Aiton: Beating Devils Key to Hunters' Grand Final Dream and Independence Joy
SP PNG Hunters coach Paul Aiton says defeating the Norths Devils on Sunday would not only secure the team a spot in the Hostplus Cup grand final but also serve as a perfect way to celebrate Papua New Guinea’s 49th Independence with fans. Aiton acknowledged the importance of the match and praised his team for their strong season, which has seen them qualify for the finals for the first time since winning the premiership in 2017.
Aiton, 39, in his first year as head coach, emphasized that the team remained grounded ahead of the season's biggest game. He stated that while they have achieved much by making it to the finals, they were not taking anything for granted. The team is focused on the challenge of playing the Devils at their home ground, Bishop Park.
Aiton, 39, in his first year as head coach, emphasized that the team remained grounded ahead of the season's biggest game. He stated that while they have achieved much by making it to the finals, they were not taking anything for granted. The team is focused on the challenge of playing the Devils at their home ground, Bishop Park.
“Winning on Sunday would be fitting for Independence, and then we’d get to go to the grand final,” Aiton said. “We’ve discussed it, and if we win, we’ll return on Monday and celebrate Independence with our families before kicking off grand final week. But first, we have to win this game, and confidence is high among the players.”
Aiton, a former Kumul, expressed his honor in coaching such a talented group of players, saying the experience has helped him grow as both a coach and a person. He also confirmed his availability for a role with the PNG Kumuls under new coach Jason Demetriou, should he be asked, ahead of next month’s Pacific Bowl challenge. Aiton was part of the Kumuls’ coaching staff at both the 2022 World Cup in England and last year’s Pacific Championship in Port Moresby.
In team updates, Aiton remains optimistic despite the loss of key players five-eighth Joshua Lau and prop Valentine Richard to injury. Finley Glare will take Lau’s place in the No.6 jersey, while Anthony Worot will step in for Richard. Aiton praised Glare for his previous performances in the halves, saying he had impressed when given opportunities earlier in the season.
“Finley has played in the halves for us before and did very well, so I’m confident there won’t be any issues,” Aiton said.
Aiton acknowledged that injuries have posed challenges throughout the season, but the team has responded admirably. He expects them to rise to the occasion again in Sunday’s preliminary final. He reminded his players of their previous victory over the Devils, a 20-18 win in Brisbane in July, and believes they can repeat that performance with confidence and determination.
The Hunters Team for Preliminary Final against Norths Devils
Also read
Aiton, a former Kumul, expressed his honor in coaching such a talented group of players, saying the experience has helped him grow as both a coach and a person. He also confirmed his availability for a role with the PNG Kumuls under new coach Jason Demetriou, should he be asked, ahead of next month’s Pacific Bowl challenge. Aiton was part of the Kumuls’ coaching staff at both the 2022 World Cup in England and last year’s Pacific Championship in Port Moresby.
In team updates, Aiton remains optimistic despite the loss of key players five-eighth Joshua Lau and prop Valentine Richard to injury. Finley Glare will take Lau’s place in the No.6 jersey, while Anthony Worot will step in for Richard. Aiton praised Glare for his previous performances in the halves, saying he had impressed when given opportunities earlier in the season.
“Finley has played in the halves for us before and did very well, so I’m confident there won’t be any issues,” Aiton said.
Aiton acknowledged that injuries have posed challenges throughout the season, but the team has responded admirably. He expects them to rise to the occasion again in Sunday’s preliminary final. He reminded his players of their previous victory over the Devils, a 20-18 win in Brisbane in July, and believes they can repeat that performance with confidence and determination.
The Hunters Team for Preliminary Final against Norths Devils
- Sanny Wabo
- Brandon Nima
- Elijah Roltinga
- Robert Mathias
- Solo Wane
- Joshua Lau
- Jamie Mavoko
- Koso Bandi
- Judah Rimbu
- Anthony Worot
- Whallan Tau-Loi
- Benji Kot
- Ila Alu
- Finley Glare
- Junior Talin
- Clent Lama
- Junior Rop
- Joshua Mire
- Gairo Voro
Also read