League: Bay looking for a series sweep

Bay of Plenty player Pesini Tavake sprinting for the try line during last weekend's win against Coastlands. Photo / George Novak

The Bay of Plenty rugby league team are one win away from sweeping the inaugural quad-series among Waikato, Coastlands (Tauranga), Gisborne and Bay of Plenty.

Bay of Plenty have defeated Waikato and Coastlands during the past two weeks and will face off against Gisborne tomorrow at Puketawhero Park in Rotorua.

Bay of Plenty coach Doug Unuwai said their aim was now to sweep the series, with a win against Gisborne tomorrow.

"I don't know much about them other than the games they have played previously, which they lost," he said.

"But I still won't take anyone lightly. I will still try and start my strongest team out there."

This is the first year the quad-series has been held in the central North Island, which is something Unuwai would like to see continued in years to come.

"It gives the boys an opportunity to show their talents at representative level," he said.

"Those who miss out on the [WaiCoa Bay] Stallions still get the opportunity to play representative football and the opportunity to get looked at."

Some Bay of Plenty players have been called up to national league side the Stallions in recent weeks, since playing in the quad series.

Unuwai said he was really pleased with the depth of talent in Rotorua, Tokoroa, Taupo and the surrounding areas. "I even brought in three or four reserve-grade players from Central last week, and they played really well."

The match against Gisborne kicks off at 2.30pm tomorrow at Puketawhero Park, the home of rugby league in Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty.

A selection side will be named after the quad-series to play a one-off match against the Stallions, next weekend in Rotorua. Bay of Plenty will be captained by Taupo Phoenix player Skay Rangi tomorrow. Entry is $5.

Players who are missing this weekend for the Bay of Plenty include Percy King, who is out injured; and Mac Carson and Jeremy Siulepa who have been called up to the Waicoa Bay Stallions.