PNG Hunters Boas brothers partner in halves to take on Wynnum Seagulls
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| Ase Boas in action against Magpies last week. He will partner his younger brother Watson in the halves. |
The pair got to play part of the second half in last week’s Intrust Super Cup opening round win over the Souths Logan Magpies but are set to start in the halves for the round two clash in Brisbane.
With first choice halfback Atte Bina serving a one-match suspension, 21-year-old Watson gets his chance in the No.7 jersey and given his combination with big brother Ase could spark the Hunters to their first win over Wynnum Manly at BMD Kougari Oval.
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The venue has not been a happy hunting ground for coach Michael Marum’s men since entering the competition in 2014.
The South Pacific Brewery-sponsored side have lost the two matches played there: 28-10 (2014) and 36-18 (2015).
Watson’s direction and kicking from first receiver will complement 26-year-old Ase’s running game, which was evident as the 2013 World Cup representative cut through the defence on two occasions against the Magpies — one of which saw him score in the second half at Davies Park.
The younger Boas admitted it was good to be rekindling his combination in the halves with Ase, which had developed while playing for the Royals in the local competition in Kokopo, East New Britain, in 2014 as well as in the Digicel Cup for the Agmark Gurias. “It is a different level to the Digicel Cup but we have trained hard and we will do well,” Watson said.
“Last week I came on and played my game and it was good to get the experience and the confidence.”
Captain Noel Zeming will take his place at left centre after Marum confirmed the goal-kicking ace had passed a preliminary fitness test.
Justin Olam shifts to the wing replacing the suspended Adex Wera, while Philemon Kimisive bides his time as 18th man.
Back-rowers Brandy Peter and Tuvi Lepan have been named on an extended bench, with Southern Highlander Peter returning from a left wrist injury and East New Briton Lepan hoping to get his first game under his belt.
Fullback Stargroth Amean looked to be carrying multiple injuries after last week’s effort, with the Engan packing ice on both legs and upper body during training this week but has been declared fit to take up his custodial role.
“I’m okay. I’m fit and ready to go again,” Amean said at training on Tuesday.
The Seagulls halves of five-eighth and captain Patrick Templeman and halfback Mathew Seamark will be more than a match for the Boas brothers and will be out to get their side off the bottom of the table after their 44-22 loss to the Burleigh Bears.
Hunters: Stargorth Amean, Bland Abavu, Noel Zeming, Thompson Teteh, Justin Olam, Ase Boas, Watson Boas, Henry Wan, Wartovo Puara Jr, Esau Siune, Nickson Borona, Warren Glare, Ishamel Balkawa; Reserves: Benjamin Hetra, Edward Goma, Tuvi Lepan, Brandy Peter, Philemon Kimisive. The National / ONE PNG
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