Must win clash for Silktails: Naiqama
The Kaiviti Silktails are currently placed sixth in the Ron Massey Cup competition before going into the ninth round this weekend.
And head coach, Wes Naiqama said this weekend’s game is crucial to secure the four points because they are on bye the following weekend. Naiqama indicated there were key areas that must be strengthened before they face the Ryde Eastwood Hawks tomorrow.
“Our game management and last place and just sort of ability to build pressure on teams, is what we will work on,” the former Fijian Bati captain said.
“We have come back strong in most of our games from a slow start, they have been working really hard. “I look forward to these boys putting an 80 minutes performance together. But most importantly starting off first so we are not chasing points as hard as we have in the past couple of games.”
He aims to involve all the squad members in the remaining games of the Ron Massey Cup tournament. There are about two players left to debut in the club comps.
Naiqama has applauded the hardwork shown by the younger players who have been impressive on the field.
These players include Vuate Karawalevu, Sunia Naruma and Akuila Tavakaturaga who scored two tries in his debut last week. “Everyone has been playing their part, in the last week we got player ‘s like Tavakaturaga who was really, really impressive with his performance,” he said.
“This week, Camaisala is in line to make his debut as well. He has been patient on his debut,” he added.
The positional changes last week had a great impact in their 38-14 win over Cabramatta.
“Mosese Qionimacawa played at No.1, he played a good role there, and he was really steady with his performance. He got the numbers right.”
He added that the visit by Vodafone Fijian Bati coach, Joe Rabele, to Australia would boost the team’s performance as well.
Naiqama indicated being selected into the Fijian Bati squad is a massive achievement.
Seven Silktails are part of the Bati extended squad.
“Everybody’s dream is to represent their country. With the Silktails in the programme now that we are running that dream could become a reality,” he said.
“We want to be able to filter many local players through as we can. “Being part of the programme and playing for this competition is being part of this environment. The resources that we have, the coaching, strength and conditioning, the gap between the NRL (National Rugby League) players and the local players in the past are finally closing up. And that is what it is all about.”
The game against the Hawks will be at Mascot Oval at 3pm on Saturday.