COACH Scott Coleman hopes the penny has dropped for the Hunter Wildfires.
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The Wildfires produced their best performance of the season to demolish Penrith 86-10 at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday for an overdue victory.
The home side dominated from the outset.
Halfback Leon Fukofuka crossed for the opening try in the fifth minute. They had banked five and a bonus point by half-time to lead 34-10.
But it was the clinical start to the second half which pleased Coleman most and ensured there would be no rally by the visitors.
In a heartbeat, the margin went from 34-5 to 63-5. It was the clinical manner that the Fires went about the start to the second half that Coleman hopes drives the players from here in.
"We had six unforced turnovers in the first half," Coleman said. "Even though we were leading 34-5 at half-time I blew up. The players were a bit taken aback. I said we would be leading this by 50 if we were clinical. Penrith wouldn't have scored any points.
"It was a good chat at half time and the boys reacted. We spoke about the team, playing for a teammate and being the player everyone wants to play alongside, rather than play for your highlight reel.
"They went out played their best rugby of the season. They didn't push passes, were patient and really clinical.
"As soon as we held the ball for five phases, we scored every time
"Once they get that through their heads, we will get better and better."
Next for the Wildfires are Southern Districts at Forshaw Park. Powered by Newcastle hooker Andrew Tuala, Southern Districts are coming off a 27-24 loss to premiers Gordon.
"We are both on seven points. It's a must-win for both clubs," Coleman said. "If we can hold their scrum, I think we can compete with them.
"We won't get too wound up about the win over Penrith. We still have a lot of work to do.
"There are a lot of good sides out there. But it gives us the belief that, if we can hang on to the ball, we have enough X-factors to do the job next phase.
We spoke about the team, playing for a teammate ... rather than playing for your highlight reel.
- Scott Coleman
"A lot of our blokes come from clubs where they are the best player. Now they have a bit of faith in the guy next to them that he can do the job."
Winger Mike Saili pocketed four of the Wildfires' 13 tries, while breakaway Tiueti Asi and fullback Jayden Wright crossed for braces.
"Mike has come across from rugby league, is a good finisher but still has to learn the game," Coleman said.
Back-rowers OJ Noa, Kirk Tufuga and Tiueti Asi, hooker Chris Ale and halfback Leon Fukofuka feasted at the breakdown.
"OJ Noa was our best and Nagarhue [Jones] had best game," Coleman said.
"Moving Nate De Thierry to 10 has been massive. We wanted to do that at the start of the season, but we had no other 13s. It was a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul. We bit the bullet and moved him to 10 last week. Now it is paying dividends. He is getting better and better."
The Wildfires women also broke through for their first win of the Jack Scott Cup campaign, thrashing Gordon 55-14. Hooker Janita Kareta crossed for a double in the nine-tries-to-two romp.
James Gardiner
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
