Head coach Paul Aiton has called for greater composure and discipline from the SP PNG Hunters ahead of their Round 5 clash against the Brisbane Tigers in Brisbane on Sunday 12th April, 2026.
Speaking before the trip, Aiton said the focus this week has been on reducing errors and improving ball control, after inconsistent performances in recent matches.
“We’ve been focusing on completing our sets,” Aiton said.
“We want to get into an arm wrestle with teams and build our game on that, but you can’t do that if you’re not holding onto the ball.”
The Hunters had a short break over the Easter period, with players given time off to spend with their families, while still maintaining their training commitments.
Aiton explained, “It was always planned. The boys had a few days off, but they came back to work. It’s part of the job.”
Training sessions this week have centred on building pressure through structured play, with an emphasis on mindset in key moments.
“The skill is there,” he said. “It’s about handling pressure. That’s where we’ve been lacking, and that’s what we’re working on.”
The match against the Tigers will also see the Hunters come up against familiar faces, with several former players now in the Brisbane lineup, adding extra motivation to the contest.
Meanwhile, Aiton confirmed a timely boost for the squad, with several key players returning from injury, like Joshua Mire, who have been cleared to play.
Aiton said, “They’ve worked really hard to get back. Rehab can be a tough and lonely process, so it’s great to see them ready to return. We’ll bring them straight back in.”
With the squad nearing full strength for the first time since pre-season, Aiton welcomed the increased competition for places.
“It’s a good problem to have,” he said. “Competition lifts standards, and that’s what we want to see at training and on game day.”
Despite a strong focus on fitness and skill development during pre-season, Aiton admitted the team is still working to translate that preparation into consistent performances.
“We’ve put a lot of work into our skills, and while it hasn’t fully clicked yet, we believe it will,” he said. “The confidence is there—it’s just about putting it together.”
The Hunters will be looking to deliver a more disciplined performance when they face the Tigers in Brisbane tomorrow, as they aim to build momentum in the competition.
