Jake Maiono and Hisa Sasagi will set a strong platform up front - no doubt that will please the club's new coach, former long-serving prop Daniel Johnson - and Solomon Pole will be dangerous if he gets room off the back of the scrum.
The backline will be guided by the talented inside back combination of Tyrone Davies and Tim Cossens.
Last year: Seventh.
Coaches: Daniel Johnson (new) and Paul Miller (fourth season).
Gains: Junior Pole (Otago Boys'), Craig Sneddon (North Otago).
Losses: Marshall Suckling (Christchurch), Finn Gormley (Ireland), Josh Clark (North Otago).
Key players: Hooker Jake Maiono, loose forward Solomon Pole, halfback Tyrone Davies.
Squad.-
Forwards: Brett Campbell, Hamish Clapp, Lucas Duley, Clinton Garrity, Jordan Hoerara,
Andrew Johnston, Tim Lequeux, Jake Maiono, Shaun McCarroll, Travis McIntosh, Craig Millar, Junior Pole, Solomon Pole, Hisa Sasagi, Ben Sexton, Brendon Taylor, Martini Toupu, Jared Williams.
Backs: Poamo Aiiloilo, Jury Arthur, Andy Bremner, Joe Bolton, Tim Cossens, Tyrone Davies, Adam Gavegan, Blaze Grant, Will Scorgie, Craig Sneddon, Marshall Suckling, Opini To'omalatai, Paul Tupai, Shayne Waldron Smith, Ben West.
