Relieved rookie coach thinks Beasties still have more in the tank
By Leesa Ronald. Photo: J.B Photography.
Playing in front of PM Malcolm Turnbull in their first home game since 2016, Easts held on for a 15-12 victory over West Harbour, much to the relief to new coach Pauli Taumoepeau who admits he was “a wreck” leading up to the match.
Despite having led the Easts Colts to the playoffs for four consecutive years from 2014, the gravity of the new role took a toll on Taumoepeau.
“The week before, I just kept asking myself: have I prepared the boys enough?’ said Taumoepeau.
“I didn’t want my coaching to be the reason they didn’t fulfil their potential on the field.”
Luckily for Taumoepeau, his charges were able to withstand a late surge from a physical West Harbour side which saw their 15-0 lead reduced to a mere three points in the dying minutes.
“Our defensive performance made the difference in the end,” he said.
“I thought Rowan Perry was great defensively, and also within our attack systems. He had some bi