Church mulls options

The National Sports

SP Hunters coach Matthew Church says he is looking at Judah Rimbu and Solomon Pokari to replace five-eighth Watson Boas who will return to English third-tier club Doncaster next week.
The more experienced Edwin Ipape is another option for the No.6 jumper but it is understood that the Papua New Guinea international is more effective off the bench, which has been the case since his Hunters debut in round one.
Boas will play his last match for the Hunters in Sunday’s Queensland Intrust Super Cup (ISC) round-five match against fellow PNG international Luke Page’s Burleigh Bears, with both sides vying for the Kokoda Cup.
Coach Matthew Church told The National yesterday that Boas had been instrumental in the third-placed Hunters’ three-straight wins so far.
With the 26-year-old leaving, Church said he was confident that Digicel Cup premiership-winning playmakers Rimbu and Pokari would fill the void.
“The possible replacements would be Rimbu and Pokari,” he said.
“Boas’ departure will be a big loss in terms of experience, but we are more than confident in the players we have here.
“Definitely, Rimbu and Pokari will step up and fill his role in the team.”
Regardless of whoever gets the job, they’ll have two weeks to prepare for an acid test against Brisbane Tigers five-eighth and Melbourne Storm-listed Ryley Jacks in round six at Bycroft Oval on May 9.
But Rimbu is unfazed about the prospect of taking on more responsibilities and helping halfback Charlies Simon lead the team across the park.
“I am comfortable with the way we’re play at the moment,” the 2020 Digicel Cup rookie of the year said.
“We’re focused on ourselves, preparing the best way possible each week.
“If I am chosen to play the role, I will take it with both hands and make the most of my opportunity.”
Pokari and Rimbu helped the Wigmen claim the Digicel Cup title last year.
Pokari was named as the top point scorer.
Southern Highlander Rimbu made his ISC debut in round one and has since played all four games off the bench. Pokari is yet to make his debut.