Boas eyes coaching

By PARKER TAMBUA
SP Hunters veteran Ase Boas aims to pursue a certificate in coaching and development when the team relocates to Gold Coast, Australia, for the 2021 Intrust Super Cup season.
The 32-year-old, who played eight tests for Papua New Guinea, said at the Hunters farewell night at Oil Search National Football Stadium last week that he was winding down his career and that he wanted to contribute to the development of the code after he retired.
Boas said the relocation had presented him an opportunity to attain a coaching certificate.
“I think I am almost at the end of my rugby league career now so one of my short term goals is that I want to make the most of our (Hunters) relocation to Australia by attaining a coaching certificate,” he said.
“If there’s an opportunity down there (Gold Coast) where I could attend coaching clinics then I would be happy to upskill myself in that area.
“When I retire I want to contribute to developing our young talents in the country.
“It’s always a dream for Papua New Guinea players to play in the NRL (Australia’s National Rugby League).
“Some of us didn’t achieve that but I want to help in the development of the sport in our country, especially the kids that are growing up and provide them guidance and hope they make it to NRL in future.”
Boas’ greatest achievements in his career was when he led the SP Hunters to their maiden premiership in 2017 when they beat the Sunshine Coast Falcons 12-10 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
He was part of the Kumuls Rugby League World Cup campaign in 2013 in England, and 2017 when Port Moresby hosted three pool matches.
Boas also had a half-season stint with English tier two side, Featherstone Rovers, in 2019 before he returned to the Hunters.