Boas brothers back

Sports

By ISAAC LIRI
PNG Hunters coach Michael Marum has opted for stability and reliability by bringing back Boas brothers Ase and Watson for tomorrow’s Q-Cup match against the Ipswich Jets.
After dropping the pair in Tuesday’s team announcement — ostensibly to “rest” his key men — Marum reverted to his best-performing halves combination as the competition leaders look to stave off the pack as they head toward an historical minor premiership in their fourth season in the competition.
The originally-named Sailas Gahuna and William Mone have been left out of the squad entirely.
“Our key halves Watson and Ase have been playing well but I think we expect a bit more from them,” Marum said.
“There was no direction over the pass few games. I don’t want to put pressure on my play-makers but that’s their job, they know what sort of game we want them to play.
“They will have to step up on Saturday and prove themselves,” Marum said.
Marum revealed yesterday that 19-year-old Mone, who is a grade 12 student, will not be available to make his debut due to school commitments in Hela.
Gahuna on the other hand was omitted making way for Karo Kauna Jr to come on to the bench.
Nixon Put who was named on the extended bench earlier this week has shifted into the starting pack replacing the injured Timothy Lomai (shoulder), who was named in the starting line-up on Tuesday.
Regular starters Esau Siune (knee) and Adex Wera (sore back) were also omitted from the squad.
The round 22 fixture will also be the first step of the selection process for the Prime Minister’s 13, the Kumuls team for the Tri-Series and the Rugby League World Cup.
The 3pm match which will be the second game of the triple header at the National Football Stadium.
The round 12 match between Hela Wigmen and Wahgi Tumbe kicks off at 1pm as the curtain raiser game while the Agmark Gurias take on the Port Moresby Vipers after the Hunters-Jets game.
Hunters: 1. Stargroth Amean 2. Bland Abavu 3. Israel Eliab 4. Willie Minoga 5. Butler Morris 23. Ase Boas 14.Watson Boas 8. Wellington Albert 9. Wartovo Puara Jr 10. Brandy Peter 11. David Loko 19. Nixon Put 13. Stanton Albert; Reserves: 15. Enoch Maki 16. Moses Meninga 17. Rhadley Brawa 18. Karo Kauna Jr
Q-Cup Rd 22 fixtures: Sat, Aug 5 – Hunters v Jets, Pride v Magpies, Cutters v Falcons, Capras v Blackhawks; Sun, Aug 6 – WM Seagulls v Bears, Devils v Dolphins, Tigers v TH Seagulls.
Digicel Cup Rd 12 fixtures: Sat, Aug 5 – Wigmen v Tumbe (NCD), Vipers v Gurias (NCD); Sun, Aug 6 – Mioks v Lahanis (Wabag), Tigers v Muruks (Lae).