Portland coach proud to be on top

Portland Panthers sit on top of the Whangarei City and Districts Rugby League table after nabbing an important round three win over Hikurangi Stags.
Their 26-22 win last weekend pushed them clear of several teams vying for second spot in the early stages of the competition.
The ever-humble Portland coach Craig Bird played down Portland's early season success.
"It's a bit of a jammy one that one - being at the top," he said.
"The game against Hikurangi could have gone either way but the boys got stuck in and gave it their best in the last 20 minutes," Bird said.
Portland have yet to drop a game, beating Takahiwai in a second-half comeback during round one followed by a 44-28 win over Wairoa and their narrow win last weekend.
Changing attitudes seems to be the catalyst for Portland's winning ways. "The guys just got sick of losing and playing for half a season then pushing to get home for the other half," Bird said.
"We have team meetings now and set individual goals. We are communicating much better and working together as a team."
Bird said his team had many challenges ahead, including Saturday's clash with the City Knights, a side that will be hurting after their round three 16-56 loss to Wairoa.
"We are not writing the Knights off by any means," Bird said.
"They gave us a bit of a hiding at home last year."
Portland saw the return of second rower Michael Salase this year along with his brother Alex, who plays loose forward, following their stint with City Knights in 2010.
Saturday will be the first time the brothers have met their old teammates after leaving the club, adding a bit of spice to the game.
"The brothers have a huge influence on the team.
"Mike is a game breaker when he wants to be ... while we are slowly nursing Alex back to full strength after he snapped his ankle last year ... it should be an interesting game, Bird said.
Portland head into the game without injured halfback Linn Hunapau (knee), who will be replaced by Cass Wall, while Josh Poasa returns to play prop, following a shoulder injury.
City and Portland's round four clash kicks off at 2.30pm, at Portland.
In other round four matches, Wairoa will look to back up last weekend's win at Dargaville, when they play Marist, who are yet to win a game, and Hikurangi host Takahiwai at Otaika Sports Park.
In the north, Bay Slayers will be looking for a huge hit out against 2010 premiers Kaikohe Lions at Kerikeri Domain, and Moerewa play Otaua at Simpson Park.
Hokianga have the bye this week. All of Saturday's games start at 2.30pm.
Whangarei City and Districts Rugby League Points (after round three): Portland 6, Hikurangi, Kaikohe, Takahiwai, Hokianga, Bay 4, Moerewa 4, Wairoa 2, City 2, Otaua 2, Marist 0.