GALA legend Opeta Palepoi has called on the club to pull out the stops to avoid sliding through the relegation trapdoor. 

The Maroons travel away to second placed Currie tomorrow (Malleny Park, 3pm) knowing that their fate isn't fully in their own hands.  They need to win and hope Stirling slip up in their game against Heriots to have any hope of avoiding a relegation play-off.

And former Samoa international Palepoi is under no illusions about the size of the task at hand.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph, he said: “The game against Currie is absolutely massive for us. It is probably one of the biggest games in my time at the club. 

“Even if we win we have to rely on other results.  We’d like to have full control of our own fate, but at this time, that is the reality of the situation. 

“One thing I do know is that if we perform how we did against Glasgow Hawks in the cup, we will have very little chance. So it needs maximum effort form all the guys on the pitch. There are no hiding places now.”

After a disappointing start to the campaign, Gala looked to have turned the corner in the New Year.  But Palepoi -who won 48 caps and appeared in two World Cups for his country- is at a loss to explain that lacklustre cup display last time out at Netherdale.

“That's how it seems to be going for us at the minute,” he said. “It looks like things are coming together and then we put in a performance like that.

"The Hawks game was definitely two steps back.  We know our performances haven't been up to standard in the league so we wanted to bring the cup back. I can honestly say winning the cup back in 2012 was one of the highlights of my career, it was great for everyone connected with the club and we wanted that again. 

“It's been a hard season. There have been quite a few players leaving and quite a few new players coming in and this campaign has been about trying to mould a team together more than anything else. But rugby can be an unforgiving environment and you don't always get that breathing space.

“There isn’t a lack of effort, it takes time to knit these things together. But even allowing for that, we know we are better than our results this year.”

Palepoi turned 40 in December and his role at the club has shifted from being a mainstay of the side to an experienced head to call upon from the bench.

He admits frustration with this change in status, as he still feels he can contribute more. But he has assured Maroons fans he wants to remain with the club and would see a coaching role as natural career progression.

“It feels like I am part of something here," he said.
"Gala have made me feel that way, the club and the supporters, so it would be hard for me to move. 

“As far as the playing aspect is concerned, it has been frustrating this year. I might be closer to the end of my career than the start, but I still feel I have plenty to offer. I still enjoy my rugby when I am out there.

“I get a buzz helping the younger players and that is something I'd like to continue to do. It’s a good sign when young players ask for advice. I’d like to see more young players do that. 

“You have some players who are naturally outgoing and leaders, even at a young age. Whereas others might be a bit more hesitant.  We forget it can be neverwracking coming into the first XV.  It takes time for some to build up that confidence to approach senior players.

"But once they come out of their shell a bit you find that they do want to learn. That is a healthy situation, and should always be encouraged. We have the makings of a good team here. If we stay up, I think you'll see that next year."