By Liam Cook

Sunnybank’s head coach Sione Fukofuka is hoping his side can put together a complete performance when they face fellow winless side Norths at Biggs Oval on Saturday.

“Our form has been pretty average to be honest,” Fukofuka told Rugby News.

“We’ve been pretty happy that we compete until half time and put ourselves in positions to be in the games, but when we get our opportunities in the second half we haven’t capitalised.

“I’ve been a bit frustrated at our ability to exert pressure and then capitalise on field position.

“I think our average margin is four tries to one, so there are positives in our defence but there are areas we are just not executing as well as we need to.”

Fukofuka believes gaining ascendancy at set piece will help his side overcome Norths and secure their first victory for 2022.

“Norths have a really solid set piece so that’s going to be a big battle.”

“We’ve identified that if we can execute our attacking systems and opportunities at set piece we will stress their defence and give ourselves a chance to break the line, take penalty opportunities or score points.

“It all hinges on the possession we get off our set piece.

“The exciting part is that we felt we did play pretty well in patches last week, so now we want to put those patches together and get some consistency across both halves and hopefully put ourselves in a position to get the result.”

The Dragons early season momentum has suffered as a result of playing only three of the first five rounds.

“Just trying to get on the training field has been hard,” Fukofuka said.

“We’ve been restricted with what we’ve been able to do.

“Getting a rhythm and building momentum has been hard, but all the teams are in the same position so it’s just one of those things we have to deal with.

“Whether it’s Covid or now the weather, there is always going to be a challenge.”

Despite the stunted start to the year, Fukofuka said his men showed some positive signs against the competition leaders Wests last Saturday.

“The effort and intent were really positive. The boys went out there and had a crack which was good.”

“I thought our defence kept us in the game in terms of work rate and asking questions of Wests’ attack.

“We came in at half time and were really confident that if we were next to score we could get back in the game and put them under pressure.

“When we got our opportunities we got held up and conceded field position and a penalty try a couple of minutes later.

“We were building momentum and then we would lose possession at the four or fifth phase and have to transition to defence.

“There were positives, but there are definitely areas we need to get better at.”

The head coach was pleased with the form of a number of individuals through the opening rounds.

“Our No.8 Josh Fenner was immense for us on the weekend.”

“He did a lot of work in tight and had carries that put us in good positions.

“He’s been building nicely since round one and in all three games.

“Our two young wingers Puni Aupuni and Lathaniel Tiatia have also been sharp.

“We just need to be better at providing them with cleaner and earlier ball so that they can use their speed and footwork.”

Fukofuka said Sunnybank still has big ambitions for 2022 in spite of their early results.

“First and foremost, its looking to get consistency in our performances and then get results out of that.”

“We understand that we’re building from a low base and working our way up.

“Our focus for the start of the season was to be in a position where we could compete for that fourth or third spot in the race for the finals.

“We want to win the games we should win and then put pressure on teams above us on the table to create opportunities.”

Sunnybank’s players and staff are honoured to be involved in the week’s Indigenous round, Fukofuka said.

“We are a very multicultural club at Sunnybank with lots of nationalities.”

“Indigenous round is a fantastic opportunity to recognise the rugby players from the Indigenous community that are making their mark.

“The Indigenous community has long been involved in the wider game and it’s great to now see some of the talent that’s coming through.

“Floyd over at GPS has been playing really well and some of the women coming through the ranks, namely Mahalia Murphy, are putting us at the forefront of creating interest in the game.

“The Nona sisters, Renae and Kobe, are great ambassadors for the Indigenous players coming through our club as part of our women’s team.

“It’s a fantastic initiative to show recognition for First Nations people and we are excited to be a part of it.”