Mitre 10 Cup - news, injuries etc
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With the 2016 Super Rugby nearing its end, the start of the Mitre 10 Cup is only just a month away. With more an more rugby news relating to the NPC being published, I think it is good to have a new thread for updates about the Mitre 10 Cup, including the Women's and Heartland competitions.
For those who are not aware of it, there are separate forums for:
BOP
Magpies
Taniwha
Another thread that Ferners might be looking for:
World Rugby trial of proposed rule changes in 2016 NPC
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Other topics relating to the Mitre 10 Cup:
Counties Rugby 2016
Auckland Rugby 2016
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6 point try?
Sigh.
Or should I actually hope for lots of shoulder slumping 100 point thrashings?
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6 point try?
Sigh.
Or should I actually hope for lots of shoulder slumping 100 point thrashings?The new scoring system with 6 point tries will only be trialled in the Heartland competition.
In the Mitre 10 Cup, only changes to Laws 15 (tackle) and 16 (breakdown, previously ruck) will be applied.
Law trials for NZ domestic competitions in 2016
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A few more Mitre 10 Cup squads have been named over the past few weeks.
This is the Manawatu Turbos squad:
Ambrose Curtis (OBM),
Antonio Kiri Kiri (OBM),
Callum Gibbins (Varsity)
Chris Eves (Kia Toa)
Curtis Reid (COB)
Fraser Armstrong (OBM)
Hamish Northcott (Varsity)
Harrison Brewer (Te Kawau)
Heiden Bedwell-Curtis (Feilding Yellows)
Hunter Prescott (OBM)
Jackson Hemopo (Kia Toa)
Jamie Booth (Varsity)
Jason Emery (Kia Toa)
Kane Thompson (TBC)
Kayne Hammington (Feilding Yellows)
Liam Hallam-Eames (OBM)
Luther Hirini (FOBO)
Michael Alaalatoa (FOB Oroua)
Nathan Tudreu (Kia Toa)
Newton Tudreu (Kia Toa)
Ngani Laumape (Kia Toa)
Otere Black (COB)
Sam Malcolm (Varsity)
Tim Cadwallader (COB)
Toby Morland (Te Kawau)
Tom Parsons (Te Kawau)
Travis Taylor (Feilding Yellows)
Tukiterangi Raimona (OBM)
Valentino Mapapalangi (Kia Toa)
Aaron Cruden (COB)
Aaron Smith (Feilding Yellows)
Not available due to injury: Mark Atkins (OBM), Nehe Milner-Skudder (Varsity)
More info: http://www.turbosrugby.co.nz/news/199-the-2016-manawatu-turbos-squad
Media: Nick Grogan labels Turbos 'unprofessional' over the way his contract offer was handled
Media: Nathan Tudreu sidelined for Manawatu Turbos' preseason
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Southland Stags squad:
Brayden Mitchell (c), Tim Boys, Jimmy Cowan, Dylan Collier, Elliot Dixon, Bill Fukofuka, Phil Halder, Wharenui Hawera, Keanu Kahukura, Peni Ravai, Mika Mafi, Mike McKee, Morgan Mitchell, Wade McRae, Guy Millar, Kieran Moffat, Mike Molloy, Aleki Morris, Junior Ngaluafe, Matthew Philip, James Schrader, Lima Sopoaga, Ezekiel Sopoaga, Mike Stewart, Shaun Stodart, Jaye Thompson Te Muunu, Tauasosi Tuimavave, Jahvis Wallace.
Media:
Rookie Stags coach Hoani Macdonald has made the tough call to not select Jamie Mackintosh for the 2016 season
Meet the 2016 Southland Stags squad for the 2016 national provincial season
Southland Stags usher in new era with induction day
Long-serving Southland captain Jamie Mackintosh 'shocked' by omission
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So Southland have poached Collier too. Waikato gets Willis Halaholo for a season in return.
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http://www.taniwha.co.nz/latest-news/club-rugby/2016-northland-mitre-10-cup-team-announced/
Northland squad named
All players are Northland based and, outside the Super players, play club rugby in Northland.
Five Academy players have been included in order to further develop and to provide cover for injured players, returning Super players and players involved in club finals through the pre-season window.
Name / Super Rugby Franchise (if applicable) / Northland Club / Caps for Northland
Props
Chris Apoua (Mid Northern 0)
Phil Kite (OBM 0)
Howard Sililoto (OBM 16)
Matt Talaese (Wellsford
Namatahi Waâ€
a (Blues, Hikurangi 17)
Sesimani Tupou (Academy, Otamatea 0)
Hookers
Matt Moulds (Blues, Otamatea 28)
Jordan Olsen (Mid Northern 12)
Ross Wright (Wellsford 63)
Locks
Josh Goodhue (United Kawakawa 7)
Shane Neville (Otamatea 18)
Tom Robinson (Western Sharks 0)
Sean Sweetman (Wellsford
Josh Larsen (Academy, Mid Northern 0)
Loose Forwards
Michael Faleafa (Hikurangi 0)
Matt Matich (Western Sharks 0)
Dan Pryor (Highlanders, OBM 53)
Kara Pryor (Blues, OBM 21)
Jack Ram (Blues, Kerikeri 20)
Aorangi Stokes (OBM 0)
Epineri Uluviti (Academy, Awanui 0)
Halfbacks
Matty Markwick (OBM 0)
Malcolm McLeod (Mid Northern 0)
Sam Nock (Blues, Kerikeri 10)
1st 5/8
Peter Breen (Blues, OBM 0)
Dan Hawkins (Rebels, Otamatea 30)
Midfields
Warren Dunn (Hora Hora 24)
Troy Gilbert (OBM 20)
Jordan Hyland (Otamatea 9)
Tamati Tua (Hikurangi 0)
James Cherrington (Academy, Mid Northern 0)
Outside
Solomon Alaimalo (Otamatea 0)
Monty Lama (OBM 0)
Waisea Lawebuka (Mid Northern 7)
Jone Macilai (Crusaders, Awanui 19)
Levi Clark (Academy, Mid Northern 0)
Northlandâ€s three pre season games include:
North Harbour (North Harbour Stadium, Friday 29th July, 2:30pm KO)
Bay of Plenty (Whakatane, Friday 5th August, 3:00pm KO)
Counties / All Blacks (Pukekohe, Friday 12th August, 5:30pm KO)
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http://www.taniwha.co.nz/latest-news/club-rugby/2016-northland-mitre-10-cup-team-announced/
Northland squad named
All players are Northland based and, outside the Super players, play club rugby in Northland.Five Academy players have been included in order to further develop and to provide cover for injured players, returning Super players and players involved in club finals through the pre-season window.Name / Super Rugby Franchise (if applicable) / Northland Club / Caps for NorthlandPropsChris Apoua (Mid Northern 0)
Phil Kite (OBM 0)
Howard Sililoto (OBM 16)
Matt Talaese (Wellsford
Namatahi Waâ€a (Blues, Hikurangi 17)
Sesimani Tupou (Academy, Otamatea 0)HookersMatt Moulds (Blues, Otamatea 28)
Jordan Olsen (Mid Northern 12)
Ross Wright (Wellsford 63)LocksJosh Goodhue (United Kawakawa 7)
Shane Neville (Otamatea 18)
Tom Robinson (Western Sharks 0)
Sean Sweetman (Wellsford
Josh Larsen (Academy, Mid Northern 0)Loose ForwardsMichael Faleafa (Hikurangi 0)
Matt Matich (Western Sharks 0)
Dan Pryor (Highlanders, OBM 53)
Kara Pryor (Blues, OBM 21)
Jack Ram (Blues, Kerikeri 20)
Aorangi Stokes (OBM 0)
Epineri Uluviti (Academy, Awanui 0)HalfbacksMatty Markwick (OBM 0)
Malcolm McLeod (Mid Northern 0)
Sam Nock (Blues, Kerikeri 10)1st 5/8Peter Breen (Blues, OBM 0)
Dan Hawkins (Rebels, Otamatea 30)MidfieldsWarren Dunn (Hora Hora 24)
Troy Gilbert (OBM 20)
Jordan Hyland (Otamatea 9)
Tamati Tua (Hikurangi 0)
James Cherrington (Academy, Mid Northern 0)OutsideSolomon Alaimalo (Otamatea 0)
Monty Lama (OBM 0)
Waisea Lawebuka (Mid Northern 7)
Jone Macilai (Crusaders, Awanui 19)
Levi Clark (Academy, Mid Northern 0)Northlandâ€s three pre season games include:North Harbour (North Harbour Stadium, Friday 29th July, 2:30pm KO)
Bay of Plenty (Whakatane, Friday 5th August, 3:00pm KO)
Counties / All Blacks (Pukekohe, Friday 12th August, 5:30pm KO)Derek Carpenter?
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I wish...he has been gone for the last 2 or 3 ITM Cup campaigns...
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On the new rules:
http://www.punditarena.com/rugby/adrumm/wales-set-abandon-law-changes/
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2016 Bay of Plenty Steamers Squad:
Hookers:
Nathan Harris – Te Puke Sports (26), Liam Polwart* – Greerton Marist, Joseph Royal – Rotoiti (29), Sabastian Siataga – Mount Maunganui (8)
Props:
Siegfried Fisi'ihoi – Rotoiti (18), Jordan Lay* – Whakarewarewa, Aidan Ross – Te Puke Sports (3), Solomona Sakalia – Mount Maunganui (19), Pingi Tala'apitaga – Tauranga Sports (34), Jeff Thwaites – Te Puna (6)
Locks:
Troy Callander – Greerton Marist (7), Shahn Eru – Te Puna (7), Keepa Mewett – Tauranga Sports (17), Culum Retallick – Tauranga Sports (92)
Loose Forwards:
Matty Axtens* – Mount Maunganui, Hugh Blake* – Te Puke Sports, Sam Cane – Tauranga Sports (18), Mitchell Karpik* – Mount Maunganui, Jesse Parete* – Arataki, Henry Stowers* – Arataki, Eru Wano-Smith* – Whakarewarewa, Joe Tupe – Greerton Marist (23)
Half backs:
Luke Campbell* – Te Puke Sports, Ruki Tipuna – Rangataua (12), Te Aihe Toma – Te Puna (25)
First five-eights:
Kelly Haimona – Whakarewarewa (15), Dan Hollinshead – Te Puke Sports (19)
Midfield backs:
Lalakai Foketi – Rangataua (10), Terrence Hepetema – Te Puna (1), Teddy Stanaway – Mount Maunganui (1), Joe Webber* – Te Puke Sports
Outside backs:
Te Rangi Fraser – Whakarewarewa (10), Monty Ioane* – Greerton Marist, Elijah Nicholas – Whakatane Marist (6), Chase Tiatia – Rangataua (11), Isaac Te Aute* – Mount Maunganui, Regan Ware* – Arataki
Injury Cover:
Leigh Hughes* – Mount Maunganui*Denotes Steamers debut
() Denotes Steamers caps
http://www.boprugby.co.nz/news--information/2016-steamers-squad-announced/
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North Harbour
Hookers
James Parsons
Raymond Niuia
Props
Karl Tuikanafe
Nic Mayhew
Sione Mafileo
Adrian Smith
Toketa Fatai
Locks
Gerard Cowley-Mariner
Brandon Nansen
Chris Vui
Loose Forwards
Murphy Taramai
Hapakuki Liavaa-Moala
Kane Jacobsen
Glen Preston
Josh Tyrell
Half Backs
Bryn Hall
Chris Smylie
1st 5s
Bryn Gatland
Matt McGahan
Midfield
James Little
Pita Ahki
Matt Vaega
Michael Little
Rene Ranger
Daniel Hilton Jones
Outsides
Tevita Li
Matt Duffie
Marty Swart
Afa Faatau
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Is Ranger expected to be available for any of the season?
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Is Ranger expected to be available for any of the season?
I can't find anything about his fitness. I thought he was ruled out of the NPC too?
They named plenty of midfielders.
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if he doesn't end up playing, that's 2 seasons he's been signed and not played, and from what I've heard, he wants to come back here anyway. If that did transpire, we could go from an iffy mid-field to a very good one if Goodhue returned as rumoured as well.
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North Harbour
Hookers
James Parsons
Raymond Niuia
Props
Karl Tuikanafe
Nic Mayhew
Sione Mafileo
Adrian Smith
Toketa Fatai
Locks
Gerard Cowley-Mariner
Brandon Nansen
Chris Vui
Loose Forwards
Murphy Taramai
Hapakuki Liavaa-Moala
Kane Jacobsen
Glen Preston
Josh Tyrell
Half Backs
Bryn Hall
Chris Smylie
1st 5s
Bryn Gatland
Matt McGahan
Midfield
James Little
Pita Ahki
Matt Vaega
Michael Little
Rene Ranger
Daniel Hilton Jones
Outsides
Tevita Li
Matt Duffie
Marty Swart
Afa FaatauThey should be able to put together a useful backline out of that side with an ok tight 5. Surely they can at the very least get a semi final spot.
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You'd think they'd be able to poach a Prior brother to play 7.
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you'd think wouldn't you....keep your hands off
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you'd think wouldn't you....keep your hands off
Yes you guys do need all the help you can get :mocking:
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Yes you guys do need all the help you can get :mocking:
how dare you...oh wait.
Still amuses me we have our highest number of contracted super players after what was probably worst season I can recall us playing (even worse than that time where we might not have won a game for 2 seasons - but at least we looked good in parts, unlike last year)
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2016 Bay of Plenty Steamers Squad:
Hookers:
Nathan Harris – Te Puke Sports (26), Liam Polwart* – Greerton Marist, Joseph Royal – Rotoiti (29), Sabastian Siataga – Mount Maunganui (8)
Props:
Siegfried Fisi'ihoi – Rotoiti (18), Jordan Lay* – Whakarewarewa, Aidan Ross – Te Puke Sports (3), Solomona Sakalia – Mount Maunganui (19), Pingi Tala'apitaga – Tauranga Sports (34), Jeff Thwaites – Te Puna (6)
Locks:
Troy Callander – Greerton Marist (7), Shahn Eru – Te Puna (7), Keepa Mewett – Tauranga Sports (17), Culum Retallick – Tauranga Sports (92)
Loose Forwards:
Matty Axtens* – Mount Maunganui, Hugh Blake* – Te Puke Sports, Sam Cane – Tauranga Sports (18), Mitchell Karpik* – Mount Maunganui, Jesse Parete* – Arataki, Henry Stowers* – Arataki, Eru Wano-Smith* – Whakarewarewa, Joe Tupe – Greerton Marist (23)
Half backs:
Luke Campbell* – Te Puke Sports, Ruki Tipuna – Rangataua (12), Te Aihe Toma – Te Puna (25)
First five-eights:
Kelly Haimona – Whakarewarewa (15), Dan Hollinshead – Te Puke Sports (19)
Midfield backs:
Lalakai Foketi – Rangataua (10), Terrence Hepetema – Te Puna (1), Teddy Stanaway – Mount Maunganui (1), Joe Webber* – Te Puke Sports
Outside backs:
Te Rangi Fraser – Whakarewarewa (10), Monty Ioane* – Greerton Marist, Elijah Nicholas – Whakatane Marist (6), Chase Tiatia – Rangataua (11), Isaac Te Aute* – Mount Maunganui, Regan Ware* – Arataki
Injury Cover:
Leigh Hughes* – Mount Maunganui*Denotes Steamers debut
() Denotes Steamers caps
http://www.boprugby.co.nz/news--information/2016-steamers-squad-announced/If they made it a Sevens comp, we'd be right in the mix!
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Most of the sevens squad must live at The Mount, hence Webber and Ware's transfer to BOP.
I see a couple of other ex Waikato rep/club players are in the NH squad as well - Tyrell and Jacobsen.
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The North Harbour squad looks to be somewhat light, numbers wise anyway, in a couple of areas. I suppose it must be dictated by financial pressures, or perhaps blind optisism if the can only include four outside backs and three locks. Maybe it could be there is just not the talent available to them locally and numbers from outside the area are not interested in playing for them?
If Afa Fa'atau is the same guy that played on the wing for Poverty Bay last season then he looks like he could cover prop and most other forwqard positions judging by the size of him.
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The North Harbour squad looks to be somewhat light, numbers wise anyway, in a couple of areas. I suppose it must be dictated by financial pressures, or perhaps blind optisism if the can only include four outside backs and three locks. Maybe it could be there is just not the talent available to them locally and numbers from outside the area are not interested in playing for them?
If Afa Fa'atau is the same guy that played on the wing for Poverty Bay last season then he looks like he could cover prop and most other forwqard positions judging by the size of him.I suppose Matt McGahan can cover fullback and he usually plays there for them. They could take a lock from Auckland as we have plenty lol but that's not gonna happen.
And yes, that is the same Afa Fa'atau. He was in the Blues wider training squad but didn't see any game time.
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And yes, that is the same Afa Fa'atau. He was in the Blues wider training squad but didn't see any game time.
Partly because he was injured most the season, I think.
The Counties Manukau team has been named, and includes Cameron Skelton and So'otala Fa'aso'o among others
http://steelers.co.nz/news/article/1570/2016 Steelers Mitre 10 Cup Squad
Jarred Adams (Prop) Pukekohe *
Sam Aiono (Prop) Bombay
Sean Bagshaw (Prop) Onewhero
Nathan De Thierry (First Five-Eighth) Pukekohe
Hika Elliot (Hooker)
Sootala Faâ€asoâ€o (Loose Forward) North Shore *
Sione Faletau (Prop) Patumahoe *
Sione Fifita (Outside Back) Pukekohe
Piers Francis (First Five-Eighth) Bombay
Joseph Ikenasio (Midfield) Ardmore Marist
Richard Judd (Halfback) Onewhero
Luteru Laulala (Outside Back) Ardmore Marist *
Orbyn Leger (Midfield) Karaka *
Fotu Lokotui (Loose Forward) Patumahoe *
Matiaha Martin (Lock) Bombay *
Sione Molia (Outside Back) Karaka *
Augustine Pulu (Halfback) Karaka
Toni Pulu (Outside) Bombay
Viliame Rarasea (Lock) Ardmore Marist
Joe Reynolds (Outside Back) Pukekohe *
Cameron Skelton (Lock) Pukekohe *
Sherwin Stowers (Outside Back) Ardmore Marist
Gafatasi Suâ€a (Hooker) Pukekohe
Suliasi Taufalele (Hooker) Ardmore Marist
Jordan Taufua (Loose Forward) Ardmore Marist
Viliami Taulani (Loose Forward) Patumahoe
Jonathan Taumateine (Halfback) Ardmore Marist *
Kalolo Tuiloma (Prop) Bombay *
Jimmy Tupou (Lock) Ardmore Marist
Cardiff Vaega (Midfield) Karaka
Sam Vaka (Midfield) Bombay
Sonny Bill Williams (Midfield)
Five players who are contracted, but unavailable due to injury:
Glen Fisiâ€iahi (Outside Back) Bombay *
Sam Henwood (Loose Forward) Pukekohe
Nepo Laulala (Prop) Ardmore Marist *
Pauliasi Manu (Prop) Karaka
Maama Vaipulu (Loose Forward) Pukekohe
Players contracted for pre-season:
Harry Fitzsimons (Loose Forward) Karaka
Kalione Hala (Outside Back) Karaka *
Lolohea Loco (Outside Back) Ardmore Marist- New Steelers
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hello Mafia, i should go to the dedicated forum, but i can't be fucked.
While i am under no illusion how we are going to go this year, have we got a coach and a set of players that will play enterprising rugby at least? If we're going to lose, can we at least be fun to watch?
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You will get hidings from Northland and North Harbour.
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You will get hidings from Northland and North Harbour.
Unsure which team that is more insulting to!
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Northland i can stomach, but Harbour? That's low bro
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hello Mafia, i should go to the dedicated forum, but i can't be fucked.
While i am under no illusion how we are going to go this year, have we got a coach and a set of players that will play enterprising rugby at least? If we're going to lose, can we at least be fun to watch?You have a better on paper squad than the real Bay (all our good players are off overseas or in the ABs ;)). So there's probably one win you can bank. I will practice adding Bay to Of Plenty in the meantime.
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hello Mafia, i should go to the dedicated forum, but i can't be fucked.
While i am under no illusion how we are going to go this year, have we got a coach and a set of players that will play enterprising rugby at least? If we're going to lose, can we at least be fun to watch?I'd expect so with all the 7s players you have
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You have a better on paper squad than the real Bay (all our good players are off overseas or in the ABs ;)). So there's probably one win you can bank. I will practice adding Bay to Of Plenty in the meantime.
About time you lot left your borders to put the Real Bay Trophy on the line - we always seem to be going there!
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hello Mafia, i should go to the dedicated forum, but i can't be fucked.
While i am under no illusion how we are going to go this year, have we got a coach and a set of players that will play enterprising rugby at least? If we're going to lose, can we at least be fun to watch?Well last year under Clayton McMillan was 7 times better than the team under Schuler, we were enterprising and made the semis - 4th meaning we finished mid-table. We have backs to play enterprising rugby, pack looks a bit short with Bardoul and Axtens out so hopefully the loosies we stole from Auckland come good and Retallick can last the season. Hoping we make the semis again at minimum
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i saw so little last year i forgot we made the semis. With a shit record though? wiki tells me 4 and 6, with some kickings.
but only just lost our semi.
was last year with the really really dumb, late loss to HB? I remember a game in teh last couple of years where we were in front, and then gave it up with some of the dumbest rugby in history.
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Rugby: Make or break season for hopeful Harbour
By Campbell Burnes
3:07 PM Tuesday Jul 26, 2016
It's Championship semifinals or bust for North Harbour.But third year coach Steve Jackson believes he has the squad to do it, despite budget restrictions meaning he cannot fully contract more than 29 players, two of whom are the long-term injured midfielders Pita Ahki and Rene Ranger.
"We definitely believe that we can make the semis. It was disappointing the last two years that we couldn't make it, missing out by a point here and there," says Jackson, whose side placed fifth in the Championship in 2014-15, with three wins in each season.
Now is the time to up the ante, and the early signs are promising. He has a new coaching lieutenant in Daniel Halangahu, who played the last of his 17 games for the union as a No 10 just last year. The former Waratah replaces Alex O'Dowd as backs coach, the latter about to take up a post at England's Nottingham club.
"Dan was the best candidate for the job at the interview process, regardless of whether he played for us last year. We both think the same. I play the bad cop now and then, but he's a good calming voice behind me. He runs all our attack and he's got my full support. I think he'll do a fantastic job," says Jackson. "I joked to him that if anyone goes down, he'll have to jump on the field and play."
Funnier things have happened in rugby.
While there is disappointment that Ahki (shoulder) and Ranger (knee) will not play, that will mean last season's find Michael Little, starved of any Blues action, and Matt Vaega, should have the inside running. There are two youngsters nipping at their heels, though, in the North Shore midfield combination of James Little, still just 18, cousin of Michael, and Daniel Hilton-Jones.
Outside back Marty Swart returns from two years of injury issues. Bryn Gatland, signed from Waikato, and Matt McGahan will battle for the No 10 jersey.
"We understand that Matt can play in other positions. He wants to play 10 and we'll give him an opportunity in pre-season to battle it out with Bryn," says Jackson.
Competition for places looks to be more intense this season.
"Chris Smylie and Bryn Hall will be going hammer and tongs and right across the park. Reputations don't mean anything."
Smylie finished a contract with Treviso in Italy in May and was keen to return to where it all started for the veteran in 2002.
"When Chris touched base earlier in the year and he said he was available, we jumped at the opportunity. He's 34 but he's in the same condition as a 20-year-old. He wants to give back to the union," Jackson says.
The return of No 8 Hapakuki Moala-Liava'a from a shoulder injury suffered in the New Zealand Under 20s' campaign is imminent. Newcomers in the pack include loose forwards Kane Jacobson from Waikato, the elder of the Jacobson loosies, and Josh Tyrell, both of whom have been outstanding in helping Takapuna to its first premier club final in seven years. Former All Blacks Sevens rep Murphy Taramai can play more than one position in the loose trio.
While James Parsons, Bryn Hall and Tevita Li had heavy workloads with the Blues, several others from the franchise saw little to no game time, so should be jumping out of their skins. Into this category fall McGahan, Little, outside backs Matt Duffie and Afa Fa'atau, and lock Gerard Tuioti-Mariner, who will be keen to reproduce his consistent 2015 form for Harbour which won him a Blues' contract.
Missing from the 2015 group include Hayden Triggs and Nafi Tuitavake, both overseas, and Jordan Manihera, who is in Waikato.
Jackson says prolific Massey club wing Mark Telea, who led all premier tryscorers with 12 this season, was unlucky, but he is on the fringes and will train with the squad in pre-season. North Shore No 8 So'otala Fa'aso'o, a 2012 NZ Schools captain, who scored eight tries for his club, missed the cut and was duly snapped up by Counties Manukau.
"You can't take three No 8s. I wish Sooty all the best. As a coach, you want to promote all your players and see them succeed," Jackson says.
He was very impressed with the quality of club rugby this season, and this has made his job easier when contracting players, such as East Coast Bays pro Toketa Fatai, straight out of the premier competition.
"Our club season has been one of the best I've ever seen and that's even when I was a player here. Look at the final, going into extra time."
The level of co-operation between the clubs and rep programme, so evident in 2016, has not always been so smooth in the past at the union.
"Our premier coaches and clubs have been outstanding in adopting the new rules for the second round, and so have our refs," Jackson says.
"The players are a good, hard-working group who have been in good club form and we think they will adapt to the new rules and get on with the job."
Pre-season games are slated for this Friday (Northland), August 5 (Auckland) and August 11 (Hawke's Bay) before North Harbour opens the Mitre 10 Cup with an August 18 Thursday night home crossover fixture against Counties Manukau.
Getting off to a winning start, not Harbour's forte in recent seasons, will be paramount. Of course, there is the added carrot of a round two Ranfurly Shield challenge in Waikato. Two Premiership opponents in the first nine days will be instructive.
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Is Josh Larsen related to Blair Larsen ?
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Canterbury training squad from June, sans NZ U20s, Super Rugby players and injuries:
The players selected for the initial Wider Training Group are:
Forwards
Kalolo Otutaha (Christchurch)
Carisbrook Toâ€omalatai (New Brighton)
Samu Tawake (Sumner)
Oli Jager (New Brighton)
Tom Crozier (Sumner)
Nick Werahiko (Lincoln University)
Jack Powell (Lincoln University)
Jonno Osbourne (Lincoln University)
Sam Godwin (University)
Dylan Nel (Sumner)
Billy Harmon (New Brighton)
Jordan Stewart (Linwood)
Backs
Ere Enari (Lincoln University)
Jack Stratton (Lincoln University)
Finlay Christie (University)
Josh McKay (Lincoln University)
Brett Cameron (Lincoln University)
Inga Finau (Christchurch)
Poasa Waqanibau (Sumner)
Harrison Groundwater (Lincoln University)
Nigel Gibb (University)
Milford Keresoma (Sydenham)
Marshall Suckling (Sumner)
Mark Maitland (Waihora)
Some players have not been named due to injuries.
New Zealand 20â€s
Sean Paranihi (Sumner)
Hamish Dalzell (Lincoln University)
Jordie Barrett (Lincoln University)
Caleb Makene (Lincoln University)To a full squad could be added:
Props
Franks
Moody
Crockett
Faletau
Tokolahi
Hodgman
Leinert-Brown
Hookers
Taylor
Funnell
Robinson
Locks
Whitelock
Romano
Barrett
Manning
Dunshea
Bird
Loose forwards
Read
Todd
Whitelock
Brown
Sanders
Princep (if fit)
Halfbacks
Drummond
Fukofuka
First-fives
Mo'unga
Midfield
Crotty
Thompson
Goodhue
Outside backs
McNicholl
Osborne
Tulolo
Laulala
Apa
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Halfbacks
Drummond
FukofukaHe's still with Auckland.. was named in the squad last week
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Halfbacks
Drummond
FukofukaFukofuka is named in the Auckland squad
