Northland 2025
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@Steven-Harris
Props - I think they are looking at both MN props, but you are correct, Heremaia is a very large man, has some nice soft skills too. If CTC is fit, I'd have him back, love the way he plays.Lock - While Darcy Holwell has decent size and great skill set, not sure he has the physicality yet, although is still only 19. Most other clubs, have alot of lock/6 sized players.
Loosies - Shanks was excellent on weekend for MN, Letoga looks in better shape than other years as well as playing well
9 - I'd go with Sam Parkes form KK, he is a good 9 and played plenty of Heartland, otherwise the cupboard is bare for anyone experienced, are a few decent looking youngsters coming through, one who also plays for MN, Ben Love was at Boys High last year, good skills, pace and physicality (although was a mid-fielder at school and was in the Blues U18 last year too)
10 - again, cupboard is bare, expect Hawkins likely be given another shot? Think he has alot to offer in a mentor role, but not sure he should keep a spot? Not sold on Jade Stewart, great kicking game, but his running skills.
MId-field - are a few big runners about, hopefully they do go with a lacal here. Ironically, Blake Hohaia looks to be in impressive shape and I see him working hard at the gym, but seems to be more focussed on his player/coach role at Kamo and often plays himself off the bench.
Are a few handy outside backs running about, Judah Andrews from OBM would be one I'd love to get a run, I like Nankivell too, has a good skillset, but needs to learn to deal with pressure better. Kamo have Jacob Lowther as a wing/FB, who is 19, I know he has put on some size after being in the HP program, but could do with a bit more. Petero Ratumaitavuki has soemthing about him, great gas, but not sure his all round skillset is there, the good parts reminds me of Fero and the less ideal, Malupo.
Haven't seen alot of Rueben Stewart since he came back, had some nice touches on the weekend at 15 and def has good size. I saw alot of him in junior rugby, so naturally talented, think he went to MAGS?
Am sure a few other names I missed.
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@taniwharugby said in Northland 2025:
@Steven-Harris
Props - I think they are looking at both MN props, but you are correct, Heremaia is a very large man, has some nice soft skills too.Heremaia is around 6’3 130 Kgs only 22 or 23 can play both sides of the scrum gets great post tackle metres and i have been informed hits ball carriers very hard and then apologies to them after hes smashed them (Needs to stop that)
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@Steven-Harris we've always had the talent here, keeping them in rugby and/or Northland is always the struggle, I expect other provinces have similar issues, particularly with keeping kids in the sport post 16-18 or so.
Not to mention prior coaching teams seemed far less invested in developing local talent as well.
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Assume this is a good sign for Ofa
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Northland have changed something in the way they contract players, and as such pulling in quite a few local youngsters.
All 3 of these lads, along with Holwell currently play for Mid Northern
Jade spent some time in the Crusaders youth system after he left either MAGS or St Kent's, can't recall which he and Reuben went to.
Jade is a 10, Reuben a midfield/FB and Heremaia is a prop, I don't know anything of his background, but is a big lad.
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We should get a look at new Taniwha recruit Lachie Hooper off the bench for the Brumbies Wednesday night.
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And another youngster from Mid Northern (was at Waipu last year and has been part of the HP program since last year) plays centre/wing.
Was also in the U20 baabaa squad that played the super teams.
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This time from Moerewa-United Kawakawa, Hoani Reid, was in the HP side last year as well.
Powerful and deceptively quick midfielder, who could get a decent run atbthe next level as I haven't seen anything of Quentin Nichols this season and we are very light in the midfield.
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@taniwharugby if he’s anything like his Dad Brandon anything is possible, I know the Blues will be keeping a close eye on his progress as he is genuine line breaker .
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@taniwharugby said in Northland 2025:
This said Quinton was back?
4.7K views · 69 reactions | Quinton Nichols is back for 2025!...
Quinton Nichols is back for 2025! 🐉#northlandproud #upthetanis.
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I thought Murphy had already been signed...plays 9 for Kamo.
Hopefully can pressure Nock to lift his game or take his spot
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Matt letoga, made Northland while playing for battling Hikurangi in 2023, playing only 1 game off the bench for the Taniwha vs NH that year, moved to Mid Northern this season and looks to have shed a few kgs in the process, plays mainly 8.
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Zac Shanks is a robust and athletic 7 playing for Mid Northern, has been on the fringe of selection for a couple of seasons.
Was very good in yesterday's club final.
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@taniwharugby well deserved hopefully he can remain injury free
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@taniwharugby said in Northland 2025:
Matt letoga, made Northland while playing for battling Hikurangi in 2023, playing only 1 game off the bench for the Taniwha vs NH that year, moved to Mid Northern this season and looks to have shed a few kgs in the process, plays mainly 8.
Absolute workhorse
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@Landers92 unfortunately Matt Le Toga sustained a serious injury in the club final on Saturday
Possibly ruled out for the season is what i am hearing
Got to feel for Matt worked bloody hard to get his S & C up to speed
Looked in very good shape and ready to make an impact -
@Steven-Harris yep, was helped from the field and then the cart was used to take him from the side of the field to the medical room.
