"It has been a struggle for us mainly due to lots of injuries. But this is the sort of game to raise everyone's performance," he said.
"Basic mistakes have cost us and spirit isn't great at the moment. But you have to pull through times like these.
"We know what we've done wrong and St Michael's will be a great opportunity to start being more clinical and come away with a result.
"But we have to be careful. St Michael's can pull something out of nowhere and they will be looking to turn their own luck around."
Ngongotaha lost last weekend 30-5 at home to second on the table Paroa, but did beat Marist St Michael's narrowly in the first half of the season and finished eight points ahead of them - winning Division 1, before the newly formatted competition.
Whilst Marist St Michael's come into the game on the back of a disappointing 33-7 home loss to Waikite.
"Our target was to bowl over a few premier quality sides in the new comp," said Whakaue.
"We haven't quite managed to do that but the season isn't over yet.
"The side certainly won't have a defeated attitude, all is still to play for. It is about ending the season on a high - setting us up for next season.
"We have a strong game plan for St Michael's and all the players are very motivated and ready to prove a point."
Ngongotaha are last in the standings on two points whilst Marist St Michael's are just two
points ahead in seventh. Elsewhere, top of the table Whakarewarewa travel to take on fourth placed Opotiki and are
full of confidence having recorded four emphatic wins.
Sixth placed Waikite look to get their first back-to-back wins in Premier 2 when they host fifth placed Arataki.
"We are feeling confident at the moment and have some very dangerous impact forward
players to come off the bench," said Waikite head coach Carl Marsters.
"The side have started to play with more composure and urgency which is needed because each side is highly competitive."
Tomorrow's draw:
Baywide Premier 1
Kick-off 2.45pm/Development kick-off 1pm
Rotoiti v Greerton Marist, Emery Park
Whakatane Marist v Te Puke, Rugby Park
Tauranga Sports v Rangataua, Tauranga Domain
Te Puna v Mount Maunganui, Maramatanga Park
Baywide Premier 2
Kick-off 2.45pm/Development kick-off 1pm
Ngongotaha v Marist St Michael's, Ngongotaha Domain
Waikite v Arataki, Bellvue Road
Opotiki v Whakarewarewa, Princess Street Reserve
Paroa v Poroporo v Poroporo, Lawson Park
Baywide Division One
Kick-off 2.45pm
Judea v Kahukura Maharaia Winiata Memorial Park
Ruatoki v Papamoa, Tuhoe Park
Rangiuru v Katikati, Centennial Park
Edgecumbe v Te Teko, Edgecumbe Domain
