Tasman Makos: News

Makos hopefuls whittled to 36
11-May-2010

THE NELSON MAIL
This season's Tasman Makos rugby squad moved another step closer to reality after head coach Kieran Keane yesterday confirmed an elite training squad of 36 players.

With 20 representative players having left the region from last season, Keane and his assistant coach Leon MacDonald have a relatively new core of players to work with this year.

Included among the newcomers are former Southland prop Fai Mika, Canterbury halfback Steve Alfeld, Otago and Highlanders midfielder Aaron Bancroft and Mid Canterbury midfielder Jack Umaga, who will link up with the Stoke club for the remainder of the Nelson Bays club season.

Also gaining promotions this season are Waimea Old Boys halfback Kaide Whiting, Moutere hooker Vernon Fredericks, Waitohi first five-eighth Dan Hawkins and exciting Nelson clubmates, fullback Tom Marshall and winger Mitchell Scott. Marshall's New Zealand under-20 team-mate, prop Sam Prattley, has also been named in the squad.

Hooker Quentin MacDonald has been included in the squad despite suffering a severe knee injury earlier this season, with a view to rejoining the campaign later in the year. Stoke's Troy Liddell joins Fredericks as the other initial hooking option. Props Craig Moore, James Hadfield and Siaki Peti, lock Jared Aberhart and flanker Tevita Koloamatangi have all made the initial cut.

Keane said the Makos' extended squad begins training this week.

"The remaining players from the wider group will move to their sub union team and begin preparation for the June 7 game between Nelson Bays and Marlborough which is an unofficial trial for the Makos in Blenheim.

"Contracted players will not take part in the trial as it is an opportunity for the sub union players, plus players in the elite group who are currently not contracted, to press for Makos honours."

He said the final Makos' squad will be named on July 4. Another two as-yet unconfirmed players from outside the region are still being considered.

Tasman Makos training squad: Craig Moore, Ben Franks, Siaki Peti, Hamish Cochrane, James Hadfield, Fai Mika, Sam Prattley, Vernon Fredericks, Quentin MacDonald, Troy Liddell, Joe Wheeler, Chris Jack, Anthony Elisala, Jared Aberhart, Glen Gregory, Jonathan Poff, Dan Hyatt, Tevita Koloamatangi, Shane Christie, Steve Alfeld, Kaide Whiting, Shaun Begg, James Marshall, Dan Hawkins, Aaron Bancroft, Sione Holani, Mike Pehi, Jack Umaga, Afeleki Pelenise, Blair Cook, James Kamana, Kade Poki, Robbie Malneek, Tom Marshall, Mitchell Scott, George Millar.