By GABRIEL KATUHO
PNG Hunters coach Paul Aiton has moved for their crucial home game against Ipswich Jets on Sunday.
Wabo sustained a hamstring injury during the Round 17 clash against Queensland Central Capras last Saturday.
Aiton said yesterday that Wabo’s absence in the starting lineup was a major blow for Hunters, but he was confident David would step up to fill the void.
He added that players’ injuries throughout the season had been a major challenge for Hunters.
“But every time that happens it gives someone else a chance where they step up and they do their very best. I am really comfortable with the team I got this week and really confident in those players that they will be able to give us our two points this week,” Aiton said.
David expressed his gratitude for making the team every week since his debut and is confident to play full back this weekend in front of the home fans.
“Our game against the Blackhawks was pretty well backed by the home supporters. We managed to get the big win over the black hawks,” he said.
“For my performance I owned it to the coach and the senior players for giving me the platform to play my game. It comes down to the team effort. Credit to the team for allowing me to play well and score tries.”
With Wabo coming into Rounds 16 and 17, David was moved to the wing position with Brendan Nima being left out due to form.
“Playing at the winger position is not new to me because I used to play winger at the Digicel ExxonMobil cup competition for the Lae Snax Tigers,” David said.
He made his debut in Round 13 against Sunshine Coast Falcons and maintained his form to gain coach Aiton’s trust.
“Hunters have lots of experienced players and to be able to play a number of consecutive weeks is a really big milestone for me,” David said.
He thanked his family for their throughout his rugby league career and vowed to do them and the Hunters proud.
David has also set his sights being a future PNG Kumuls player or being selected in the PNG Prime Ministers XIII squad.