Chris Noakes keen to overcome slow start

He's had a couple of false starts but new Tauranga Sports first-five Chris Noakes hopes his campaign for a spot in the Steamers begins in earnest tomorrow.
The 25-year-old lawyer is down to start at first-five against Rotoiti, confident he's put a nagging quadricep injury behind him, after moving to the province in March from a long stint in Otago.
"I lasted 20mins against Te Puke in the first game before something went ping, then tried to come back against Te Puna a couple of weeks ago and it tightened up again," Noakes said. "I'm really just searching for a full half, otherwise I'll get peeled out by everyone on the sideline who's come to watch... they're already calling me names like 'Foodbill'!"
While it's been a frustrating first two months of club rugby for the stylish left-footer, he's embraced the change of scene as he seeks to fill the large void left by departing star Mike Delany.
Originally from Auckland, Noakes spent seven years in Otago studying and playing, earning close to 30 caps since making his provincial debut in 2007.
Two serious injuries in the past two seasons - he tore his adductor muscle off the bone in 2009, then wrecked ankle ligaments last year - plus a desire to kick-start his career convinced him to shift north.
"I made the decision to leave and I was pretty keen to start working but wanted to marry it up with footy. I got a call from (former Steamers assistant coach) Steve Miln, had a chat with mates like Brett Mather and Ben Smith and caught up with Mike who I met when he was at the Highlanders. People spoke highly of the environment up here, plus the team's been pretty successful."
The Tauranga-Rotoiti match is one of five crucial match-ups this this weekend.
Whakarewarewa will face Rotorua neighbours Waikite in what could be a spiteful clash, as Waikite players are still fuming over halfback Chris Miller's move to their local rivals at the start of the Baywide season.
Rangataua and Mount Maunganui square off at Te Ariki Park chasing outright third, while Te Puke and Opotiki will be desperate to win to stay in touch with the leaders.
Even Te Puna's trip to Whakatane Marist carries importance, with Te Puna needing a win to stay clear of the relegation zone.
Baywide draw:
(Home teams first) Rangataua v Mount Maunganui, Tauranga Sports v Rotoiti, Whakarewarewa v Waikite, Te Puke Sports v Opotiki, Whakatane Marist v Te Puna.