Boas, Puara to be retained

THE Rabaul Gurias are set to retain the halves pairing of Watson Boas and Wartovo Puara Jr for their top-three clash with the Hela Wigmen in Kokopo on Saturday (2pm kick-off).
Gurias co-coach Marcus Kaugla said on Sunday that SP Hunter Stanley Olo would retain his spot at hooker for the round-nine Digicel Cup fixture at Kalabond Oval in East New Britain.
He said Puara had combined well with fellow Papua New Guinea international Boas since the former Hunter’s round-six switch from rake to five-eighth at the expense of one-time Central Dabari Allan Simbiri.
“We made the positional changes a fortnight ago,” Kaugla said after their 14-10 win over hosts Port Moresby Vipers — the competition’s best defensive side — at Sir John Guise Stadium on Sunday.
“Boas, Puara and Olo have played two games now in those positions and their combination seems to be working well for us.
“They have shown a lot of promise and I am confident that they will only get better as the competition heads into the business end of the season.
“The Vipers were a big test for us and I’m relieved that we were able to grind out a win.
“But we must remain focused as there are still challenges over the next three weeks.
“We need to maintain the momentum.”
Meanwhile, Wigmen halfback Solomon Pokari is expected to face his former employers as Hela look to maintain second spot with only one point separating them from the third-placed Gurias.
Wigmen coach Charlies Wabo had rested some of his regular starters in Sunday’s 24-14 win over the Dabaris, with an eye on their clash with the competition’s second-best attacking and defensive side.