The Papua New Guinea Hunters have won big at the Queensland Rugby League Awards Night, with captain Ase Boas voted Intrust Super Cup player of the year and Michael Marum coach of the year.
Boas led the Hunters to their maiden minor premiership title and pipped Redcliffe Dolphins prop Matt Lodge by one point to claim the Courier Mail medal for best and fairest in the regular season.
PNG Hunters captain Ase Boas. Photo: RNZI / Melvin Levongo
He also became the fourth successive Hunters player to win the People's Choice award - following Willie Minoga, Wartovo Puara and Justin Olam - but said the accolades were a team effort.
"Yeah I think we've got two other boys like Thompson Teteh and Justin Olam to (finish) runner-up for that nominee for the People's Choice award but because I'm representing PNG and coming here people have faith in me to bring this team this far.
"So thank you once again for people of Papua New Guinea back at home, anyone around the country wherever they may be, giving their one vote for me.
"It's really made a difference tonight and getting this award has really given me another boost to bring the boys all the way to the premiership".
PNG Hunters coach Michael Marum. Photo: RNZI / Melvin Levongo
Meanwhile, Hunters mentor Michael Marum won the coach of the year gong for the second time, having first been recognised in 2015,
PNG Kumuls and former Hunters winger Justin Olam, was also named in the Intrust Super Cup team of the year for his performances with the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
The Hunters have the bye for the opening round of finals matches before hosting Redcliffe in the major semi final next weekend.
