Line speed is one key area that the Kaiviti Silktails has been improving on in the Ron Massey Cup since the heavy 56-6 loss to Saint Marys Saints in round two of the competition.
After being on a bye in round one, the Silktails faced a red hot Saints outfit in the following round and was at the end of a ten try to one drubbing.
The loss was a wake-up call for the Silktails not only to work on the speed of the game but also to adapt to the interpretation of the new rules.
Silktails coach Wes Naiqama said they had come a long way from when they first played the Saints where they found it very hard to adjust to the pace of the game.
“Also certainly the new interpretation of the rules with the six again tackles,” he said.
“But just through our training and playing week in and week out, we are handling the situations a lot better.”
Apart from the field and gymnasium sessions, the Silktails are involved in wrestling and breathing sessions each week.
“Line speed is a massive part of the game,” Naiqama said.
“We have been doing that in parts of training with the middle players and front-rowers. The players in the middle have been the backbone of our performance this year because they have been good with their work in and around the ruck. It is always work in progress and we can get better every week.”
The Silktails have secured the Police Citizens Youth Club for its devotion, wrestling and breathing sessions.
“We have good facilities here,” Naiqama said.
“We have a padded wrestling room where we get in on Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays. In rugby league if you can win a ruck that puts you in a position to get your line set and get your line speed and that is the cycle in the run of the game.”
