By MARK CASHMAN

In any footy side time together is an important part of the vibe that leads to winning at Shute Shield level and Hunter Wildfires coach Scott Coleman would love to buy some of that.

The Wildfires have won only two of their nine matches at the halfway mark but there have been signs that this side has the parts to make a very competitive side.

It’s been 20 minutes here and 30 minutes there as they come to grips with the realities of playing down the M1.

Still there have been some times to cherish with a number of their players launching their careers at the higher level including Herny Stowers, Olajuwon Noa, Kirk Tufuga and the impressive Joe Tamani.

Here are coach Coleman’s thoughts as the season turns at the halfway mark:

ALL THE NUMBERS

Played 9, Won 2, Lost 7
Points For: 256
Points Against: 301
Differential: -45
Ladder position: 10th on 14 points

How would you describe your first half of the season? 

The brutal reality of this season has been that we have been patchy and have lacked cohesion at different times, but that happens when you have a fresh group of players. It takes time to come together at this level but I can see signs that we can become a good, competitive Shute Shield side.

Who has been the standout player so far?

There not been one but four players who have stood out in my mind – Olajuwon Noa, Nate De Theirry, Joe Tamani and Kirk Tufuga. Each of these guys have brought a different skill and attitude to the group.

What’s been the difference between your best and worst performances so far this year? 

Our worst would have been that first half against Sydney Uni in Round One earlier this year and I must say that we have struggled to put together more than 20 or 30 minutes of the good stuff.

But when that does happen we have looked pretty handy. It all comes down to cohesion and time together.

Looking at our game stats no more than three guys have played more than five games together and if you look at other sides many of them have had decades together.

How does your squad look for the backend of the season?

Not too bad but we still have a few injuries as everyone has this time of year. We have just lost Olajuwon Noa and Henry Stowers to Samoa for their July Test season (against the Maori All Blacks and Tonga) and Leon Fukofuka to Tonga for five weeks for their international window. But we are planning a good run home the last five rounds.

Which two teams will play in this year’s grand final? 

Looking into my crystal ball I can see the Hunter Wildfires taking one Eastern Suburbs – now that would be a hell of a game.

IMAGE: AJF PHOTOGRAPHY