BIG CLASH: Pikiao will meet Ngongotaha in tomorrow's Rotorua derby. Pictured is Pikiao player Pirikawana Taiatini (with ball) playing against Central this season. PHOTO/BEN FRASER 180514BF14
BIG CLASH: Pikiao will meet Ngongotaha in tomorrow's Rotorua derby. Pictured is Pikiao player Pirikawana Taiatini (with ball) playing against Central this season. PHOTO/BEN FRASER 180514BF14
Tomorrow's Rotorua derby between Pikiao and Ngongotaha feels like a grand final, says Pikiao coach Doug Unuwai.
Rotorua's two best rugby league teams will meet at Puketawhero Park in the Bay of Plenty District premier competition.
"Pikiao and Ngongotaha are big rivals and to us it is a really biggame," Unuwai said. "Playing them is like playing in the final each year."
The round nine fixture has extra significance tomorrow, with both teams currently locked on 12 competition points.
Meanwhile, the top four sides in the premier competition - Pacific (Tokoroa), Pikiao, Taupo and Ngongotaha - are only separated by two competition points.