Praise for Tigers’ tenacity

Hamilton City Tigers captain Hayden Karena praised his side’s ability to counter Taniwharau’s big forward pack, which set up a convincing victory for his team in the Waikato final at the weekend.

The experienced halfback/hooker led a sterling effort from the Tigers, as they wore down their opponents before spinning the ball wide.

‘‘We knew they’ve got a real big pack so we had to turn them round and make them do a lot more running than they’re used to, and we were lucky to get a few good kicks in and make them turn and chase and have to run away,’’ Karena said minutes after the final hooter.

‘‘Our boys really put their hands up today and we’re just real happy.’’

Karena credited Taniwharau’s efforts and despite the one-sided score, said his side ‘‘were just lucky to come away with it’’.

‘‘I can’t fault their team, they played absolutely good, they used their strength and their muscle and it was just lucky our boys were able to absorb it,’’ he said.

The Tigers started with a hiss and a roar and Karena said that intensity was key to their chances.

‘‘Our trainings had been a lot more intense, the boys have really put in the hard work and we were real lucky to get off to a good start and then we just got on the back of that.’’

He believes the result will be a huge confidence booster heading into their Waicoa Bays title defence next month.

That competition begins on June 9, with the top four Waikato sides battling it out with the top four from Bay of Plenty. The grand final will be played on August 11.

‘‘We’ve got a lot of young boys in there and it’s going to do them a lot of good,’’ he said.

‘‘But in saying that, we’re going to have to start fresh and we know that the Bay boys are going to come with it and we’re going to have to match them as well.’’

The plan now is to enjoy a weekend off and then refocus on what’s to come, Karena said.

‘‘I know there’s a few battered bodies out there, so a much- needed rest and then we’ll get our hands back on the job again.’’