Ta’ai feels good about Thunder’s chance of a win

UKUMA Ta’ai says Newcastle Thunder are aiming to carry the feelgood factor into their Betfred Championship clash with Featherstone Rovers tonight (6.30) following a thumping win over Workington Town last weekend.

Claiming their first victory in five games with a 66-22 demolition of the West Cumbrians has given the team a spring in its step according to the Tongan international.

He said: “It was a good win but for us to keep moving forward we still have a lot of things to learn and fix, especially some key things.

“We will try to keep building that up, especially this week against Featherstone but it has been a good feeling after last week.

“There is a big impact from a win like last week’s.

“Everyone comes in with a positive attitude and the way we have trained, everyone is doing their best and looking forward to playing against one of the best sides in the competition.”

Tonight’s clash with the Rovers is the second in a month after the two sides met at Kingston Park over the Jubilee weekend.

A young Thunder side which included six home-grown graduates of its academy gave a highly creditable performance.

Playing two games in four days over the bank holidays and managing injuries within the squad necessitated a degree of rotation employed by Thunder, whereas this weekend they expect to be closer to full strength.

Ta’ai expects Brian McDermott’s men will produce a similar performance to that game but says Thunder can find more from themselves with their personnel boost.

Hde added: “Featherstone will be just like they were in the way they play and I think our boys had a good go with them the first time.

“We tried to manage the game and if we can repeat that then we can give ourselves the chance to try and win this weekend.

“We’re going to be able to put out a different team to that game with a few people back and available and if we do our job properly then, there is a chance for us.

“IT is going to be a much different challenge compared to the Workington clash but we will turn up with a good mindset and see what we can do.”