Think Tank: Round 2

Photo credit: Shuttersport Nelson

AUCKLAND TUATARA

If you THINK it was all doom and gloom for the Tuatara after a R1 thumping by the Saints THEN you probably haven’t read the career stats of Corey Webster, Rob Loe, Cam Gliddon and Reuben Te Rangi. Two wins in R2 reminded us all that these old dogs still have a bit more bite than bark.

FRANKLIN BULLS

If you THINK the Bulls are at full strength and beat an undermanned Rams team last Sunday THEN you might have missed that Dom Kelman-Poto (3×3) and Jordan Hunt (leg) have been unavailable while Josh Scott (overseas) is still to arrive at The Stockyard. Promising signs for a team that has started 2-0.

WHAI

If you THINK the Whai need reminding to ‘Whai it up’ THEN enjoy being told a couple hundred times during  home games. But the Whai failed to fire up  in the last quarter against the Tuatara as the visitors delivered a 22-10 run to hand the Whai their first ever Sal’s NBL loss.

TARANAKI STEELFORMERS AIRS

If you THINK there’s been plenty of hype around the Airs during the pre-season THEN a loss to the Tuatara in R2 was a timely reminder that this is a tough competition and every game is up for grabs despite any preseason flowers a team may have received.

TAYLOR HAWKE’S BAY HAWKS

If you THINK the turnover of players at the Hawks means a tough season is ahead THEN you might want to think again because this new-look roster looks like a lot of fun and will catch teams off guard if they fail to give the Hawks the proper amount of respect.

PROPERTY BROKERS MANAWATŪ JETS

If you THINK the Jets are frantically searching for a replacement import point guard after Jasper Rentoy (knee) was ruled out for the season THEN you may be surprised if that search could be over before it really started following a breakout week from local star Campbell Scott. With a career high 28 point haul against the Nuggets following a full 40 minute showing against the Sharks he has well and truly stated his intentions to be the Jets PG moving forward.

MILLS ALBERT WELLINGTON SAINTS

If you THINK the Saints are all about offence THEN you might have missed that they forced the Giants into 24 turnovers and held Mike Fitchett’s team to just 10 points down the stretch when the game was up for grabs.

NBS NELSON GIANTS

If you THINK the Giants are destined to miss the Final 6 because they have started the season with three straight losses THEN you need to stay tuned for the impending arrival of two new imports that that will drastically change the look of the team with the hope the 3 game hole can be made up.

WHEEELER MOTOR COMPANY CANTERBURY RAMS

If you THINK the Canterbury Rams will be worried about their loss to the Bulls THEN you need to take a deep breath and factor in the 2023 champs played without Max Darling (concussion), KJ Buffen (overseas), Aiden Tonge (3×3) and Lachie Olbrich (personal). Relax, the Rams will be a force this season.

NIGHT n’ DAY OTAGO NUGGETS

If you THINK the Nuggets are becoming the League’s best when it comes to recruiting imports THEN you just might be right. Remember Todd Withers, Keith Williams and Tray Boyd in 2022? Will this year’s trio of Kimani Lawrence, Ben Henshall and Zee Darko-Kelly prove to be a similar trio?

SOUTHLAND SHARKS

If you THINK the Sharks are in need of an urgent re-set after three straight losses THEN you’ll pleased to hear the search for a replacement import PG is the team’s highest priority right now and no stone is being left unturned. It’s best we wait for a bit more news before we harpoon the Sharks and their 2024 finals prospects.