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Find your frequency‘We just stayed in the fight’: How Taranaki's hardship landed them in a NPC semi-final
Sport Nation • October 12th, 2026 10:58 am
Taranaki head coach Jarrad Hoeata | Photo: Kerry Marshall/Photosport
Taranaki head coach Jarrad Hoeata says he is proud of his side's resilience during a challenging season as they prepare to face Canterbury in an NPC semi-final.
The Bulls booked their place with a 50-31 win over North Harbour last week, having dealt with a significant injury toll and the loss of players, including Scott and Beauden Barrett, to the All Blacks.
“I spoke to the group before the game, not just the players, but also the management, how proud I was of where we've got to,” he told Sport Nation’s Scotty & Izzy.
“We had a shitload of injuries, and then guys had obviously got picked up with the ABs, so we were under the pump, there's no doubt about that.”
Jayden Sa was assisted by medical staff following Taranaki's win over North Harbour | Photo: Joshua Deveine/Photosport
Hoeata praised the medical staff for helping return long-term injured players to the field, and credited the team’s leadership group and coaching staff for sharing the load.
“These kinds of boys that were out long term, they managed to get them back on the track.
“The leadership group here has been outstanding. So just working alongside them, not trying to do everything myself, but leaning on the other coaches in our leadership group that we've got, who are all fantastic.”
Hoeata said former Taranaki Bulls coach and current All Blacks assistant coach Neil Barnes helped him keep perspective during the difficult period.
“I kept talking to my old mate Barnsey at the start of the year when things weren't going too flash and he kept reminding me that this kind of adversity doesn't come around too often. So hang in there, get into the eight and see what you can do.
“So we just stayed in the fight and that's why I was so proud of the crew.”
Neil Barnes | Photo: Photosport
He also shared the team's turning point came in a defeat by Bay of Plenty, when Taranaki began to rediscover their attacking style.
“I actually think the turning point was the Bay game, even though we lost that game. We just started to play our attacking footy again so for me it was that game.
“Then obviously the game after that, Canterbury, we had a big win at home.”
Canterbury will present a tough challenge in Christchurch this weekend, but Hoeata pointed to Taranaki’s past success against them.
Sam Clarke of Taranaki takes a high ball during an NPC match v Canterbury | Photo: Andy Jackson/Photosport
The Bulls knocked Canterbury out in the semi-final when they won the title in 2023, and have beaten them this season.
“We've beaten them this year, but I'm under no illusion how tough it will be down in Christchurch."
The match kicks off at 3:35pm on Sunday afternoon, with a trip to the NPC final on the line.
Listen to the full interview below:
