By GABRIEL KATUHO
HUNTERS Head Coach Paul Aiton has thanked the faithful fans and supporters, including the coaching staff for their unwavering support throughout season 2024.
The coach said as the first-time coach, he had learnt a lot from the two assistant coaches, Enoch Marki and Wartovo Puara Jnr, and almost everyone in the club.
Aiton is proud that they (Hunters) had made it to the finals.
“From the competitions to the finals, the boys had got a lot of pressure but they handled it really well, and I know they will make us happy next season,” he said.
“I am very proud; they have crossed a lot of hard times in the pre-season,” Aiton expressed.
“There were 50 plus boys in the pre-season who went through a lot to make the final cut.”
Aiton said he believed they were the top four team from the starting of the season.
He said he was not wrong when Hunters ended up at last four in the preliminary finals.
Aiton acknowledged the efforts and the hard work that they put in together as a team during the entire competition, including the finals.
“It was obviously disappointing for the whole club and the players for the loss, but for the season as a whole, I am really proud of the boys,” he said.
Missing Hunters five eight Joshua Lau was a big disappointment for the pack, but Coach Aiton said Finley Glare did a really good Job during the preliminary final.
“Josh was a big loss but Finley Glare was a good player and I thought he did a really good Job.
“I think we lost for many good reasons, but that definitely was not one of them,” he said.
Aiton said they are off from the season 2024, but still have a few player and staff reviews to finish.
“We also have Hunters presentation night next week and after that we will go for a break,” Aiton said.
The Coach expressed his appreciation to the fans who turn out in numbers and support them in PNG and Australia.
“We shall see you all next year.”
