By GABRIEL KATUHO
PNG SP Hunters winger Douglas David says he is fit to face the Falcons this weekend, despite carrying a calf injury.
David said this during a media interview today at the Santos National Football Stadium that he has been working closely with the physio and is confident of taking the field.
The Falcons hold special significance for David, as they were the opposing team in his debut match with the Hunters.
“It will be a good experience again facing the team that I first played against,” he said.
Reflecting on last weekend’s 42-4 thrashing by the Burleigh Bears at UAA Park, Gold Coast, during the ANZAC Round, David said the team’s morale remained intact.
“The vibe in the camp is still good. We’re trying to find consistency. This week we’re working on our mistakes to be better against the Falcons,” he said.
He added that the squad’s motivation was to build team spirit and bounce back strongly.
David acknowledged the challenges of a transitional season, with several senior players departing and younger talent stepping in.
“It’s been a roller coaster for us. Losing a lot of players has been tough, but in Hostplus you need experienced players to step up and get the combinations right,” he said.
On a personal note, David stressed the importance of preparation and consistency.
“For myself, it’s about getting my preparation right, playing my role, and giving my best for the team,” he said.
He also welcomed the recent announcement of the PNG Chiefs, describing it as a major boost for local players.
“It’s a very big signing and a good one for PNG. For us, it’s a home base team, so we’re working hard to get our game right. If we perform well, it will get the attention of the Chiefs and hopefully some of our boys will be selected,” David said.
While the long-term goal is to attract Chiefs’ interest, David emphasized the immediate focus remains on training and performance.
“Our short-term goal is to focus on every training session and do our best in order to perform better,” he concluded.