League: Panthers kick off on a perfect note

Otangarei player Jordan Katene goes on an attacking run and lines up the Takahiwai defence at Fishbone Park in Otangarei on Saturday. Photo/Ron Burgin

The Portland Panthers got their Rugby League Northland Multikai Cooker Premiership season off to a cracking start, knocking over last year's champions by two points.

With Hikurangi having opened the season last weekend, you would have forgiven Portland for being a little less prepared but they held on for the 28-26 win at home.

Saturday's first full round of club rugby league meant there was plenty of cobwebs being blown out by teams, with several results eventuating into one-sided affairs.

Across town in Otangarei, City Knights coach John Hanapo said his team has plenty to work on if they are to be where they want to be later in the season.

"It was a bit of a blow out there, the guys are still learning the new stuff," Hanapo commented of the 40-16 loss to Takahiwai, adding that former NRL player and Taniwha Iwi Hauraki was the main coach of the Knights. "We've got to change a few things but we'll eventually get there.

"We're looking for bigger things this year, expect us to be [near the play-offs] someone near the end of the year, I'm hoping on that."

Hanapo said his side lacked consistent go forward ball, noting the quality of the Takahiwai outfit.

"They've got a good team [and] are well-drilled, they've got a good coach too. We've got a bit of work to do at training, it's a new ball game to a lot of our players and it'll take a while [to click]."

Next week the Knights face the Northern Wairoa Bulls who also had a frustrating start to the season, losing 24-22 to Hokianga.

Hanapo said he expected to see a better performance from his side against the Bulls.

In other results, Muriwhenua were too strong for the Hora Hora Broncos as they ran out victors 42-20 while Moerewa were too strong for the new Kerikeri side 40-26.

The premiership opened last weekend with Hikurangi beating the Moerewa Tigers 42-16, in what was the main game on a day which saw the NorthTec Adam Blair XIII face the Warriors Development team.