The side is much the same, with the only major absentee being lock Blair Tweed, who is waylaid after a neck operation.
Fullback Tony Ensor, coming back from a knee injury, is running again and could be back on the field in just over a month.
Coach Andy Hunter hopes the side has learned from last year. It lost games to lowly opposition and must make sure this is not repeated this season.
Last year: Fifth.
Coaches: Andy Hunter (third year), Willie Lawson (second year).
Gains: Rob Jordan (South Canterbury), Dan Dorgan (Kaikorai colts)Losses: Blair Tweed (injured).
Key players: Flanker Lee Allan, halfback Josh Renton, midfielder Jayden Spence.
Squad.-
Forwards: Matt Cowie, Rob Griffiths, George Hendry, Ben Martin, Lachie Landels, Willie Miller, Dean Griffiths, James Coutts, Simon Grant, Lee Allan (captain), Nathan Hull, Johnny Appleby, Marcus Balchin, Andy Brun, Nuu Vaeau, Kyle Harris.
Backs: Josh Renton, Dan Dorgan, Matt Te Tana, Cam Rutherford, Logan Moore, Jayden Spence, Bryce Morgan, Rob Jordan, Dan Hyndman, Sean Conner, Danny van der Voort, Tony Ensor.
