Aiton backs young playmaker ahead of crucial Dolphins clash

PNG Hunters head coach Paul Aiton has thrown his support behind rising five-eighth Gairo Voro, urging the young playmaker to lift his defensive game ahead of Sunday's crucial Hostplus Cup clash against the Redcliffe Dolphins.

Voro, who earned praise for his sharp attacking display last week, showed some defensive vulnerabilities during the Hunters’ narrow 20-16 win over the Northern Pride.

With the team set to host the Dolphins at Santos National Football Stadium this weekend, Aiton expressed confidence that the 20-year-old will bounce back with a more composed performance.

“We took him aside and reviewed the game footage with him,” Aiton said.
“We have every confidence he’ll go out there and do the job, just like he’s done before.
“Sometimes it's just a matter of communication, a bit of quiet on the field can really throw things off.
"But we made a few adjustments, and he responded well. I’m expecting a strong defensive outing from him.”

Voro has been one of the Hunters’ standout performers this season, scoring 3 tries and provided seven try assists from 10 appearances.

Aiton, impressed by the Junior Kumuls product, believes the youngster has the talent to progress to higher levels of the game.

“I genuinely think he’s got more to give,” Aiton said.
“He understands the game better than people realise, and that understanding is only going to grow. He definitely has what it takes to go further.”

The Hunters currently sit sixth on the ladder and will be looking to solidify their top-eight position when they face the seventh-placed Dolphins at 3pm this Sunday.