Amean to lead

By ISAAC LIRI
SP PNG Hunters captain Ase Boas will miss Saturday’s highly anticipated pre-season trial against the Brisbane Broncos, says coach Michael Marum.
The 29-year-old playmaker, who led the side to win its maiden Q-Cup premiership last year, is still recovering from a right wrist injury and has been replaced by Charlie Simon at five-eighth.
Fullback Stargroth Amean will skipper the side in Boas’ absence — the first time he will lead the side.
Last year’s Digicel Cup premiership-winning skipper from the Lae Tigers Simon will partner halfback Watson Boas and have the goal-kicking duties as well.
“Charlie Simon is going to take up the five eighth role due to Ase’s unavailability,” Marum said.
“Charlie will also be our goalkicker so it’s going to be a huge task for him while Stargroth will lead the side.
“Ase trained this week without any contact and he wants to play but there is no rush in getting him back because we don’t want to risk him before the start of the Q-Cup.
“We are looking at fixing up our combinations and the new halves combination between Charlie and Watson will get its first test.”
“They both played together in the Prime Minister’s 13 in 2015 but this will be a different game for them.
“We don’t really want to look at the result but we expect our players to give their best effort because they will be fighting for spots for the opening round of the Q-Cup,” Marum said.
Amean, who will lead the side out on Saturday, spoke of the responsibility entrusted to him.
“I feel very humbled to take up Ase’s role in the team. I will do my best to lead the boys around the park,” Amean said.
“I am a Queensland Maroon and Brisbane Broncos supporter but I will take this game as I take all my other games and we’ll see how we go on the field.
“I never thought I would play against a team like the Broncos and this opportunity is a dream come true for me and I will grab it by both hands and make use of it.”
Marum described the attitude in camp as encouraging as they face their toughest opponents to date in one of the best clubs in the Australian rugby league.
“We are looking forward to the game with so much interest. Over the past three years we’ve always played trials against Q-Cup teams and a NSW Cup team (Penrith Panthers in 2016) but this is our first time to face an NRL side,’ Marum said.
“There is a lot of talk of PNG having an NRL team in the future and if we can match the Broncos this weekend then down the line in a few years we probably can make it that far.”
SP Hunters: 1. Stargroth Amean (c) 2. Wawa Paul 3. Adex Wera 4. Willie Minoga 5. Brendon Gotuno 6. Charlie Simon 7. Watson Boas 8. Moses Meninga 9. Wartovo Puara Jr 10. Dilbert Isaac 11. Nixon Put 12. John Andy 13. Adam Korave; Reserves: 14. Gahuna Silas 15. Enoch Maki 16. Patrick Morea 17. Rhadley Brawa 18. McKenzie Yei 19. Junior Rau 20. Butler Morris 21. Edene Gabbie 22. Baundo Aba.