By GABRIEL KATUHO
SP PNG Hunters head coach Paul Aiton says his coaching staff is facing challenges in grooming new players, particularly in teaching basic skills that should already have been mastered at the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup franchise level.
Following the Hunters’ 16–24 loss to the Rockhampton Capras in round one of the QRL Hostplus Cup at the Santos National Football Stadium last week, Aiton was asked about repeated errors made by players. He explained that the coaching staff spends significant time reinforcing fundamentals.
“We spend hours on basics like how to catch the ball. If those things were taken care of earlier, our job would be a lot easier. We’ve got the talent, we just need to develop them right,” Aiton said.
He noted that building a team over two to three years allows coaches to understand player styles, decision-making, and structures, which has helped the Hunters nurture promising talent in the past. However, as a pathway team, the Hunters regularly lose quality players to higher-level opportunities. “We could have secured top four every year if we kept some of our quality players, but I’m excited for those who have gone on to bigger and better things, and equally excited for the new players coming in,” he said.
Aiton emphasized patience and trust in the development process, acknowledging both progress and the long road ahead.
“The boys have come a long way already and still have a long way to go, which is a good thing. Hopefully next year we can send more players to bigger opportunities and continue working with the new crop,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Aiton remains confident in the Hunters’ ability to grow talent and strengthen their contribution to Papua New Guinea’s rugby league pathway.