"I say to them if they want to be that sort of player, then they can come sit on the bench with me. You can't afford to have guys go off and let their mates down."
His side has had three big wins in as many weeks and he is putting it down to the side's attitude.
"As a result the guys have adjusted their game plan and they have learned just to play football. It's really great because things seem to be just falling into place for us right now and it's rubbing off on the team."
One of the young players who seems to be thriving in the environment is 18-year-old centre Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi.
A nephew of Pikiao stalwart Te Kaiaotea "Bully" Tahuriorangi, the youngster was a stand out for his side, scoring two of the team's six tries.
Unuwai said his job had been made easy by his senior team members who have really stepped up to help the younger guys.
"My job is simply to tap into that natural ability and then I just work from there. What we do at training is the foundation. Then the guys just go out on field and adjust to the playing conditions."
Pikioa get a well-deserved rest on Saturday, with the side having drawn the bye. It comes at the perfect time Unuwai said with the odd player coming down with niggling little injuries.
In the other games in the round Pacific beat Forestland 20-16, and Ngongotaha have the bye. In the reserve grade Mangakino beat Ngongotaha 52-36, Central beat Reporoa 28-26, Turangi beat Tauhara 20-14 Pikiao beat Taupo 40-24 and Pacific beat Putaruru 36-32.
