"We just have to keep going and grinding away doing the basics, defence is a key factor in this competition. You give them half a chance and they can just destroy you."
Nicholson is hoping his team can close their season with a win on Saturday but wants to see the improvement continue.
"The boys are loving it and we have built up a really good team culture. They have really resonated and connected with each other.
"For me it is senior and individual players putting in that extra effort. When you are tired and under the pump that is when you need to shine – make that extra tackle or run that support line. It is the continued effort we are looking for as well as communication and working for one another.
"You always have work-ons after games. We have gone from slow starts to starting well, it is defence again that we need to work on. We have to make sure we man up with two or three to stop these big players."
The Orcas and the Northern Swords clash in Wellington this weekend. Both are unbeaten, and the winner will claim the North Island title.
North Island Championship results for Saturday, September 14:
Wellington Orcas 38, Coastline Mariners 14.
Taranaki Sharks 32, Manawatu Mustangs 30.
Draw for Saturday, September 21:
2pm kick-off
Coastline Mariners v Manawatu Mustands, Kawerau.
Wellington Orcas v Northern Swords, Wellington.
