By GABRIEL KATUHO
HUNTERS head coach Paul Aiton says his team is working on regaining their energy level in preparation for their home game against Ipswich Jets at the Santos National Football Stadium on Sunday.
After bouncing back from the three consecutive losses in Round 16 of the Hostplus Cup, Hunters fell to Central Queensland Capras at Rockhampton in a 30-46 defeat last Saturday that also moved them down to 10th place on the competition ladder.
Aiton said yesterday that they have addressed the loss against Capras and shifted focus to boosting players’ energy.
“They were little bit flat last week. We completed high, completed well, and had some reasonable starts. Our starts were probably on paper better than the Capras, but we are just missing that much needed energy, so our focus is being a lot on building the energy this week,” he said.
“Focus this week was building energy and playing for each other. We did a lot of things on our own and they tore us up pretty easily so just building energy and just remembering that we got to work together.”
Aiton said Hunters had one month before the finals begin and it was crucial for the team to step up and win their remaining games, starting this Sunday with Ipswich Jets who are on sixth spot.
“This week is really important for us to make sure that we get everything right leading into this game,” he said.
“Jets play really good footy. They have come a long way; their Coach have done a really good Job with them. I think they play simple footy, exciting and they compete in everything so the boys understand that and will not take it lightly.”
He added that the starting line-up will remain the same except for fullback Sanny Wabo who is suffering from a hamstring injury. Douglas David would start at fullback with the Brandon Nima expected to return to the wing.
“We are still working on the team, trying a few different things, it is going to be mostly the same team,” Aiton said.
“Looking at the spine, Jamie Mavoko brings a lot in directing the team around the park with Josh Lau and Judah Rimbu spicing up in the middle.
“I think the spine is going really well. They all have been playing with each other all year and even last year so they are all familiar with each other.”
Aiton said he was confident of victory and called on Hunters fans to give full support for their home team to get the much-needed two competition points.