The Otago hooker has been named to start in the No 2 jersey for the Highlanders in their opening preseason game against Moana Pasifika in Queenstown tomorrow evening.
Coach Clarke Dermody had a clear-out of the position in the offseason with all three veteran rakes - Andrew Makalio, Rhys Marshall and Leni Apisai - leaving the club.
Bell, who also has experience in the United States, fellow Otago hooker Ricky Jackson and Southland tyro Jack Taylor will all be chasing game time in a position that is wide open.
Another feature of the team named for the Queenstown game is the presence of the Whaanga brothers in the backline.
Rock-steady Southland midfielder Matt, who got a brief taste of Super Rugby last year and has earned a full contract, is joined by younger brother Josh, the Otago rookie who was the surprise package of the NPC and is with the Highlanders as a development player.
"First and foremost, I’m stoked to be here, but I’m also stoked to have the chance to play alongside my brother," Matt Whaanga said.
"It’s a great opportunity for both of us and we’re looking forward to putting our best out there on the field on Friday night."
Welsh first five Rhys Patchell gets his first taste of rugby down this part of the world outside Folau Fakatava, while former Blues players Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (fullback) and Tanielu Tele’a (centre) will also get started with their new club.
Jonah Lowe is the starting right winger and will be keen to really get his Highlanders career going with Jona Nareki, Martin Bogado and newcomer Timoci Tavatavanawai poised on the bench.
Flanker Sean Withy, who had a breakout season in 2023, captains the side, joining youngster Oliver Haig and Stags ring-in Blair Ryall in the loose.
Max Hicks and Pari Pari Parkinson are effectively the last locks standing, while Otago rookie Rohan Wingham will be eager to impress in a young front row alongside Bell and Saula Ma’u.
The bench includes some new faces including Wellington lock Hugo Plummer, former Chiefs prop Solomone Tukuafu and Southland midfielder Tevita Latu.
“We’ve named 15 players who are going to get an opportunity on Friday night to prove themselves and essentially another 15, who will be trying to do the same thing when they get their chance on the field," Dermody said.
"This is an opportunity for us to put into action the changes to our game from 2023, see how new combinations work and how the preseason hard work translates on the field for each player."
Highlanders team to play Moana Pasifika
Team: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Jonah Lowe, Tanielu Tele’a, Matt Whaanga, Josh Whaanga, Rhys Patchell, Folau Fakatava, Blair Ryall, Sean Withy (captain), Oliver Haig, Max Hicks, Pari Pari Parkinson, Saula Ma’u, Henry Bell, Rohan Wingham.
Reserves: Solomone Tukuafu, Jack Taylor, Jermaine Ainsley, Hugo Plummer, Billy Harmon, Hayden Michaels, Will Stodart, James Arscott, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert, Tevita Latu, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Martin Bogado.
