PNG Hunters player Ase Boas gets chance in halves

PAPUA New Guinea Hunters utility Ase Boas led his Digicel Cup side, the Agmark Gurias, to a title win in 2012 and was picked as a halfback in Adrian Lam’s 2013 Rugby League World Cup squad — and this weekend, the 26-year-old will slot back into the No.7 jersey when his side takes on Queensland Cup defending premiers, the Northern Pride, in Kokopo.

Boas has proven good value for coach Michael Marum in the 2015 season so far — with the East New Briton playing centre and fullback, occasionally slotting in at first receiver over the first eight games — but this weekend’s Round 9 fixture marks the first time he will play in his preferred position.

With first-choice half Roger Laka down on form and reserve Ate Bina Wabo struggling to put on a definitive performance over the past two matches, Marum has been forced to use his third halfback option.

Boas was picked in the Kumuls Pacific Test squad last month but did not make the final 18.

He is expected to take the playmaking pressure off five-eighth and captain Israel Eliab, who is more of a running No.6 then an organiser.

The Hunters kicking game has been abysmal so far, with fifth-tackle kickers not able to get their side out of trouble, put up effective probing punts that can win the side field position or get repeat sets. 

Boas’ success in the position could see him transition from utility to cementing a spot in Marum’s starting 13 as the Hunters look to snare a finals spot.