Boas returns

By ISAAC LIRI
CAPTAIN Ase Boas who missed the Feb 24 pre-season trial with the Brisbane Broncos due to injury returns to lead the SP PNG Hunters against the Ipswich Jets on Sunday.
The Hunters begin their Q-Cup title defence at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby and Boas concedes that will be their toughest quest yet.
No changes have been made as of Tuesday when coach Michael Marum announced the team with John Andy to make his debut as Hunters player number 54.
Other players to debut are Charlie Simon who will become Hunter number 55, McKenzie Yei, player number 56, Edene Gabbie player number 57, and Dilbert Isaac player number 58.
Boas told reporters that this year would be their toughest as they have to defend the premiership.
“Every team will want to beat us because we are the premiers so it’s going to a very tough year,” he said.
The Jets haven’t had success against the Hunters last season losing twice, first at home at the North Ipswich Reserve 32-12 in round 11 and then in round 22 at the National Football Stadium 20-4.
With last year’s success rate against the Jets, Marum will be expecting his men to maintain that record with a win in round one to put into perspective their defence of the Q-Cup title.
On the brighter side the Jets, who were the 2015 Q-Cup premiers, have two of PNG’s very own former Kumuls Richard and Sebastian Pandia who will be expected to shine in front of their countrymen and women.
The side coached by the Walker brothers Shane and Ben would also want to start the competition on a high note and a win over the premiers on home turf would no doubt be an early boost to their confidence.
Meanwhile, PNG Rugby Football will place buckets at the NFS for football fans to donate to earthquake victims.
PNGRFL chairman Sandis Tsaka said: “The earthquake has devastated people and provinces where rugby league is passionately followed and we as a sport have to stand united with our people whose lives and homes have been affected.”
Donations will also be collected during the Digicel Cup trial matches in Lae and Port Moresby.
In Port Moresby, Hela Wigmen will face Gulf Isou at 12.15pm on Sunday before the Hinters-Jets match at 3pm.
Hunters: 1. Adex Wera 2. Wawa Paul3. Nixon Put 4. Willie Minoga 5. Butler Morris 6. Ase Boas (c) 7. Watson Boas 8. Moses Meninga 9. Wartovo Puara 10. Enock Maki 11. Rhadley Brawa 12. John Andy 13. Adam Korave 14. Charlie Simon 15. McKenzie Yei 16. Edene Gebbie 17. Dilbert Isaac 18. Silas Gahuna 19. Brendon Gotuno 20. Patrick Morea