Boas back in frame

By MELTON PAIS
WATSON Boas was named in coach Michael Marum’s PNG Hunters side to play the Tweed Heads Seagulls yesterday despite being in doubt with a right shoulder injury.
Assistant coach Nigel Hukula named an unchanged squad fresh off their rousing 18-6 win over the Souths Logan Magpies last Sunday where halfback Boas was injured in the second half.
“We thought that Watson (Boas), who suffered from a right shoulder injury during the win over Magpies, would miss this weekend’s match but the injury was not as serious as we initially thought so we’ve included him in the side,” Hukula said.
Boas will undergo further scans on his shoulder today before a decision is made before the team travel to Brisbane tomorrow.
“Watson underwent X-rays and scans on Monday night and the results showed severe bruising to the collarbone.
“He’ll undergo further tests tomorrow and hopefully by Thursday, he will be cleared by our medical team to travel on Friday.”
Hukula, said the main focus would be to be more effective in their performance on the field with their skills, tactics and aggression as they look to maintain their top six position.
Back-rower Rhadley Brawa was named as 18th man returning from a three-match ban.
“Other than that, this weekend’s line up is the same squad that beat the Magpies last Sunday,” Hukula said.
Hukula said the team had improved markedly after a slow start to the season and the last five to six rounds they had built up momentum and the players, particularly the new recruits had settled into their roles and were used to playing at the Q-Cup level.
“We’re still taking it one game at a time and even though we won last round, we still need to strengthen our defensive structure and improve our ball handling,” Hukula said.
He said the Hunters would have to show intent and commitment this weekend against the Seagulls despite the fact that they are on the 11th spot on the ladder.
The Seagulls will have Gold Coast Titans players Kane Elgey and Bryse Cartwright leading their charge.
“We’re aiming to win all the three remaining games remaining to stay in the top six.”
The Hunters beat Tweed Heads 32-18 in round four earlier this year at the National Football Stadium but Hukula had no doubt the Ben Woolf-coached side would be a harder proposition this time around.
“It won’t be easy against the Seagulls this weekend so all we want is our best performance out there,” Hukula said.
Hunters: 1. Edene Gabbie 2. Junior Rau 3. Thompson Teteh 4. Adex Wera 5. Brendon Gotuno 6. Ase Boas (c) 7. Watson Boas 8. Enoch Maki 9. Wartovo Puara Jr 10. Moses Meninga 11. Willie Minoga 12. Nixon Put 13. Stanton Albert; Reserves: 14. Charlie Simon 15. Ila Alu 16. McKenzie Yei 17. Dilbert Isaac 18. Rhadley Brawa 19. Patrick Morea 20. Paul Wawa.