League: Big turnout puts coach happily on sideline

Ngongotaha coach Dominic James can finally hang up his boots after far more players than in previous years turned up to play for his club this season.

This will be the first season in more than a decade James has not had to run out for the club because they were short on numbers.

He said although they won the reserve grade last year they struggled at times to get enough players for a single squad.

"[This year] we have about 24 players in the premier squad and 30 players for the reserve grade. That is the most we have had for a few years now."

He said the increase in players means he can focus on coaching.

"We won the reserve grade last year and we are trying to step it up and compete in the premier grade this year," James said.

The club kick off their season against Turangi at 2.30pm tomorrow, in Turangi.

James said he was not sure how they would go but he is looking forward to the first hit out of the season.

However, it was a bit disappointing there were only six teams in the Bay of Plenty premier division this year, after Central pulled out .

He was also disappointed the Waicao Bay competition was scrapped this year, which combines the top teams from Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Coastline (Tauranga).

Rotorua's other premier rugby league side in the Bay of Plenty competition, Pikiao, will look to start their title defence tomorrow away against Taupo, at Hickling Park.

The other premier division match will see Forestland (Tokoroa) host Pacific (Tokoroa).