By GABRIEL KATUHO
DESPITE the 24 to 30 loss to Norths Devils last weekend, Hunters remain focus and determined for Hostplus Cup round 18 against Mendi Blackhawks this weekend in Townsville, Australia.
In a recent interview, Hunters Head coach Paul Aiton said the preparation has been good, the players had a really good session during the week and were ready to travel to Australia.
Reflecting on the game over last weekend Aiton said many games they have been in front at the half time but then lost in the full time.
“Certain errors that we make that they get away from us but now the boys are prepared for this weekend so I think we pretty good,” he said.
Hunters would keep the same team for this weekend’s round as Aiton believes the team is perfect for the game against Mendi Blackhawks.
Coach Aiton said that was the first time this year that we had the same team play. The only change would be Whallen Tau-Loi is being cleared and will return to the team this weekend.
“We are fingers crossed for Whallen Tau-Loi because he is the player we want in our team in terms of experience,” he said.
Responding to questions on Hunters rookie five-eight, Felix Beki, Aiton spoke bold about him, however said there is room for improvement.
“He has been happy and we wanted him to play alongside half-Back Jamie Mavoko to learn his leadership,” Aiton stated.
“When playing at the halves, there are plenty things to think about and game management is one of the things that felix is still learning. But he learnt a lot last weekend and hope he can do well in this weekend,” he added.
Speaking about the forwards, Aiton praised Himson Ulalom for stepping up despite his first season playing 14 matches this year.
“He is now starting to grow into that position. He did not have many Digicel ExxonMobil (DEM) Cup games,” he said.
Coach Aiton said Ulalom was a winger before and it was a big transition for him who keeps going and trying to improve in trainings sessions and on game days.
Responding to the fans and critics, Aiton said It was disappointing that people do not understand the level of footy, NRL is another level to us, and Super league too is on another level.
“We probably on the third or fourth level competition in the world and Digicel ExxonMobil Cup is no way near that. Everyone has an opinion but it is the level of quality football compared to those that are not. “
Aiton said this year was a tough one for the Hunters but he hopes Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou considers some of the Hunters players for the Kumuls team in the world cup later this year.