Rugby League's Spy on the Bank

* Spoilt for choice
I don't like to pick on that other game, but I had more than a quiet giggle over a scribe in a Sunday paper accusing rugby league of "spoiling" their game.
Defence is "ruining" their game and making it like rugby league, and goes on to say that's bad news for a game under threat from the "growing maturity" of the NRL. Whoopee! They are the ones who invited league analysts in to sort out their woeful defence patterns, and now we are accused of spoiling their game. You can't have it both ways. Simple solution - play rugby league.
* Panthers on prowl
Managed to take in the Waitangi United vs Portland Panthers last Saturday.
It was a bit one-sided but the Waitangi boys showed a lot of spirit for such a predominantly young side. However, they lacked an on-field leader and failed to finish off numerous opportunities to score. The big Portland pack are going to be a real handful for all opposition as the season goes on. It was a read David and Goliath match-up. The blood lines of Ruben Wiki were on show for Waitangi with the youthful trio of Alex at fullback, William at stand-off and Joseph in the pack, all showing some class, and will be an asset in years to come.
The Hokianga Pioneers, last season's premiers, went through 2004 unbeaten but will have their work cut out in 2005. There is a log jam for the top four spots at this early stage with Marist, Portland and Takahiwai as most likely to knock Hokianga over.
The match-up next Saturday with Portland at Ohaeawai will definitely be the match of the round.
You can guarantee the sideline antics of the supporters will have these two sides taking no prisoners. I trust the rope barriers are in place!
I must have wound up the Marist boys last week. Picking Moerewa to beat them was a motivation that was unintentional but it makes their win more enjoyable.
* Schoolboys' modules scores
It is great news to hear the schoolboy modules held at Jubilee Park and Moerewa went off very well, and a special mention to Bill Mackey who was instrumental in organising the Bay of Islands section.
We do have to thank those parents who turned up and got involved. You are every bit as important to our game as the kids who play.
The league does envisage schoolboy football as curtain raisers to the seniors, just as often as is possible.
* Change of guard
An oversight on my part in not thanking Evan Harding, our past rugby league scribe who has moved on to bigger things. We did enjoy your coverage, Evan. And we welcome Peter Thorley as the new scribe and trust the club officials will take every opportunity to supply the correct information you require.
* My picks this week
Portland, Marist, Coastline, Takahiwai, Northern.
Draw for weekend: Hokianga Pioneers v Portland Panthers at Ohaeawai 2.30pm, referee J. Dunn; Te Hiku Stingrays v Northern Pirates at Kaitaia 2.30pm, referee H. Hack; Kaikohe Lions v Coastline at Kaikohe 2.30pm, referee D. Akuhata; Takahiwai Warriors v Moerewa Tigers at Takahiwai 2.30pm, referee S. Hohepa.
Draw for Sunday May 1: Marist Brothers v Waitangi United 2.30pm Jubilee Park 2.30pm, referee W. Maihi.
Vodafone Warriors v Penrith Panthers 2pm, Ericcson Stadium, Auckland.