League: Pullout puts a new spin on playoffs

Hokianga's Bronte Gilmour won't be breaking any more defensive lines after his side defaulted the rest of their season. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Hokianga Pioneers RLC have pulled the pin on their 2016 Scott Premiership Premiership campaign just two rounds shy of the playoffs.

After competing for nine rounds, Hokianga have decided to end their season with hopes of coming back stronger in 2017.

Their last game was against Portland Panthers on May 28, where they lost a nailbiter 38-34.

Rugby League Northland general manager Duane Fyfe said there were a few factors that ultimately ended their season prematurely.

"They have had key players find jobs outside of the area so when you're struggling for players, it only gets tougher if your leaders leave," he said.

"They also had financial strain. They weren't in any serious strife, they paid their bills but the costs of travel amongst other things were building up."

Hokianga had four wins from eight games, taking wins over Portland (30-0), Northern Wairoa (36-34) and Hora Hora twice (56-24 and 32-28).

They were sitting fourth on the ladder at the end of round nine, only trailing Takahiwai, Moerewa and Otangarei.

Meanwhile, the Scott Electrical Premiership moves into the final two rounds before the playoffs. Takahiwai will maintain pole position for at least another round, taking two points from a bye caused by Hokianga's default.

Hora Hora will also join them in having a week off. The battle for the final playoff position heats up this week.

Fifth-placed Northern Wairoa will be looking to nullify the gap between them and Portland when they travel to Otangarei.

Goal-kicker Daniel Fulop will be essential in a part of the season where every point is vital.

Portland sit just two points ahead of Northern Wairoa, but with both sides having a bye in the final round, will want to wrap up a finals berth when they play Moerewa.

Northern Wairoa will need a big win and hope Portland have a convincing loss in order to make up the 92-point difference in their points differential.

Both the Portland-Moerewa and Northern Wairoa-Otangarei matches are tomorrow at 2.30pm.