2014

The Turbos entered 2014 with a balance of experience and youth in the squad and after a strong pre-season against Wellington and Tasman the team was in good shape. For the first time the Turbos won their opening game away from home.

The team displayed the grit a hardworking off season had installed in them as they came from behind to beat Northland. Despite a lapse against Auckland the following week the Turbos came back to beat Wellington in the capital in round three. The Turbos followed up toppling the Lions by beating Bay of Plenty and Counties Manukau leaving them with four wins from five games.

A rain sodden game in North Harbour saw the Turbos lose a game that on paper they dominated across all areas with only the scoreboard telling a different story. The Turbos quickly proved that the North Harbour game was a minor slip up as they belted Southland at home 41-20 before travelling to Waikato where they won 22-20 thanks to an outstanding defensive effort in the final minutes.

It was clear that the Turbos were a force to be reckoned with as they continued on their march beating rivals Hawke’s Bay convincingly before heading down south and turning the table on 2013 Otago game running out 38-25 winners and securing a home semi final in the process.

The Turbos came up against a tough Southland side in their home semi-final eventually winning 23-18 whilst rivals Hawke’s Bay took out Northland in their semi-final clash setting up the ultimate re-match.

With rivalry, revenge and promotion on the line both teams came out of the blocks firing in front of a sell-out Manawatu crowd. The game ran at high intensity from the kick off and with the wind behind them Hawke’s Bay took a 14-6 lead into the sheds at halftime. The second half saw the Turbos take control of the game thanks to a quick fire strike back try to halfback Kayne Hammington. The Turbos continued to pile on the pressure as they secured a 27-24 lead heading into the closing stages. Hawke’s Bay pushed back to have the Turbos defending their own line with one minute to go, with one final roll of the dice a grubber kick was put through which Turbos wing Nathan Tudreu latched onto before streaking the length of the field for the championship sealing try.