Highlanders lock Tom Franklin has been released to play for Otago Maoris in the South Island tournament at Timaru today.
Franklin (23), a member of the Otago ITM Cup team for the last three years, is in his first season for the Highlanders.
The hard-running lock is expected to play a key role for Otago as it seeks to turn the tables on a Canterbury team that has dominated the Maori competition for four years.
Otago lost the final to Canterbury last year but has a stronger team this season.
One player to watch is Southern premier halfback Josh Walden, who trained with the Highlanders this year while All Black Aaron Smith was having his compulsory rest.
His brother, Tei Walden, an aggressive midfield back, played for the Otago ITM Cup team last year.
Other key players are Adam Gavagen, who played for Otago B last year, and mobile No8 Dan Baxter, who has played for Otago Sevens.
Five teams will be playing in the annual tournament: Southland, Otago, Mid-Canterbury, Canterbury and Tasman.
Otago Maori: Squad
Adam Gavagen, Ben Qau Qau, James Spooner, James Stevenson-Wright, Josh Walden, Kail Spooner, Kale Panaho, Pera Gibbs, Shelford Meads, Tei Walden, Tuhoro Christie, Ben Sexton, Ben Carpenter, Brett Campbell, Dan Baxter, Ed Elvin, James Graham, Kieran Calteaux, Matt Kiore, Nick Staples, Richard Te Ngahu, Sean Smith, Tom Franklin.
