Rugby league: Ngongotaha look to bounce back against 'unknown' Papamoa side

Ngongotaha's Joe Nuku makes a break during a game against Otumoetai last season. Photo / File

Ngongotaha rugby league coach Paul Nahu wants to see an 80-minute performance from his side against Papamoa this weekend.

When asked how the team played in their 42-28 loss to Pacific in the opening round of the Coastline/Bay of Plenty Premier competition last weekend, he said they were good for the first 40 minutes.

"There were several things in the second half, a little bit of attrition, discipline and territory. They were our own doing so that gives us plenty to work on. We've discussed it and we're all in agreeance that they are things we can improve on and work on, and we will," Nahu said.

Nahu has coached the senior side previously, but in recent years has spent his time working with the club's juniors. He said this year's team had a good mixture of core players returning from last year and fresh faces.

"There are a lot of new players so it's just a matter of getting them adjusted and used to playing in a new team next to each other, as well as the new systems I'm trying to implement.

"At the moment we need to focus on the basics, the building blocks. It's early days, we're only one game into the season. We just want to see steady progress and improvement from the first round, then we can re-evaluate and go from there."

Papamoa, who lost 20-12 to Taupo last weekend, are a bit of an unknown, having only entered the competition this year.

"I don't know much about them, but every team that comes into the competition you treat them with respect and we'll be doing that against Papamoa.

"We've set some simple targets for the game, without giving away too much, if we can get through those or accomplish a lot of them we'll be in a good position to possibly win the game. We know what we've got to work on and I'll be affirming that before they go out there.

"I can't fault the boys' attitudes at the moment, they've been excellent. Hopefully we can maintain that for the whole season - the enthusiasm and the attitudes have been great. Once you've got that, as a coach, you can really work with that and it's pleasing so far," he said.

Meanwhile, Mangakino can put their feet up as they have the bye, after beating Pikiao 40-10 last weekend. Pikiao travel to Pacific and Taupo host Otumoetai.

Bay of Plenty/Coastline Premier Rugby League draw
Saturday, April 14
1.30pm kick-off:
Ngongotaha v Papamoa at Puketawhero Park
2.30pm kick-off:
Pacific v Pikiao at Memorial Park
Taupo v Otumoetai at Hickling Park
Mangakino bye