Clash of the giants at Puketawhero Park

Fresh from a three week break, Pikiao Warriors will be looking to pick up where they left off when they clash with the Ngongotaha Chiefs in the local derby today.

Rugby league in Rotorua has received an injection of excitement in recent weeks, with both the Town versus Country representative match and National Rangatahi Rugby League Tournament held at Puketawhero Park.

That excitement is certain to flow into the local derby at Puketawhero today, with the city's two best rugby league clubs coming together.

Pikiao coach Doug Unuwai said his side were pumped for the game and were expecting some stiff competition from their cross-town rivals.

"I'm really looking forward to it. At the same time I'm a bit nervous. You can't take anyone lightly in this competition."

Pikiao won the derby match in the first round 44-22, but Unuwai believes all the teams in the competition were getting harder to beat as time goes on.

"Everyone is improving and getting stronger. Now that it is getting to the second round it is much more difficult."

Top-of-the-table Pikiao has only lost one game this season and has all but qualified for the semifinals in August.

Despite this situation, Unuwai said his players were not lacking in motivation.

"They have a goal to go the rest of the season unbeaten," he said.

Unuwai said a chunk of his team played in the Town versus Country representative match last weekend and the game benefited his players.

"That was a good hit out, it is good to have something different and they really enjoyed it."

In the other premier game today, Taupo host Pacific and Forestland has the bye. Premier games start at 2.30pm.

Taupo Phoenix sit in second position with Pacific (Tokoroa) just behind them on the Bay of Plenty Rugby League premier ladder.

Meanwhile, Ngongotaha and Forestland (Tokoroa) are both fighting for fourth spot on the table and a place in the semi finals.Reserve grade draw (all games start at 1pm today):

Turangi v Putaruru (Turangi), Tauhara v Ngongotaha (Hickling Park), Reporoa v Taupo (Reporoa), Pikiao v Central (Puketawhero Park), Mangakino v Pacific (Mangakino).