Taieri
Last year: Champion.
Coaches: Jason Macdonald (first year), Kurt Hammer (second year).
Squad.—
Forwards: Tom Hill, Kieran O’Sullivan, Cam Allan-McNeill, Jared Burns, Ethan Harrex, Brady Robertson, Morgan Jones, Ben Morris (captain), Don Lolo, Brodie Hume, Nick Henderson, Leroy Ferguson, Sam Fischli, Jesse Hutton, Cam Dyer.
Backs: Bob Martin, Kace O’Neill, Brayden Laing, Cameron Millar, Matt Whaanga, Kori Rupene, Mitchell Scott, Marc Rooney, Glen Beadle, Taine Craig-Ranga, Will Ngatai, Hunter Dickson, Caleb Leef.
Taieri will lean on more or less the same crew which got it through the tough games last season and delivered a title for the faithful.
There will be one rather large departure at some stage. Talented midfielder Matt Whaanga is expected to join the Southland Stags this season.
He was sensational in the final last year and his power and organisation will be sorely missed, particularly on defence.
The Eels put a lot of stock in their defensive structures and that paid off in the tight games, which there were more than a few.
Hard-working flanker Nick Henderson was one of the players of the season last year and he will lead an impressive collection of loose forwards, which include Sam Fischli, Leroy Ferguson and veteran Brodie Hume, although he also slots into lock.
Second-rower Ben Morris will captain the side again and the front row stocks look solid.
First five-eighth Corey McKay has moved on but Brayden Laing will step into the pivotal role, while veteran midfielder Kori Rupene will add to the 150-odd games he has notched for the team.
Jason McDonald returns as coach after a coaching stint in Japan.
University
Last year: Beaten finalist.
Coaches: Peter McIntyre (fourth year), Roy Hawker (fourth year).
Squad.—
Forwards: Geordie Bean, Hiro Kasuya, Kilipati Lea, Carlos Polycarpio, Harry Press, Blake Bradley, Jack Knewstubb, Sam Masterton, Ben Smith, Jacob Harrex, Josh Hill (c), James Bolton, Noah Pereleni, Louis Magalogo, Ned Pene, Austin Soanai, Luke Russell, Sean Withy, Ricky Jackson, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Josh Dickson.
Backs: Sam Clarke, Robert Sporke, Jordie Hand, Jack Marshall, Henry Williams, Thomas MacKenzie, Ivan Hill, Robert Fridd, Josh Timu, Gio Leituala, Jermaine Pepe, Tyler Diack, Tom Rance, Jack East, Aaron McMurray, Motoki Tanaka, Kieran McClea, Scott Gregory, Thomas Umaga-Jenson.
University has had the piston and the sparkplug removed.
The team might run a little rough while it adjusts to life without industrious loose forward Jack McHugh and elusive fullback Taylor Haugh.
Haugh has been one of the most potent backs in the competition. He has had games when he was able to conjure tries no matter how boxed in.
But he has a knee injury and has moved away from Dunedin.
Likewise, McHugh, who was often dismissed because of his size, covered off a lot of ground and his leadership and knack of popping up just when needed to keep the move going will be sorely missed.
He has returned home to Auckland.
But University will go on. There are many other talented players in the side.
Jermaine Pepe impressed at fullback for University last season when Haugh was absent. Prop Kilipati Lea has shed 30kg and is determined to have a strong campaign.
Loose forward Sean Withy ran like a bus rolling down a hill.
And Sam Clarke has made the move south from Wellington and is a highly rated first five-eighth. It is hoped he will give the team the direction is sometimes lacked last year.
Harbour
Last year: Beaten semifinalist.
Coaches: Ryan Nicholas (fourth year), Shaun Burrows.
Squad.—
Forwards: Saula Mau, Abraham Pole, Tevita Pole, Joji Ravula, Aidan Spence, Bruce Kauika- Peterson, Hagan Free, Austin Atiga, Taylor Dale, Tim Medder, Levi Uluakiahoia, Jade Zaia, Joseph Williams, Oliver Parkinson, James Tomkinson, Solomon Pole, Sione Misiloi, Phoenix Kairimu, Teariki Ben-Nicholas.
Backs: Nathan Hastie, Junior Schaumkel, Tokahirere Sopoaga, Ewan Brumwell, William Tufui, Finn Bamber, Liasala Halaleva, Mone Samate-Palu, Viliami Fine, Michael Graham, Logan Allen, Max Brown, Fetuli Paea, Patelesio Tomkinson.
Harbour has bolstered its squad with a talented trio from Wellington.
But the Hawks are not happy with the format this season.
Coach Ryan Nicholas has been outspoken about his disappointment the representative players will not be available at the end of the season when the title will be on the line.
He cannot see the sense in assembling a top line-up only to lose the best players when it matters most.
Despite those complaints, the Hawks have talent across the board. Winger Viliami Fine, hooker Bruce Kauika-Peterson and midfielder William Tufui have made the move south and are expected to have a big impact.
Fine and Kauika-Peterson are part of the Bravehearts squad, while Nicholas believes Tufui will be among the top midfielders in the competition.
Otago loose forward Charles Elton will miss the first five or so rounds. He has an Achilles injury, while centre Aleki Morris-Lome is playing rugby in the United States but may feature later.
Powerful No 8 Jeff Ikani is in Tonga and unable to return to New Zealand due to border restrictions.
There are two very solid first five-eighth options in Toka Sopoaga and Logan Allen, and pace on the outside in the form of Lisala Halaleva and Michael Graham.
And there is beef in the pack. The Hawks should be a good side.
Southern
Last year: Beaten semifinalist.
Coach: Luke Herden (third year), assistant Warren Moffat (third year).
Squad.—
Forwards: Brad Horne, Jake Burtenshaw, Jermayne Maika (c), Joe Cairns, Mika Mafi, Mike Mata’afa, Rewi Pomare, Taniora Raniera, Tafa Tafa, Sonny Mulipolo, Tofa Solia, Aron Einarsson, Corban Agar, Fitu Faailo, Harry Taylor, Izaak Parata, Jay Tofaeono, Jordan Dwight, Ayden Johnstone, Billy Harmon, Pari Pari Parkinson.
Backs: Josh Buchan, Mackenzie Haugh, Nathan Giles, Obey Samate, Paul Tupai, Riku Kitahara, Tama Apineru, Wilson Driver, Graham Urquhart, Henry Mitchell-Collie, Jack Leslie, James Te Pairi, Jamie Crawford, Matt Horne, Tala Potifara, Connor Garden-Bachop, Josh Ioane.
Southern has had more than its share of departures up front.
Veteran prop Hisa Sasagi has retired. Kurt Whittaker-Prendeville and Sam Pene have moved away from Dunedin.
That is a lot of beef — gone.
Prop Mike Mataafa clocked 100 games for the club four years ago and he will one the few familiar faces in the front row.
Lock Jermayne Maika will captain the side again, while experienced No 8 Mika Mafi has returned for another season in the boot of the scrum.
He knows how to beat a tackle and muscle his way forward. And he has got himself in great shape and is closing in on 100 games.
Promising first five-eighth Mitchell Taylor transferred to Kaikorai but broke his leg in a pre-season game.
Riku Kitahara will run the cutter instead. He was a revelation in the pivot role when he moved there late last year.
He will combine with halfback Graham Urquhart, who has transferred from University.
Coach Luke Herden is promising a more expansive game plan from the Magpies.
Paul Tupai is a solid midfielder and will combine with the likes of Nathan Giles and Tama Apineru. Out wide Mackenzie Haugh, Obey Samate and Josh Buchan will be called on to provide the finishing touches.
Kaikorai
Last year: Eliminated in top six playoffs.
Coaches: Roger Cotton (fourth year), Allan Lindsay (third year), Matt Direen (first year).
Squad.—
Forwards: Jonah Aoina, Mitch Mahoni-Rae, Jackson Dempster, Champ Betham, Henry Bell, Mitchell Pryde, Harry Hanson, Grayson Knapp (c), Pita Sinamoni, Isi Tuinvaga, Sam Moir, Zach McKenzie, Christian Lio-Willie, Paul Grant, Shane Calder, Lachie Finch, Josh Keenan, Logan Jones, Jake Russ, Slade McDowall, Ash Dixon, Kazuki Himeno.
Backs: Thomas Hanham-Carter, Kane Johnston, Kadin Brocks, Ben Miller, Gearoge Thomas, Sam Jones, Reuben Wairau, Elliot Warrender, Christian Blackie, Corey Miller, Layne Opetaia, Matt Jones, Jordon McEntee, Jackson Miller, Mitch Hunt, Ngane Punivai.
Kaikorai has put together another impressive squad.
And it should have a bit more mental toughness.
Inspirational loose forward Paul Grant has returned to the fold. He has retired from professional rugby but is giving back.
Grant, of course, was captain of Otago when it lifted the Ranfurly Shield back in 2013 thus ending a 56-year drought.
There are several other significant gains as well. Loose forward-hooker Henry Bell has transferred from University and is a dynamic ball carrier.
Halfback Kadin Brocks has returned.
Thomas Hanham-Carter has made his was down from Christchurch and will compete for a spot in the midfield, and prop Champ Betham will help offset the loss of Sef Fa’agase.
Tidy loose forward Patrick McCurran, hooker Flynn Thomas and utility back Roman Blackman have also moved on.
Grayson Knapp will captain the side and veteran lock Pita Sinamoni is closing in on his 100th game for the team.
He has been a warrior for Kaikorai and shapes as a key player alongside the usual crew of Ben Miller, Matt Jones, Christian Lio-Willie, Jonah Aoina and Slade McDowall. Of course, most of them will be tied up with Otago commitments towards the end of the competition.
Dunedin
Last year: Eliminated in top six playoffs.
Coaches: Steve Mowat (third year), Mike Maguire (third year), John Sherratt (second year), Will Henry (first year), Ryan Bambry (first year).
Squad. —
Forwards: Cam Burrow, Kees Scott, Naryan Strickland, Josh Thom, Sepa Vaka, Ayden Lloyd, Sam Rainger, James Douglas, Mark Grieve-Dunn, Henry Win-Hewetson, Jack Regan, Fabian Holland, Bryn Evans, Liam Trainor, Hame Toma, Jamie Mowat (c), Angus Duckett, Tom Hume, Josh Retter, Oliver Griffin.
Backs: Tim Hogan, Bailey Moody, Folau Fakatava, Tom Henderson, Riley Forbes, Caleb Makene, Gene Te Amo, Ben Shepherd, Kegan Christian-Goss, Bailey Sullivan, Jackson Toms, Tommy Clout, Oscar Schmidt-Uili, Freedom Vahaakolo, George Witana.
It is a big year down at Shark Park with the club celebrating its 150th year. The celebrations will take place on Queen’s Birthday weekend.
The premier side wants to put the icing on the cake by winning the banner and recognising all the good sides which have gone before.
The club has had a few departures and a few new arrivals but has a mostly settled squad. Big lock Ben Freschini has finished his studies and moved on, while utility back Harrison Boyle is playing in the United States.
Winger Jayden Beckett has moved back to Christchurch.
The club has mostly promoted from within and Riley Forbes and Tom Henderson will battle it out for the critical No 10 jersey.
Jamie Mowat will again captain the team and Hame Toma, after a couple of injury-riddled years, is keen to get some consistent game time. Winger Freedom Vahaakolo broke his foot with the Highlanders and may not be seen, but Oscar Schmidt-Uili and Kegan Christian-Goss will be key backs as will George Witana.
Veteran lock Mark Grieve-Dunn is fit and firing and looking for a big year.
The side crashed out in the first week of the playoffs last year, losing to Harbour in a tight game.
The team just needs to take opportunities in the big games and nail the chances when they come along.
Alhambra Union
Last year: seventh.
Coaches: John Hyde (third year), Kilifi Fangupo (first year).
Squad. —
Forwards: Alex Fraito (co-c), Tom Frood, Tristan Fuli, Teddy Davis, Arthur Allen, Matt Kemp, Sebastian Potgeiter, Levi Turoa, Keenan Rush, Delaney Mckenzie, Troy Yararo-Ruhe, Pato Reynes, Chris Dalley, Josh Hayward, Ma’ole Sei-Ha Faletolu.
Backs: John Tapueluelu (co-c), Ben McCarthy, Kody Edwards, Henry Wragg, Tui Qalivutu, Isaac Milne, Levi Emery, Logan Roberts, Jim Nalotu, Thomas Noble-Campbell, Noah Hothham, Peceli Malanicagi, Emmanuel Venture.
The men from the North Ground had a better season than their record suggests.
The team had a lot of very close games and, though it won a couple of these, the games mainly went the wrong way.
An inability to take easy points on offer and brain fades at just the wrong time came home to haunt the team.
The side has lost last year’s captain, Legin Hotham having finished his dentistry studies and moved home to Hamilton. However, his younger brother Noah has arrived. He is highly rated and the halfback should add some energy and direction.
Noah Cooper has also gone back to Northland. Kody Edwards has arrived from University and Josh Hayward has also moved and will help the forward pack.
Alhambra-Union has some exciting young backs and need the ball from a solid forward pack. Levi Emery is a key for the side.
It missed some goal kicks last year which could have turned losses into wins so must be more accurate with the boot.
The side will want to use its talented backline and play some expansive rugby but knows the basics must be adhered to.
Former North Otago halfback Kilifi Fangupo has joined as assistant coach and is a welcome addition.
Green Island
Last year: Eighth.
Coaches: Dean Moeahu (sixth year) and Erik Vaafusuaga (third year).
Squad.—
Forwards: Richard Buchanan, Ethan de Groot, Shane Fikken, Jake Fowler, Josh Clark, Oliver Haig, Sean Jansen, Heath MacEwan, Woody Kirkwood, Marika Koribete Parker, Pete Mirrielees, Reuben Katane, Dylan Nel (co-c), Thomas Ryan, Siate Tokolahi, Sitiveni Tupou, Jesse Va’afusuaga.
Backs: James Arscott, Samuel Eriepa (co-c), Olly Bugden, Sunia Makasini, Michael Manson, Tom MacGregor, Ray Nuu, Levi Harmond, Nelson Yorston, Devin Stapley, Finn Strawbridge, Isaak Te Hiwi, Jake Te Hiwi, Bradley McPate, Sam Gilbert, Solomon Alaimalo.
Dylan Nel is back. And that is huge for Green Island.
A powerful No 8 makes all the difference in club rugby.
Two years ago, he formed a double whammy with hard-running second five-eighth Ray Nu’u.
The pair almost always got Green Island over the gain line and, as it turned out, into the playoffs for the first time since 2002.
But Nel was with the Chiefs last season and Green Island lacked the same muscle.
The Grizzlies managed just the one win and slipped to eighth in the competition standings.
But there is good reason to believe the team can climb its way back up this season.
Nel and Nu’u will renew their combination. Isaak Te Hiwi is one of the best goal kickers in the competition.
Veteran loose forward-lock Josh Clark has returned from a stint in North Otago and will team up with hardworking lock Woody Kirkwood to ensure a steady supply of lineout ball.
The front row stocks look healthy. Prop Shane Fikken and hooker Jake Fowler play their hearts out for the club, while Pete Mirrielees, aged 38, has signed on for another season.
Finn Strawbridge will provide direction from first five-eighth and James Arscott is a quality halfback who is making his way through the ranks. Promising loose forward Brett Kingsbury has moved to Auckland and will be missed.
Zingari-Richmond
Last year: Ninth.
Coaches: Craig Sneddon (second year), Rodney Stringer (second year). Trevor Shanks (first year).
Squad. —
Forwards: Lima Sharples, Haki Hamilton, Josh Fitiao, Alex Nettleton, Thomas Komisa, Jeff Thwaites, Jacob Turell, Bailey Mataoe, Keegan Anderson, Connor Graham, Hugh Renton, Pete Taylor, Chris Williams, Chris Bell (c), Ciaran Jensen, Dylan Tutty, Simon Pupuali’i, Isi Veikoso.
Backs: Kayne Hammington, Connor Newlands, Scott Hunter, Shaun Driver, Devin Redfern, Cole Bardwell, Keenan Masina, Chris McNoe, Ratu Karamaena, Lane Illing, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Shen Soseu, Willie Time.
The only way is up for the Colours, who did not win a game last year. The side has lost some players in the off-season but will continue to front.
The Achilles heel in the past few seasons has been a lack of concentration for the entire 80 minutes. The team would start well but then go to sleep for 20 minutes and concede three tries, which would put it out of the game.
The spirit is always there, but the side needs to be more accurate in the micro skills of the game.
The side has lost first five-eighth Thomas Johnson, who has gone to Clutha Valley in the southern region competition. No 8 Aron Einarsson has moved to Southern.
A couple of big Tongan forwards, Sione Tukala and Sefo Moniati, could not get visas and remain at home.
Lock Connor Graham is back after a break and he will be joined in the second row by Simon Pupuali’i. Alex Nettleton will also play.
Chris McNoe will move closer in from the wing, while Keenan Masina will steady the midfield. Chris Bell is back for another season and will captain the team. The veteran loose forward is set to become the most capped player in the premier competition if he can stay on the field for five games. Bell is one of the best runner of lines in the competition and his experience will be invaluable.
- All names were provided by the clubs.
