"We always look forward to our local derbies, we have a lot of family connections within that club and it's nice to try and get a win over them.
"We're really happy with how we've performed in our first time back [in the Premier division] in a long time. For us it's about maintaining the form we've shown as of late and continuing that in Saturday's game," Wharekura said.
He hoped to see his side play with controlled enthusiasm this weekend.
"Just show a lot of passion, but in doing that don't get too emotional and stick to the structures and our systems. I think in some ways Whaka will definitely be a different team than the one we played [in pre-season]. They've had some really good wins lately ... they'll be looking to maintain that which should bring the best out of us."
Prepare yourselves for the final week of Round 1 of the Farmlands Cooperative Society Limited Baywide Club Rugby with highlights from the weekend!
WEEK 10 HIGHLIGHTS: https://vimeo.com/271200160
Posted by Bay of Plenty Rugby on Monday, 21 May 2018
He said going down into Premier 2 as top qualifiers could be the best thing for Ngongotaha.
"We'll look to perform really well in Premier 2, we're not just targeting top four, we've got a realistic goal to try and win that division. I think we've got the personnel and we've certainly got the game plan to match any of those teams down there."
Whakarewarewa coach Boxer Smith said his side were "definitely" looking forward to a game against local rivals.
"These games always bring the best out of both sides. It becomes a little bit more than rugby, it's a tribal thing for these two clubs going back a very long time.
"I think it's huge for Rotorua rugby to have three teams in Premier and at the end of the day it's about sharing the talent of our Rotorua players and developing the young ones," Smith said.
He said this weekend's game would be an important opportunity to take some momentum into round two.
"After last week's win there seems to be a lot of confidence and belief in the team at the moment. They're riding a bit of a wave and obviously it's important we carry that into the second round."
Meanwhile, Rotoiti sit in fourth place and will look to cement that top four spot when they host Paroa.
In Division 1, Marist St Michael's and Te Teko are tied for third place. They go head-to-head this weekend knowing a win for either side will secure their spot in the top four, and a move into Premier 2 for the second round.
Farmlands Co-operative Baywide Club Rugby Draw
Saturday
Premier kickoff: 2.45pm
Development kickoff: 1pm
Arataki v Tauranga Sports at Arataki Park
Mount Maunganui Sports v Whakatane Marist at Blake Park
Te Puna v Te Puke Sports at Maramatanga Park
Rotoiti v Paroa at Emery Park
Whakarewarewa v Ngongotaha at Puarenga Park
Rangataua v Greerton Marist at Te Ariki Park
Farmlands Co-operative Baywide Division 1
Saturday
Kickoff: 2.45pm
Te Teko v Marist St Michael's at Dunderdale Park
Waimana v Kahukura at Waimana Domain
Poroporo v Ruatoki at Poroporo
Murupara v Rangiuru at Ngati Manawa
Opotiki v Waikite at Princess Street Reserve
Judea v Papamoa at Maharaia Winiata Memorial Park
