Yoka challenged to back up

By BENJJAMIN KOITAKA
SP PNG Hunters coach Michael Marum has challenged rookie five-eighth Justin Yoka to back up his impressive debut with another solid outing against the Easts Tigers on Saturday.
Marum said he was satisfied Yoka, a player straight out of Pangia rugby league, had shown the attributes to be a quality playmaker but would need to dedicate himself to learning his craft and not taking anything for granted.
The Round 4 clash against the competition leaders at Langland’s Park, Brisbane will be Yoka’s first away game and first trip overseas.
Marum stressed that the 20-year-old Southern Highlander was still learning to play in the halves and was by no means the finished product.
“My challenge for Justin is to back it up last week’s performance when we play the Tigers,” Marum said.
“He’ll expect more pressure now because the opposition will know about him and target him.”
Marum said Yoka would have the benefit of playing alongside Ase Boas.
He said Boas would take on the main playmaking responsibilities but Yoka would still be expected to provide a point of difference on attack and complement Boas.
“Justin will still do his part passing, kicking and running the ball for us.
“He has Ase and Charlie Simon on the field and Woods will come off the bench so we just need them to combine well and we should be able to score some points,” Marum said.