League: Moerewa need lots to go right

Otangarei Knights player Franko Newton is congratulated by a teammate for a try which was denied last weekend against Hikurangi. Otangarei will be hoping they can claim back second place this weekend. Photo / Alex Woods

Moerewa will be hoping Hikurangi can withhold Northern Wairoa tomorrow, because if they can't it will signify the end of Moerewa's season.

Hikurangi will be in for a tough day at the office in Dargaville with the loss of captain and coach Joe Rau through a dislocated shoulder, not that Moerewa will want to hear that.

If Northern Wairoa can escape tomorrow's Rugby League Northland MultiKai Cooker Premiership match with a win, it will lock out Moerewa and guarantee them a spot in the minor semifinals in two weeks.

But before Moerewa worry about the other teams doing their bit, they will need to get a win against Hora Hora.

While Hora Hora have suffered some big defeats this season, they are coming off the back of a good 26-24 win against Northern Wairoa last weekend.

There will be no doubting the Hora Hora team would love to pick up back-to-back wins, so there are no guarantees Moerewa will come away victors.

The big movers on the points table last weekend were Hokianga, who leapfrogged both Portland and Otangarei with their 26-20 defeat of Portland to sit third by one point.

Hokianga will have gained a lot of confidence, while Portland will be questioning their ability to win the tight games, as they have let a number of close ones slip away this year.

With Hokianga one point behind Hikurangi, it will be a close run for second place in the remaining rounds as teams look to score a week off in week one of the playoffs.

There will be no disputes at the top of the table, where Takahiwai have the minor premiership already secured with two weeks to play. Complacency will be the biggest hurdle standing in the way of Takahiwai in their lead into the finals, as they face the lowly rated Kerikeri team this weekend and then Hora Hora in their final round robin match.

In other MultiKai Cooker Premiership makes this weekend, Hokianga face Muriwhenua in Okaihau and Otangarei host Portland.