Solu: Have faith in us

The SP PNG Hunters livewire rake Trevor Solu has urged the fans to support the club as the players search for answers to snap out of the doldrums.

Solu, who has been the Hunters’ mainstay in the ruck, was in and out of the team due to injury and lack of consistency.

The experienced dummy-half explained that the players had reflected on their performance this season during the bye period. 

“We had a bye last week, which gave us enough time to reflect on our performance, starting from Round 1 until now,” he said.

“We know that we are sitting last on the ladder, but I think the energy that the boys bring during training shows that we want to get out of this situation.

“The boys are working hard behind the scenes, and we are trying our best to win some games to end the season on a high note.” 

Personally, Solu stated: “It’s tough. Being a leader in the team comes with a lot of responsibility, and I challenge myself to work hard and lead by example.” 

He expressed that there's competition between him and Lynchill Kiap, saying that he remains level-headed on working alongside Kiap and helping each other. 

“For us as a team, we work together. I encourage Lynchill to have confidence in himself and stick to the process. I don’t put too much pressure on him,” Solu said. 

When asked about the outside noise regarding the team’s poor performance, he responded: “No, we don’t pay too much attention to social media, but concentrate on ourselves.

“Everybody has their own opinion towards us (Hunters). It’s not only my team. It’s PNG’s team, so we need everyone’s support.” 

Whilst some fans are calling on coach Paul Aiton to be sacked, Solu defended Aiton and his coaching staff.

“I believe in our coaches. We all look up to these coaches. They were former players, so they know what to do to help us be at this level,” the hooker said. 

The crafty rake added that this year had been the toughest season for the Hunters, but noted that the players are capable of turning the club’s fortunes around. 

Despite the Hunters’ debilitating form, the Southern Highlander appealed to the passionate rugby league community to back the team.

While the departure of experienced players last season had a toll on the team’s overall performance this season, he mentioned that it also created opportunities for emerging talent to take on the challenge and carry the club forward.

Coming fresh from a bye, Solu said the players are looking forward to facing the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in Brisbane on Sunday (July 5th) and hope to register their third win of the season.