Combination vital

DONCASTER halfback Watson Boas says he is eager to improve his Kumuls playmaking combination with Townsville Blackhawks five-eighth Kyle Laybutt heading into next year’s Rugby League World Cup in England.
Despite Papua New Guinea’s 20-22 loss to Fiji in New Zealand in November, the pair bounced back a week later to steer the Kumuls to a historic 28-10 win over the visiting Great Britain Lions.
The former Rabaul Gurias pivot said he was confident that their combination would improve if given the playmaking roles in tests leading up to the World Cup, which will be held from Oct 23 to Nov 27.
“There have a number of halves, including Kyle, whom I’ve played with at representative level,” said the 25-year old, who plays in English third-tier competition Betfred League One.
“I’m comfortable playing alongside my brother Ase (Boas), who is also a playmaker, because we’ve been together for so long and we know each other’s game.
“But playing alongside Kyle in the recent tests against Fiji and Great Britain was great.
“The team recorded a memorable result against Great Britain so we know what we’re capable of.
“If we can maintain that momentum and make the Kumuls squad in the coming tests, then I am confident that our combination will only get better.”
Meanwhile, Boas says the Kumuls are improving every year and he believes that exciting times are ahead.
He said the win against Great Britain had boosted their confidence and that beating top-tier nations like New Zealand, Tonga and Australia was their goal going forward.