Boas set to reach 500pts

THE SP PNG Hunters are out to continue their winning way when they take on the Ipswich Jets in Round 7 of the Intrust Super Cup over the Easter weekend.
The home fixture at the Oil Search National Football Stadium on Saturday could see the talismanic Ase Boas reach the 500-point mark in the Queensland Rugby League competition.
Boas, pictured, who is currently on 481 points, has the responsibility of guiding the side against a dangerous opponent who sit a spot above the Hunters on 13th place in the standings.
The Hunters have never lost a match at home to the Jets since debuting in 2014 and of the 10 fixtures played coach Michael Marum’s men have the upper hand with seven wins.
The home record against the Jets (5-0) could be broken if the Hunters cannot contain the Jets’ unorthodox style.
Despite going down to Norths 31-14 last round, the Jets have a mobile pack led by captain Nat Neale and creative halves Josh Cleeland and Chris Ash while Kumul winger Richard Pandia will prove a handful.
The challenge will be on the Hunters with their newfound confidence to string only their second win of the season after coming off a morale-boosting 28-10 triumph over the CQ Capras.
The spine remains the same with Jerry Teme retaining the halfback role despite a mixed performance against the Capras. However, Boas, hooker Woods Kawage and reserve half Charlie Simon should provide ample playmaking for the Hunters.
Marum has given hard-running Joe Frank an opportunity on the wing in place of Junior Rau and his match-up with Pandia will be interesting.
On the bench Marum has maintained a light, fast interchange that includes club captain Adex Wera, Simon and Gairo Kapana (all backs) with prop Enoch Maki providing the mass and power.
The fixture will see two Digicel Cup matches complement it one on either side of the Hunters-Jets clash with the Gulf Isou v Rabaul Gurias opening proceedings at 12.15pm and the Port Moresby Vipers v Hela Wigmen closing out the tripleheader.
SP Hunters: 1. Joe Joshua, 2. Joe Frank, 3. Bland Abavu, 4. Brandon Nima, 5. Brendon Gotuno, 6. Ase Boas, 7. Jerry Teme, 8. Moses Meninga (c), 9. Woods Kawage, 10. Dilbert Isaac, 11. McKenzie Yei, 12. Epel Kapinias, 13. Junior Rop; Interchange: 14. Charlie Simon, 15. Gairo Kapana, 16. Adex Wera, 17. Enoch Maki; Reserves: 18. Butler Morris, 19. Rex Kaupa, 20. Daniel Tapol.
Fixtures: Rd 7 – Thurs, April 18: Pride v WM Seagulls, Capras v Falcons, Tigers v Magpies, Cutters v Bears; Sat, April 20: Devils v Blackhawks, Dolphins v TH Seagulls, Hunters v Jets.