League: Phoenix build for finals

Taupo Phoenix coach Hopa Henry says their focus is on winning the title ahead of their last regular season match of the year.

Henry believes the mood around training has picked up with the playoffs only two weeks away in the Bay of Plenty Rugby League premier division.

"We have been training quite hard over the past few weeks. The guys are looking forward to the finals," he said. "We are in it to win."

In the game of the round tomorrow, Henry's men will travel to Tokoroa to face off against third-placed Pacific at 2.30pm.

"They are strong at home," he said. "We are one apiece at the moment."

Henry said it was going to be a tough task and they were being forced to make a couple of changes this weekend in their forward pack, which didn't help.

"We have a new front row because our props are out injured."

He said he was looking for a couple of the younger players to step up during the match, as the team build towards the finals.

Taupo have the bye next weekend in the last round of regular season competition and are still in with a chance of finishing top heading into the finals. They currently sit in second place, one point behind league-leaders Pikiao from Rotorua.

Meanwhile, Pikiao will be expected to account for Ngongotaha when the two sides meet at Puketawhero Park tomorrow at 2.30pm.

The two Rotorua clubs have met twice this season, with Pikiao taking the chocolates on both occasions.

Unless Ngongotaha can cause an upset this weekend, their finals hopes will rest on a final round match-up against Forestland next weekend at Puketawhero Park.

Forestland (Tokoroa) have the bye this weekend and will receive an automatic two competition points, putting them on equal standing with Ngongotaha.

Reserve grade games tomorrow (all games start at 1pm):

Mangakino v Central, Tauhara v Pacific, Turangi v Reporoa, Putaruru v Taupo, Pikiao bye.

Premier points table:

• 
  Pikiao 21
• 
  Taupo 20
• 
  Pacific 19
• 
  Ngongotaha 10
• 
  Forestland 8