Otago bullish over chances in key game
A MASSIVE weekend of rugby league is coming to Dunedin for both the men’s and women’s Otago teams.
The Otago Whalers will take on the Southland Rams tomorrow in a topofthetable clash at the North Ground.
Both sides go into the game unbeaten in the Southern Zone competition.
Otago captain Troy Anstiss said the Whalers expected a hard game but was confident they could ‘‘get the job done’’.
The Whalers are coming off a 30point win over the Aoraki Eels last weekend.
Anstiss said while the score did not reflect the game well, Otago would be looking to carry the momentum into the Rams game.
‘‘Aoraki were stronger than that scoreline reflects. But [we are] definitely full of confidence for this week.’’
The Whalers had stressed the importance of defence heading into tomorrow’s game, he said.
‘‘I think we definitely attacked well [last week] but our defence was quite weak at times. We’ll need to be strong on defence against Southland.’’
The game will be a precursor for next week’s Southern Zone final, for which both teams have already qualified.
He said it was an odd feeling playing the same opposition in backtoback weeks but that they were trying not to think too far ahead.
‘‘We’ll still be showing up this week. Obviously still got to get the job done — secure a home final next week.’’
Women’s rugby league is also set for a big weekend.
Dunedin will host the inaugural South Island women’s tournament at Kettle Park.
Teams from Canterbury, Tasman, Southland and Otago will be battling it out for the South Island title.
Anstiss, who also works as a regional development officer for New Zealand Rugby League, said the tournament was an important step in developing the women’s game in Otago.
‘‘It’s massive for the South Island and obviously massive for Otago and getting some exposure for the game down here.
‘‘Hopefully it grows the game and gets heaps of exposure.’’
He said there was a growing interest in the women’s game and hoped the public would support the event.
The Otago squad looks particularly strong and will feature several Otago Spirit rugby players including Atawhai Hotene, Brigid Corson and Olivia Fowler.*