PNG Hunters Captain Ase Boas has been named to make a return from injury in round one of the Intrust Super Cup rugby league competition this weekend.
Boas has been wrapped in cotton wool during the preseason but has been named at stand-off to play the Ipswich Jets in Port Moresby.
PNG Hunters stand-off Ase Boas. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Melvin Levongo
However experienced back Stargroth Amean, who led the hunters against the broncos in last week's preseason fixture, misses the game because of injury.
The first line-up of the season includes a number of new faces on the bench and second rower John Andy will debut at second rower for the home team.
Boas said the team had gelled well.
"I think half of the squad are new boys but they really fit in well," he said.
"The experienced boys, during training we talk to them and try and get them familiar with the team stuff we do here.
"They really fit well and the team is looking good for this season," Boas said.
However he still expected a tough season this year as the team tried to win back to back premierships.
"We are the premiers so every team in the Queensland Cup now, they train two or three times to take us on
"I think it will be a tough year for us," Boas said.
"We are looking forward to back to back premierships but it comes with hard work again this year so the coach has just encouraged us to do the little things right in order to get there."
The PNG international said it is a long season and the weekend is just the first game so they need to take one game at a time.
The Hunters are seeking back to back premierships in 2018 Photo: RNZ Pacific / Melvin Levongo
