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NPC - news, injuries etc

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  • StargazerS Offline
    StargazerS Offline
    Stargazer
    wrote on last edited by
    #535

    Taranaki to build on Super Rugby exposure

    Manawatu players sticking with home

    Southland laying groundwork for better campaign

    1 Reply Last reply
    0
    • StargazerS Offline
      StargazerS Offline
      Stargazer
      wrote on last edited by
      #536

      Auckland have experienced core

      Delany relishing his Bay of Plenty return

      Experience a key asset for Wellington in 2017

      1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • StargazerS Offline
        StargazerS Offline
        Stargazer
        wrote on last edited by
        #537

        Sweeney reconnects with his Waikato rugby roots

        Canterbury shape as frontrunner again

        1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • StargazerS Offline
          StargazerS Offline
          Stargazer
          wrote on last edited by
          #538

          PRESEASON GAMES:

          Half time scores:
          Ta$man 28 - 7 Wellington XV
          North Harbour 14 - 5 Northland

          1 Reply Last reply
          1
          • StargazerS Offline
            StargazerS Offline
            Stargazer
            wrote on last edited by
            #539

            PRESEASON GAMES:

            Full time scores:
            Ta$man 54
            Wellington XV 35 (Malo Tuitama 3, Lester Maulolo, Trent Renata tries; Jackson Garden-Bachop 5 con)

            North Harbour 31
            Northland 5

            1 Reply Last reply
            4
            • StargazerS Offline
              StargazerS Offline
              Stargazer
              wrote on last edited by
              #540

              Manawatu Turbos squad for the preseason game against the Magpies tomorrow:

              1 Fraser Armstrong
              2 Hunter Prescott
              3 Sione Asi
              4 Jackson Hemopo
              5 Tom Parsons
              6 Nick Crosswell
              7 Antonio Kirikiri ©
              8 Harrison Brewer
              9 Jamie Booth
              10 Jade Te Rure
              11 Willy Ambaka
              12 Hamish Northcott
              13 Lewis Marshall
              14 Ambrose Curtis
              15 Te Rangatira Waitokia

              16 Tim Cadwallader
              17 Tuki Raimona
              18 Sam Tufuga
              19 Liam Hallam-Eames
              20 Brice Henderson
              21 Brayden Iose
              22 Kayne Hammington
              23 Ben Wyness
              24 Curtis Reid
              25 Newton Tudreu
              26 Patrick Tafili-Reid

              1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • StargazerS Offline
                StargazerS Offline
                Stargazer
                wrote on last edited by
                #541

                Okay, one is funny, but I'm pretty certain this is the new Mitre 10 Cup advertising campaign, so I expect them to post more videos like these (like they did with those billboards last season). Hopefully, they won't all be similar to this one:

                http://www.facebook.com/mooloo/videos/10155719988396318/

                1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • HigginsH Offline
                  HigginsH Offline
                  Higgins
                  wrote on last edited by Higgins
                  #542

                  Will have to keep a close eye on Jade Te Rure, he looked pretty good before he buggered off overseas a couple of years back

                  1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • DuluthD Duluth

                    @KiwiMurph said in Mitre 10 Cup - news, injuries etc:

                    Wasn't Bowden pretty much 'cut' from the Blues in Tana's first preseason with the Blues a couple of years ago? There was sort of this weird mutual parting of the ways during preseason is what I remember.

                    Yeah but then he signed with Blackadders Bath side not long after. So I presume he just asked for an early release to chase pounds again

                    The Blues did well out of that one with hindsight

                    sharkS Offline
                    sharkS Offline
                    shark
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #543

                    @Duluth

                    Yeah I don't get all this chatter about Bowden. He never settled at 10 or 12 at super rugby level and was only marginally above serviceable at npc level. Why people would now think the same player at 31 and riddled by injury, might make a good signing is bloody beyond me.

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    1
                    • SammyCS SammyC

                      @Stargazer said in Mitre 10 Cup - news, injuries etc:

                      @Tim Good question, because last year's back-up, Volavola, will be playing for Harbour. Maybe that NZU20 lad, Josh McKay?

                      Doubt that very much... Mackay has been at 14 or 15 for Lincoln for the last 2 years.. never plays 10

                      Brett Cameron maybe? He played the preseason shield games at 10

                      sharkS Offline
                      sharkS Offline
                      shark
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #544

                      @SammyC

                      Probably McKay as Delaney has been talking him up. He's been playing in the outside backs but he's another from the CBHS 10 academy. But Cameron is the other specialist after Richie.

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • HigginsH Offline
                        HigginsH Offline
                        Higgins
                        wrote on last edited by Higgins
                        #545

                        WELLINGTON
                        Joe Apikotoa (Tighthead), Alex Fidow (Tighthead), Reggie Goodes (Tighthead), Tolu Fahamokioa (Loosehed/Thighthead), Vince Sakaria (Loosehead), Jeffery To’omaga-Allen (Loosehead), Dane Coles (Hooker), Leni Apisai (Hooker), Asafo Aumua (Hooker), James Blackwell (Lock), Sam Lousi (Lock), Isaia Walker–Leawere (Lock), Lui Okeamoa-Luamanu (Lock/Blindside), Brad Shields (Blindside/No 8), Galu Taufale (Blindside), Vaea Fifita (Blindside/Lock), Greg Foe (Openside), Ardie Savea (Loose Forward), Kemara Hauiti-Parapara (Halfback), TJ Perenara (Halfback), Carlos Price (Halfback), Sheridan Rangihuna (Halfback), Dan Kirkpatrick (1st 5), Trent Renata (1st 5), Jackson Garden-Bachop (1st 5), TJ Va’a (1st 5), Wes Goosen (Midfield/Outside Back), Matt Proctor (Midfield/Outside Back), Peter Umaga-Jensen (Midfield), Ben Lam (Winger), Malo Tuitama (Winger),Thomas Umaga-Jensen (Wing/Fullback)..

                        Julian Savea makes it!

                        EDIT: I have sorted out the positions the players generally play and it does look a bit top heavy in a couple of areas and wafer thin in others. Presumably they are hoping that some of the utility type players might be able to cover spots like fullback. Four first fives and three halfbacks (TJ Perenana obviously won't play) does seem to be a bit of a luxury.

                        StargazerS 1 Reply Last reply
                        1
                        • HigginsH Higgins

                          WELLINGTON
                          Joe Apikotoa (Tighthead), Alex Fidow (Tighthead), Reggie Goodes (Tighthead), Tolu Fahamokioa (Loosehed/Thighthead), Vince Sakaria (Loosehead), Jeffery To’omaga-Allen (Loosehead), Dane Coles (Hooker), Leni Apisai (Hooker), Asafo Aumua (Hooker), James Blackwell (Lock), Sam Lousi (Lock), Isaia Walker–Leawere (Lock), Lui Okeamoa-Luamanu (Lock/Blindside), Brad Shields (Blindside/No 8), Galu Taufale (Blindside), Vaea Fifita (Blindside/Lock), Greg Foe (Openside), Ardie Savea (Loose Forward), Kemara Hauiti-Parapara (Halfback), TJ Perenara (Halfback), Carlos Price (Halfback), Sheridan Rangihuna (Halfback), Dan Kirkpatrick (1st 5), Trent Renata (1st 5), Jackson Garden-Bachop (1st 5), TJ Va’a (1st 5), Wes Goosen (Midfield/Outside Back), Matt Proctor (Midfield/Outside Back), Peter Umaga-Jensen (Midfield), Ben Lam (Winger), Malo Tuitama (Winger),Thomas Umaga-Jensen (Wing/Fullback)..

                          Julian Savea makes it!

                          EDIT: I have sorted out the positions the players generally play and it does look a bit top heavy in a couple of areas and wafer thin in others. Presumably they are hoping that some of the utility type players might be able to cover spots like fullback. Four first fives and three halfbacks (TJ Perenana obviously won't play) does seem to be a bit of a luxury.

                          StargazerS Offline
                          StargazerS Offline
                          Stargazer
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #546

                          @Higgins alt text

                          http://www.wellingtonlions.co.nz/news/brad-shields-to-captain-lions-into-new-era/

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • HigginsH Offline
                            HigginsH Offline
                            Higgins
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #547

                            Thanks, the one I got was from the official Mitre10 Cup Website, my how things can quickly change.
                            They have named a guy that has not played anywhere other than loosehead prop for as long as I can recall as one of the four hookers and no one as a specialist fullback - misplaced confidence!
                            I am so exceedingly pleased to see one player that owes me two jugs from two seasons ago named in the squad. Hopefully he will now have enough cash to front up and settle the debt!

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            1
                            • CrucialC Offline
                              CrucialC Offline
                              Crucial
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #548

                              Seeing JTAs name there makes me think he has been 'bubbling under' for too long now and must find motivation difficult at this level. Surely overseas clubs have a big target on his back. He could have a long and lucrative career up north.

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • mikedogzM mikedogz

                                Counties Manukau PIC Steelers 2017 Squad Announced

                                Coaches Darryl Suasua, Grant Henson and Semo Sititi have named their team with a blend of popular long-serving Steelers, new local talent, brothers, Super Rugby players and internationals.

                                The Counties Manukau squad features 23 players who have previously been part of the Steelers environment and seven new additions. Thirteen players have Super Rugby experience and 10 have earned international honours.

                                Young rookies to the PIC Steelers family include McNamara Cup winning halfback Liam Daniela from Bombay, Waiuku speedster winger Tevita Nabura and Pukekohe midfielder Salimoni Tukinia. At 20 years of age, Junior World Cup champion Orbyn ‘Go the Fro’ Leger, whose father Gus also played for the Steelers, is the youngest player in the team.

                                Also joining the side this year is Maori All Black Joe Royal who has spent part of the Super Rugby season training with the Blues, and Brumbies midfielder Nigel Ah Wong who scored the Brumbies only try against the Chiefs in their last New Zealand outing.

                                South Auckland born Samoan international Albert Nikoro formerly from the Western Force, has joined the Steelers for the first time, having been sidelines since receiving an eye injury against the All Blacks earlier in the year. All Blacks captain Kieran Read will be welcomed back home to ECOLight Stadium on Friday August 11 when Read’s two teams play each other in the Game of Three Halves.

                                Brothers Nepo and Luteru Laulala are expected to take the field together for the first time for the Steelers to add to the collection of brothers who have represented Counties Manukau.

                                The PIC Steelers will be again led by two born-and-bred Counties players. Augustine Pulu is the highest capped Steelers player in the squad and freshly back from a strong season for the Blues, joining with his Super Rugby teammate Jimmy Tupou, who welcomed a new son in late July. Tupou is on target to join a special group Steelers to have played 50 matches in the red, black and white jersey when the Steelers host Auckland in their opening Mitre 10 Cup game at ECOLight Stadium on Saturday night 19 August.

                                Steelers Head Coach Darryl Suasua said “It is great to have retained a core group of passionate Steelers while being able to blood-in new players. The Mitre 10 Cup is the springboard for many careers, so we are excited at the prospect of introducing our new players to this level of rugby while being surrounded by experienced players.”

                                It is expected that Toni Pulu and Sione Fifita, who both experienced long term injuries whilst on contract with the Chiefs and Crusaders respectively, will spend the Mitre 10 Cup season recovering. Due to Super Rugby commitments, some temporary extra players have been bought in as cover and will also be used as injury cover should the need arise.

                                2017 PIC Steelers Squad

                                Nigel Ah Wong Brumbies Midfield 0 caps*
                                Sean Bagshaw Onewhero Prop 32 caps
                                Liam Daniela Bombay Halfback 0 caps*
                                Sione Fifita Pukekohe wing 18 caps **
                                Glen Fisi’iahi Bombay Wing 0 caps
                                Sam Henwood Pukekohe Loose forward 12 caps
                                Jonathan Kawau Bombay Loose forward 6 caps
                                Baden Kerr Karaka First Five-Eighth 29 caps
                                Luteru Laulala Ardmore Marist First Five-eighth 11 caps
                                Nepo Laulala Ardmore Marist Prop 0 caps
                                Orbyn Leger Karaka Midfield 0 caps
                                Fotu Lokotui Patumahoe Loose forward 1 caps
                                Pauliasi Manu Karaka Prop 25 caps
                                Matiaha Martin Bombay Lock 11 caps
                                Tevita Nabura Waiuku Wing 0 caps*
                                Tim Nanai-Williams Manurewa Fullback 56 caps
                                Albert Nikoro Western Force Ultility Back 0 caps*
                                Augustine Pulu Karaka Halfback 66 caps
                                Toni Pulu Bombay Wing 44 caps **
                                Ronald Raaymakers Waiuku Loose forward 51 caps
                                Viliame Rarasea Ardmore Marist Lock 24 caps
                                Kieran Read Crusaders Loose forward 0 caps*
                                Joe Royal Patumahoe Hooker 0 caps*
                                Salimoni Tukinia Pukekohe Midfield 0 caps*
                                Viliami Taulani Manurewa Loose forward 4 caps
                                Suliasi Taufalele Ardmore Marist Hooker 35 caps
                                Kalolo Tuiloma Bombay Prop 11 caps
                                Jimmy Tupou Pautmahoe Loose forward 49 caps
                                Jonathan Taumateine Ardmore Marist Halfback 4 caps
                                Matt Vaai Manurewa Loose forward 8 caps
                                Sonny Bill Williams Puni Midfield 2 caps
                                Sam Furniss Patumahoe Midfield 0 caps

                                Super Rugby Cover

                                Riley Hohepa Patumahoe First five-eighth
                                Kalione Hala Karaka Fullback
                                George Maka Pukekohe Midfield
                                Gafatasi Su’a Pukekohe Hooker
                                Corey Te Whata-Colley Bombay Prop
                                Sesimani Tupou Ardmore Marist Prop
                                Daymon Leasuasu Ardmore Marist Lock
                                Romero Tagi
                                Onewhero
                                Prop

                                C Offline
                                C Offline
                                cgrant
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #549

                                @mikedogz said in Mitre 10 Cup - news, injuries etc:

                                Counties Manukau PIC Steelers 2017 Squad Announced

                                Coaches Darryl Suasua, Grant Henson and Semo Sititi have named their team with a blend of popular long-serving Steelers, new local talent, brothers, Super Rugby players and internationals.

                                The Counties Manukau squad features 23 players who have previously been part of the Steelers environment and seven new additions. Thirteen players have Super Rugby experience and 10 have earned international honours.

                                Young rookies to the PIC Steelers family include McNamara Cup winning halfback Liam Daniela from Bombay, Waiuku speedster winger Tevita Nabura and Pukekohe midfielder Salimoni Tukinia. At 20 years of age, Junior World Cup champion Orbyn ‘Go the Fro’ Leger, whose father Gus also played for the Steelers, is the youngest player in the team.

                                Also joining the side this year is Maori All Black Joe Royal who has spent part of the Super Rugby season training with the Blues, and Brumbies midfielder Nigel Ah Wong who scored the Brumbies only try against the Chiefs in their last New Zealand outing.

                                South Auckland born Samoan international Albert Nikoro formerly from the Western Force, has joined the Steelers for the first time, having been sidelines since receiving an eye injury against the All Blacks earlier in the year. All Blacks captain Kieran Read will be welcomed back home to ECOLight Stadium on Friday August 11 when Read’s two teams play each other in the Game of Three Halves.

                                Brothers Nepo and Luteru Laulala are expected to take the field together for the first time for the Steelers to add to the collection of brothers who have represented Counties Manukau.

                                The PIC Steelers will be again led by two born-and-bred Counties players. Augustine Pulu is the highest capped Steelers player in the squad and freshly back from a strong season for the Blues, joining with his Super Rugby teammate Jimmy Tupou, who welcomed a new son in late July. Tupou is on target to join a special group Steelers to have played 50 matches in the red, black and white jersey when the Steelers host Auckland in their opening Mitre 10 Cup game at ECOLight Stadium on Saturday night 19 August.

                                Steelers Head Coach Darryl Suasua said “It is great to have retained a core group of passionate Steelers while being able to blood-in new players. The Mitre 10 Cup is the springboard for many careers, so we are excited at the prospect of introducing our new players to this level of rugby while being surrounded by experienced players.”

                                It is expected that Toni Pulu and Sione Fifita, who both experienced long term injuries whilst on contract with the Chiefs and Crusaders respectively, will spend the Mitre 10 Cup season recovering. Due to Super Rugby commitments, some temporary extra players have been bought in as cover and will also be used as injury cover should the need arise.

                                2017 PIC Steelers Squad

                                Nigel Ah Wong Brumbies Midfield 0 caps*
                                Sean Bagshaw Onewhero Prop 32 caps
                                Liam Daniela Bombay Halfback 0 caps*
                                Sione Fifita Pukekohe wing 18 caps **
                                Glen Fisi’iahi Bombay Wing 0 caps
                                Sam Henwood Pukekohe Loose forward 12 caps
                                Jonathan Kawau Bombay Loose forward 6 caps
                                Baden Kerr Karaka First Five-Eighth 29 caps
                                Luteru Laulala Ardmore Marist First Five-eighth 11 caps
                                Nepo Laulala Ardmore Marist Prop 0 caps
                                Orbyn Leger Karaka Midfield 0 caps
                                Fotu Lokotui Patumahoe Loose forward 1 caps
                                Pauliasi Manu Karaka Prop 25 caps
                                Matiaha Martin Bombay Lock 11 caps
                                Tevita Nabura Waiuku Wing 0 caps*
                                Tim Nanai-Williams Manurewa Fullback 56 caps
                                Albert Nikoro Western Force Ultility Back 0 caps*
                                Augustine Pulu Karaka Halfback 66 caps
                                Toni Pulu Bombay Wing 44 caps **
                                Ronald Raaymakers Waiuku Loose forward 51 caps
                                Viliame Rarasea Ardmore Marist Lock 24 caps
                                Kieran Read Crusaders Loose forward 0 caps*
                                Joe Royal Patumahoe Hooker 0 caps*
                                Salimoni Tukinia Pukekohe Midfield 0 caps*
                                Viliami Taulani Manurewa Loose forward 4 caps
                                Suliasi Taufalele Ardmore Marist Hooker 35 caps
                                Kalolo Tuiloma Bombay Prop 11 caps
                                Jimmy Tupou Pautmahoe Loose forward 49 caps
                                Jonathan Taumateine Ardmore Marist Halfback 4 caps
                                Matt Vaai Manurewa Loose forward 8 caps
                                Sonny Bill Williams Puni Midfield 2 caps
                                Sam Furniss Patumahoe Midfield 0 caps

                                Super Rugby Cover

                                Riley Hohepa Patumahoe First five-eighth
                                Kalione Hala Karaka Fullback
                                George Maka Pukekohe Midfield
                                Gafatasi Su’a Pukekohe Hooker
                                Corey Te Whata-Colley Bombay Prop
                                Sesimani Tupou Ardmore Marist Prop
                                Daymon Leasuasu Ardmore Marist Lock
                                Romero Tagi
                                Onewhero
                                Prop

                                So no Fa'aoso, last season's Nr.8. And no Skelton either.

                                mikedogzM 1 Reply Last reply
                                1
                                • CrucialC Offline
                                  CrucialC Offline
                                  Crucial
                                  wrote on last edited by Crucial
                                  #550

                                  @cgrant said in Mitre 10 Cup - news, injuries etc:

                                  We won't see this but it would be cool if we got to the finals and all the players back and available. This team could be pretty strong

                                  Pauliasi Manu
                                  Joe Royal
                                  Nepo Laulala
                                  Viliame Rarasea
                                  Jimmy Tupou
                                  Ronald Raaymakers
                                  Sam Henwood
                                  Kieran Read
                                  A Pulu
                                  Kerr
                                  SBW
                                  Ah-Wong
                                  Fifita
                                  T Pulu
                                  TNW

                                  S 1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • CrucialC Crucial

                                    @cgrant said in Mitre 10 Cup - news, injuries etc:

                                    We won't see this but it would be cool if we got to the finals and all the players back and available. This team could be pretty strong

                                    Pauliasi Manu
                                    Joe Royal
                                    Nepo Laulala
                                    Viliame Rarasea
                                    Jimmy Tupou
                                    Ronald Raaymakers
                                    Sam Henwood
                                    Kieran Read
                                    A Pulu
                                    Kerr
                                    SBW
                                    Ah-Wong
                                    Fifita
                                    T Pulu
                                    TNW

                                    S Offline
                                    S Offline
                                    Steven Harris
                                    wrote on last edited by Steven Harris
                                    #551

                                    @Crucial that team if it was possible to see would be something..!,especially with 151 kgs of Kalolo Tuiloma coming off the bench..!

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • TimT Tim

                                      There has been no coverage of the Mitre 10 Cup squads from either the Herald or Stuff. Garbage papers.

                                      SmudgeS Offline
                                      SmudgeS Offline
                                      Smudge
                                      wrote on last edited by Smudge
                                      #552

                                      @Tim said in Mitre 10 Cup - news, injuries etc:

                                      There has been no coverage of the Mitre 10 Cup squads from either the Herald or Stuff. Garbage papers.

                                      Fairfax (Stuff) was in a Cold War with NZR over the conditions of the Rugby Championship accreditation, so boycotted all rugby coverage from Monday (the Crusaders' parade could be argued as falling under general news). NZR backed down on some of the restrictions yesterday, I'm led to believe.

                                      More on it here: http://www.sportsfreak.co.nz/stuff-it/

                                      1 Reply Last reply
                                      1
                                      • Cantab79C Offline
                                        Cantab79C Offline
                                        Cantab79
                                        wrote on last edited by Cantab79
                                        #553

                                        Really looking forward to this year's Mitre 10 Cup. I hope that Canterbury can once again win the title, they have a very strong squad. I am a bit worried about our depth at first five, but hopefully Cameron and McKay can provide backup to Mo'unga if required. We have lots of depth in the forwards, and we'll need this as the Mitre 10 cup can be very attritional. My predicted 1st 23.

                                        Marshall Suckling
                                        George Bridge
                                        Tim Bateman
                                        Rob Thompson
                                        Poasa Waqanibau
                                        Richie Mo'unga
                                        Mitch Drummond

                                        Luke Whitelock
                                        Matt Todd
                                        Tom Sanders
                                        Reed Prinsep
                                        Dominic Bird
                                        Siate Tokolah
                                        Ben Funnell
                                        Daniel Lienart-Brown

                                        Nathan Vella
                                        Alex Hodgman
                                        Oliver Jager
                                        Mitchell Dunshea
                                        Jed Brown
                                        Ere Enari
                                        Brett Cameron
                                        Josh McKay

                                        sharkS 1 Reply Last reply
                                        2
                                        • C cgrant

                                          @mikedogz said in Mitre 10 Cup - news, injuries etc:

                                          Counties Manukau PIC Steelers 2017 Squad Announced

                                          Coaches Darryl Suasua, Grant Henson and Semo Sititi have named their team with a blend of popular long-serving Steelers, new local talent, brothers, Super Rugby players and internationals.

                                          The Counties Manukau squad features 23 players who have previously been part of the Steelers environment and seven new additions. Thirteen players have Super Rugby experience and 10 have earned international honours.

                                          Young rookies to the PIC Steelers family include McNamara Cup winning halfback Liam Daniela from Bombay, Waiuku speedster winger Tevita Nabura and Pukekohe midfielder Salimoni Tukinia. At 20 years of age, Junior World Cup champion Orbyn ‘Go the Fro’ Leger, whose father Gus also played for the Steelers, is the youngest player in the team.

                                          Also joining the side this year is Maori All Black Joe Royal who has spent part of the Super Rugby season training with the Blues, and Brumbies midfielder Nigel Ah Wong who scored the Brumbies only try against the Chiefs in their last New Zealand outing.

                                          South Auckland born Samoan international Albert Nikoro formerly from the Western Force, has joined the Steelers for the first time, having been sidelines since receiving an eye injury against the All Blacks earlier in the year. All Blacks captain Kieran Read will be welcomed back home to ECOLight Stadium on Friday August 11 when Read’s two teams play each other in the Game of Three Halves.

                                          Brothers Nepo and Luteru Laulala are expected to take the field together for the first time for the Steelers to add to the collection of brothers who have represented Counties Manukau.

                                          The PIC Steelers will be again led by two born-and-bred Counties players. Augustine Pulu is the highest capped Steelers player in the squad and freshly back from a strong season for the Blues, joining with his Super Rugby teammate Jimmy Tupou, who welcomed a new son in late July. Tupou is on target to join a special group Steelers to have played 50 matches in the red, black and white jersey when the Steelers host Auckland in their opening Mitre 10 Cup game at ECOLight Stadium on Saturday night 19 August.

                                          Steelers Head Coach Darryl Suasua said “It is great to have retained a core group of passionate Steelers while being able to blood-in new players. The Mitre 10 Cup is the springboard for many careers, so we are excited at the prospect of introducing our new players to this level of rugby while being surrounded by experienced players.”

                                          It is expected that Toni Pulu and Sione Fifita, who both experienced long term injuries whilst on contract with the Chiefs and Crusaders respectively, will spend the Mitre 10 Cup season recovering. Due to Super Rugby commitments, some temporary extra players have been bought in as cover and will also be used as injury cover should the need arise.

                                          2017 PIC Steelers Squad

                                          Nigel Ah Wong Brumbies Midfield 0 caps*
                                          Sean Bagshaw Onewhero Prop 32 caps
                                          Liam Daniela Bombay Halfback 0 caps*
                                          Sione Fifita Pukekohe wing 18 caps **
                                          Glen Fisi’iahi Bombay Wing 0 caps
                                          Sam Henwood Pukekohe Loose forward 12 caps
                                          Jonathan Kawau Bombay Loose forward 6 caps
                                          Baden Kerr Karaka First Five-Eighth 29 caps
                                          Luteru Laulala Ardmore Marist First Five-eighth 11 caps
                                          Nepo Laulala Ardmore Marist Prop 0 caps
                                          Orbyn Leger Karaka Midfield 0 caps
                                          Fotu Lokotui Patumahoe Loose forward 1 caps
                                          Pauliasi Manu Karaka Prop 25 caps
                                          Matiaha Martin Bombay Lock 11 caps
                                          Tevita Nabura Waiuku Wing 0 caps*
                                          Tim Nanai-Williams Manurewa Fullback 56 caps
                                          Albert Nikoro Western Force Ultility Back 0 caps*
                                          Augustine Pulu Karaka Halfback 66 caps
                                          Toni Pulu Bombay Wing 44 caps **
                                          Ronald Raaymakers Waiuku Loose forward 51 caps
                                          Viliame Rarasea Ardmore Marist Lock 24 caps
                                          Kieran Read Crusaders Loose forward 0 caps*
                                          Joe Royal Patumahoe Hooker 0 caps*
                                          Salimoni Tukinia Pukekohe Midfield 0 caps*
                                          Viliami Taulani Manurewa Loose forward 4 caps
                                          Suliasi Taufalele Ardmore Marist Hooker 35 caps
                                          Kalolo Tuiloma Bombay Prop 11 caps
                                          Jimmy Tupou Pautmahoe Loose forward 49 caps
                                          Jonathan Taumateine Ardmore Marist Halfback 4 caps
                                          Matt Vaai Manurewa Loose forward 8 caps
                                          Sonny Bill Williams Puni Midfield 2 caps
                                          Sam Furniss Patumahoe Midfield 0 caps

                                          Super Rugby Cover

                                          Riley Hohepa Patumahoe First five-eighth
                                          Kalione Hala Karaka Fullback
                                          George Maka Pukekohe Midfield
                                          Gafatasi Su’a Pukekohe Hooker
                                          Corey Te Whata-Colley Bombay Prop
                                          Sesimani Tupou Ardmore Marist Prop
                                          Daymon Leasuasu Ardmore Marist Lock
                                          Romero Tagi
                                          Onewhero
                                          Prop

                                          So no Fa'aoso, last season's Nr.8. And no Skelton either.

                                          mikedogzM Offline
                                          mikedogzM Offline
                                          mikedogz
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #554

                                          @cgrant Skelton is in one of the B teams so is still available just not good enough.

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