International League Coming to Whangarei

Takahiwai and Hokianga remain unbeaten and the season front runners.  Takahiwai defeated the Northern Wairoa Bulls 54 – 34 in a high scoring match while Hokianga defeated Horahora 32 – 18.  They are joined at the top of the table by Hikurangi who having played the season launch, have played an extra game.

Portland follow up in fourth place with two wins out of three and look to be serious contenders for the 2014 RLN Multikai Cooker Premiership.  Their 40 – 10 win against Muriwhenua was impressive as it was an away victory.  The rest of the table has only the one win to their credit with the exception of the Kerikeri Makos who have yet to notch their first win.

The Makos went through all of 2013 without a win, however their 32 – 6 loss to Hikurangi demonstrated some potential.  They are a big, fit looking team, and with a new coach in Benson Selwyn they should improve throughout the season and win a few games.

The biggest surprise in 2014 is the lack of form of the Moerewa Tigers who are currently sitting at one win out of four games.  The Tigers were the 2013 minor premiers and in 2013 started their season with 9 straight wins.  They have had a change in coach with Tawio Davis stepping up as a player coach. However their 28 – 12 loss to the Otangarei Knights should come at no surprise as the Knights have been under-performing in 2014.  The Knights played with discipline for 80 minutes and the result was a confident win over the Tigers.

It’s still early in the season for all teams involved, but the 10 team Premiership looks likely to be a closely fought competition from 1st place to 10th place.