NEWS | Boas enjoying Papua New Guinea journey

Watson Boas says representing Papua New Guinea at the Rugby League World Cup fills him with pride as his side prepare to take on Cook Islands in their second group game on Tuesday night.

The Kumuls were narrowly beaten by Tonga in their first group game, and now head into this one requiring a win to keep their hopes of progression alive.

On Papua New Guinea’s journey so far:

“We can take a lot of confidence from our first game. We were missing one or two players and still ran Tonga very close in the end.

“For us we have to keep building on it, we take what we can from it and try to respond from what was ultimately a disappointing defeat.

“As a group we’re building and there are a lot of positives from the training so far, the coach was quick to give us credit for our performance.”

On the pride of wearing a Kumuls shirt:

“Every time I wear a Papua New Guinea jersey it makes me realise that it is no longer about me and more about the country I’m representing.

“It’s about where I come from back home and the journey we’ve all been on. When I wear the PNG shirt I know I’m running with the nation behind me.

“They are all watching me and everything I do on the field is for them. Rugby League is the main sport back home and it means everything to people.

“We play at 7.30pm in the UK whereas back home it is early in the morning and some people won’t have been to bed to make sure they see the game.”

On his excitement at taking on Wales at the Eco-Power Stadium on Monday October 31:

“The boys have all been asking me about Doncaster and I keep telling them it’s the best place in England. We have great facilities and they will really enjoy it here.

“We’re looking forward to the Cook Islands game first and we know if we play at the level we found against Tonga then we will get the result.

“I’m excited for the last group game because I’ll be playing at the Eco-Power. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans and enjoy the experience.

“A lot of the Dons boys want to come and watch and that means a lot, ever since I got the call-up they have been nothing but supportive.”