Competition favourites pile on the points

TACKLE ATTEMPT: Falcons’ Myles Lardelli tries to bust through a Turanga Panthers tackle on the opening day of the Gisborne Tairawhiti Rugby League season on Saturday. Picture by Paul Rickard

RUGBY LEAGUE

The Gisborne Tairawhiti Rugby League season opened on Saturday with two of the competition favourites in high-scoring games.

Past winners of the Dave Ahu Trophy, the Falcons and Paikea Whalers, both racked up 70 points in their games.

The Falcons beat Turanga Panthers 70-8, and Paikea Whalers beat Waengapu Stallions 70-30.

A late withdrawal from United Bulldogs, of Wairoa, means only five teams are in the competition now. Ngatapa Stags had the bye on Saturday.

Gisborne Tairawhiti Rugby League (GTRL) board member Ally Tamihere said it was a great start to the season for the Falcons, who came out strong against the Panthers.

“The standout players were Nate Miller and Marquand Samuels, who were both playing in top gear.

“It was good to have an old-school club (Panthers) back on the field. The Panthers did well, scoring two tries.

“The great thing with the old-school clubs is the whanau tautoko (support) that they bring with them.”

The Whalers and the Stallions game was a rematch of the 2017 final.

The Whalers dominated the first half, with the Stallions improving their game in the second half, Tamihere said.

“A few of GTRL’s experienced players were back on the field for another season — Jay Casey, Chris Brown, Mita Hemo and Evan Bryant.

“The Whalers had a youthful side with Moses Christie in great form, along with a new player to the prems, TK Reihana.”