By GABRIEL KATUHO
ROBERT Robert Matias and Valentine Culligun will be sidelined for this weekend’s games due to visa complications, while Tapia Solu faces a one-week suspension for a crusher tackle.
In their absence, Junior Talin will step in for Robert Matias in the back row, while Manase Kai and debutant Finley Glare have been included in the lineup for the upcoming match against the Central Queensland Capras for the Hostplus round two.
Hunters head coach Paul Aiton when acknowledging the visa issues and expressed confidence that they will be resolved soon.
Aiton pointed out the technical challenges involved in the visa process and emphasised the importance of maintaining team consistency.
He also noted that while unfortunate, such situations provide opportunities for other players to showcase their abilities.
“I am confident that all the boys will get onto the field and put their best. I’m confident that they will do a really good Job. I am confident of the three debutants that have made their debut,” Aiton told the media.
Reflecting on the round one match against the Wynnum Manley Sea Gulls over the weekend, Aiton highlighted numerous positives but noted an issue with several penalties stemming from the pace of the game.
Looking ahead, the Hunters are gearing up to face the Central Queensland Capras this Saturday in round two of the Queensland Hostplus at Brown Park, Rockhampton. The game is scheduled for 6:00PM.
“We have a very good relationship with the Capras, and the coach as well, we get on really well. We just did a video today (Tuesday) and they probably going to do this so, we want to count on each other but I think for us we just play how we have been trying to play,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction with most aspects of the team’s performance but emphasised the need to focus on discipline and completion.
Aiton commended the players for their talent and ability to score tries from anywhere on the field.
However, with three unsuccessful conversions for the three tries scored last Saturday by the Hunters, Coach Aiton stressed the importance of maintaining consistency throughout the full 80 minutes of play.
“Glen and Elizah seems to be the ones at the moment, I know Judah kicks well, but probably we need somebody more consistent, who can stay for the 80 minutes,” he said.
Hunters will have a day off tomorrow to recover well with the big training on season on Thursday morning before flying on Friday to Australia to meet the Capras in round two of the Hostplus cup.
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