Moana Pasifika
Last year: 12th (2-12).
Coach: Aaron Mauger (second year).
Key forward: North Harbour loosie Michael Curry was an injury replacement last year but quickly became an indispensable part of the squad each weekend.
Key back: Everything runs through strapping midfielder Levi Aumua. He is hard to stop at full steam.
The oil: Moana Pasifika was always going to struggle in its debut season, though there were signs of some talent.
No. 8 Henry Time-Stowers is a massive loss, but otherwise the squad is stable. Consistently fronting for 80 minutes is the challenge.
Old salts Sekope Kepu and Christian Leali’ifano (combined age of 72) will need to lead the way again.
Meikle’s prediction: 11th. Should be better, and could have a sniff of the (generous) playoffs deep into the season. But not convinced about talent or depth.
Fijian Drua
Last year: 11th (2-12).
Coach: Mick Byrne (second year).
Key forward: Captain Ratu Meli Derenalagi leads a loose forward unit that could threaten if space can be found.
Key back: Michael Naitokani is very green but there is some excitement about the rookie centre.
The oil: The Drua leaked points in its debut season and was hamstrung by not getting a full slate of home games. The squad looks stronger, and it gets six games in Suva or Lautoka, so home advantage should be a factor this season. There is plenty of experience and raw talent. Byrne’s mission, again, is to see if that can be harnessed.
Meikle’s prediction: Ninth. Should be good for three or four wins at home, and one on the road.
Tomorrow: THE AUSTRALIANS
