Southern and former Otago winger Greg Zampach was a surprise inclusion in the North Otago Heartland squad announced after the Citizens Shield final on Saturday night.
Another Dunedin player in Taieri prop Dave Maaka was also included in the squad.
Other newcomers were Valley prop Gerald Sweeney, Athletic loose forward Uilisoni Tahitua, Valley lock Dan Conlan, Athletic winger Sione Pangata, Excelsior first five-eighth Chris Talanoa and Old Boys fullback Ofa Fatafehi.
Former Wairarapa-Bush and New Zealand Divisional XV halfback Hamish McKenzie will join Kilifi Fangupo, also a Divisional representative, behind the pack while lock Aisake Fonua, who dominated the lineouts in the final, has been named in the second row along with Eric Duff - a state of origin player - David Simpson and Marshall Smith.
Missing for the opening games against Otago Country, East Coast and Buller is last season's captain, Ross Hay, unavailable due to farming commitments.
North Otago
The squad
Forwards: Palenapa Mafi, Stuart Philpott, Ralph Darling, Gerald Sweeney, David Simpson, Eric Duff, Aisake Fonua, Ryan Long, Tevita Fifita, Josh Collier, David Maaka, Dan Conlan, Uilisoni Tahitua, Marshall Smith.
Backs: Kilifi Fangupo, Hamish McKenzie, Ben Patston, Chris Talanoa, Faaitu Tuamoheloa, Luke Herden, Ekeroma Sefo, Kasanova Soane, Billy Guyton, Greg Zampach, Ofa Fatafehi, Sione Pangata.
- Terry O'Neill
