orchids. We will discuss these further in the following weeks.
Until next week, play hard and play safe in whatever sport you are taking part in and good luck. If you are watching and supporting your team, show it with passion but please do it sensibly.
Email your comments, thoughts and questions to: [email protected]

Cheers Mikez