New coach Marty Hurring is ambitious and confident, and believes the Hawks will be a force once they have their top XV on the field.
Hurring has hinted at a couple of new arrivals to join Mateo Malupo, an explosive winger who has played for Northland and Tonga. More should be known in the coming weeks.
Abrasive hooker Pete Mirrielees, New Zealand Colts flanker Hadleigh May and the versatile Charles Elton feature in a forward pack that will not be afraid to get its hands dirty. In the backs, look for rising midfielder Aleki Morris to continue his progress.
Last year: Eighth.
Coaches: Marty Hurring (new) and Hale T-Pole (second season).
Gains: Mateo Malupo (Northland), Ewan Brumwell (Hawkes Bay).
Losses: Ben Nolan (retired), Lex Kaleca (retired).
Key players: Hooker Pete Mirrielees, flanker Hadleigh May, midfield back Aleki Morris.
Squad.-
Forwards: Charles Elton, Matt Kiore, Hadleigh May, Nathan Seiuli, Ed Elvin, Pete Mirrielees, Aidan Spence, Brayden Peterson, Sione Misiloi, Ben Whale, Hale T-Pole, James Tomkinson.
Backs: Jonty Woods, Jamie Brown, Ewan Brumwell, Joe Collins, Markus Schaaf, Aleki Morris, Mateo Malupo, Sam Collins, Ben Marshall, Rema Smith, Soane Amato, Iloa Lihau.
