High Performance Squad

Gunner

Doubt we'll see Guy Wood in action any time soon. 
Poor bugger badly dislocated/broke his ankle on Saturday. Wasn't pretty, from 50m away you could see it sticking out 90 degrees from where it should have been. 
I wish him well and that he makes a full recovery, coz the lad has a bucket load of talent. 
No Ben Berridge which surprises me, he's working his way into some good form after a 2 year lay off. 
Wouldn't be surprised to see Tim Blundell added to that list, who is a pretty handy first five.

taniwharugby

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Gunner" data-cid="576628" data-time="1462260346">
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Doubt we'll see Guy Wood in action any time soon. 
Poor bugger badly dislocated/broke his ankle on Saturday. Wasn't pretty, from 50m away you could see it sticking out 90 degrees from where it should have been. 
I wish him well and that he makes a full recovery, coz the lad has a bucket load of talent. 
No Ben Berridge which surprises me, he's working his way into some good form after a 2 year lay off. 
Wouldn't be surprised to see Tim Blundell added to that list, who is a pretty handy first five.
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guess thats the key though, and he has had a fair few injuries over the years hasnt he.
 
Shame about Guy, had been hearing good reports.

Nath Jac

I was very surprised not to see the Waipu 1st 5 Ben Maccin? not named in the High Performance Squad. A Northland kid who can cover multiple positions in the back line and knows how to follow a game plan. Not sure how many members have been brought in from out side the region but by looking at the clubs represented OBM, Mid Northern,Wellsford and Otamatea should be the teams that are dominating the Premier competition.

Gunner

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="JacNath" data-cid="578113" data-time="1462725744">
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I was very surprised not to see the Waipu 1st 5 Ben Maccin? not named in the High Performance Squad. A Northland kid who can cover multiple positions in the back line and knows how to follow a game plan. Not sure how many members have been brought in from out side the region but by looking at the clubs represented OBM, Mid Northern,Wellsford and Otamatea should be the teams that are dominating the Premier competition.
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He works in Auckland these days doesn't he, which may be a factor?

Chiefy

Noticed Northland have named a squad to prepare for the ITM Cup. Does anyone know why Peter Breen isn't on the list? Any new names on that list likely to get a crack?

			<strong>Forwards</strong>
		
			&nbsp;
	
			<strong>Chris Apoua</strong>
		
			<em>Mid Northern</em>
	
			<strong>Josh Goodhue</strong>
		
			<em>United Kawakawa</em>
	
			<strong>Michael Faleafa</strong>
		
			<em>Hikurangi</em>
	
			<strong>Phil Kite</strong>
		
			<em>Old Boys Marist</em>
	
			<strong>Josh Larsen</strong>
		
			<em>Mid Northern</em>
	
			<strong>Matt Matich</strong>
		
			<em>Western Sharks</em>
	
			<strong>Shane Neville</strong>
		
			<em>Otamatea</em>
	
			<strong>Jordan Olsen</strong>
		
			<em>Mid Northern</em>
	
			<strong>Tom Robinson</strong>
		
			<em>Western Sharks</em>
	
			<strong>Howard Sililoto</strong>
		
			<em>Old Boys Marist</em>
	
			<strong>Aorangi Stokes</strong>
		
			<em>Old Boys Marist</em>
	
			<strong>Sean Sweetman</strong>
		
			<em>Wellsford</em>
	
			<strong>Matt Talaese</strong>
		
			<em>Wellsford</em>
	
			<strong>Ben Tou</strong>
		
			<em>Waipu</em>
	
			<strong>Sesimani Tupou</strong>
		
			<em>Otamatea</em>
	
			<strong>Ross Wright</strong>
		
			<em>Wellsford</em>
	
			<strong>Thomas Dwyer</strong>
		
			<em>Mid Northern</em>
	
			<strong>Taniela Manu</strong>
		
			<em>Old Boys Marist</em>
	<p>&nbsp;</p>

			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
		
			<strong>Backs</strong>
		
			&nbsp;
	
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
		
			<strong>Faâ€™ailaga Afamasaga</strong>
		
			<em>Mid Western</em>
	
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
		
			<strong>Solomon Alaimalo</strong>
		
			<em>Otamatea</em>
	
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
		
			<strong>James Cherrington</strong>
		
			<em>Mid Northern</em>
	
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
		
			<strong>Levi Clark</strong>
		
			<em>Mid Northern</em>
	
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
		
			<strong>Warren Dunn</strong>
		
			<em>Horahora</em>
	
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
		
			<strong>Troy Gilbert</strong>
		
			<em>Old Boys Marist</em>
	
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
		
			<strong>Jordan Hyland</strong>
		
			<em>Otamatea</em>
	
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
		
			<strong>Monty Lama</strong>
		
			<em>Old Boys Marist</em>
	
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
		
			<strong>Waisea Lawabuca</strong>
		
			<em>Mid Northern</em>
	
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
		
			<strong>Malcolm MacLeod</strong>
		
			<em>Mid Northern</em>
	
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
		
			<strong>Matty Marwick</strong>
		
			<em>Old Boys Marist</em>
	
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
		
			<strong>Tamati Tua</strong>
		
			<em>Hikurangi</em>
	
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
		
			<strong>Tom Halse</strong>
		
			<em>Waipu</em>
	
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
		
			<strong>Tyler Lansdowne</strong>
		
			<em>Wellsford</em>
	
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
		
			<strong>Solomona Paraki</strong>
		
			<em>Otamatea</em>
	
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
	
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
	
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;
		
			&nbsp;

taniwharugby

No idea why he wasn't on the list, I had initially assumes he has Blues dev commitments, although HYland, Goodhue and Matich have been involved there too, so that theory doesn't fly, hopefully they are just involving him in the main Blues set-up for development?
 
Be interesting to see if Levi Clark makes the cut, looks a little small, but looks lightning quick.

Chiefy

Some speed will be good if we get some good front foot ball! I saw Steven mention something about the Otamatea winger being quite sharp as well and being chased by the Chiefs. Also wonder who they have in mind for fullback - Matt Wright leaves a big hole

taniwharugby

Landsdowne has played a bit there? Thought Glauzima looked solid at the back v the Blues and he looks ot be pretty rapid too!

Steven Harris

Just on Peter Breen,from what I understand,he's in the Blues squad as cover,quite frankly,he should be in ahead of Matt McGaghan whose attempted tackle on Fifita last saturday night was nothing short of laughable,I will dip my head in ice cold water,if he makes the Blues again next year,how did Matt Wright ever miss out to this guy,go figure,,!,on the fullback cover,I have heard through the grapevine,that both Hawkins,whose contract has'nt been renewed with the Rebels and Fosita,who did'nt want to play club rugby in Northland this year are both sniffing around wanting a contract,I would be keen to get your thoughts on this one,not sure which way I would go there..?,on Josef Glamuzina,from what I understand,they want him to back to club rugby,has some talent,but has suffered through having injuries,a summer of rehab would be good for Josef,from what I gave been told,they rate him,but just needs to tick a few other boxes..be interesting to see if he gets selected for the Bs,the real interesting selection to me is Tom Halse from Waipu,frankly I don't know anything about him,other to say,he is the the son of Phil Halse, 
Hopefully someone from Waipu can give us and update,I'm sure Jacnath would be able to give us the oil..!

taniwharugby

Well my thoughts on Hawkins are known here, so no point re-hashing those.
 
Fosita has been doing nicely for Tonga, but he has been at 10 hasn't he, although he'd not be a bad back-up for Breen who certainly looks like he could be a good un, and he can slot into 15 or the wings, as he has before for us.
 
In an ideal world, the fact they haven't played club footy means they don't get a sniff, although you could argue a case for Hawkins given he wouldn't have played club footy had he still been contracted due to Super commitments.

kev

I see Afamasga from Mid Western plays for Samoa at second five - how has he gone at club level? 
Halse is a local talent so he gets my vote over Hawkins ( don't go back please ) and Fosita - who played some good footy for us. 
Some good young local talent coming through....

Chiefy

I guess it will come down to what spots are left in the squad and who the coaches think will be the best fit.
 
Personally I think Fosita shouldn't be considered. He's never done enough for Northland to prove he should be allowed in without playing club rugby. Hawkins has some limitations but would be a good squad option if they signed him I think

Steven Harris

There is a video clip on Utube of Tom Halse,looks a very solid player,played a few games for Counties Manukau and Chiefs development squad back in 2013,can also play 2nd five,does'nt mind contact,and looks to be a very classy goal kicker,I am no techniqual geek,but if someone can upload the video,looks impressive,and as Kevin said,I think I would rather go to a local lad

taniwharugby

I cant watch the clip at work, but this one?? Assuming he has just come back form overseas?
 
If not, just copy and paste the link, I'll fix up the embedding if it needs it
 
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='

'>[media]</a>

<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='

'>[/media]</a>

Nath Jac

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Steven Harris" data-cid="593850" data-time="1467598896">
<div>
Just on Peter Breen,from what I understand,he's in the Blues squad as cover,quite frankly,he should be in ahead of Matt McGaghan whose attempted tackle on Fifita last saturday night was nothing short of laughable,I will dip my head in ice cold water,if he makes the Blues again next year,how did Matt Wright ever miss out to this guy,go figure,,!,on the fullback cover,I have heard through the grapevine,that both Hawkins,whose contract has'nt been renewed with the Rebels and Fosita,who did'nt want to play club rugby in Northland this year are both sniffing around wanting a contract,I would be keen to get your thoughts on this one,not sure which way I would go there..?,on Josef Glamuzina,from what I understand,they want him to back to club rugby,has some talent,but has suffered through having injuries,a summer of rehab would be good for Josef,from what I gave been told,they rate him,but just needs to tick a few other boxes..be interesting to see if he gets selected for the Bs,the real interesting selection to me is Tom Halse from Waipu,frankly I don't know anything about him,other to say,he is the the son of Phil Halse, 
Hopefully someone from Waipu can give us and update,I'm sure Jacnath would be able to give us the oil..!
</div>
</blockquote>
Hey mate, Tom Halse had been playing in England in one of the divisions, not to sure which one but believe Deano would have more knowledge as there were reports he was coming to Waipu a few years ago when he was hanging around Counties. I have watched him play a couple of games and he does not do anything special but looks like he can follow a game plan. looks solid on defense and his tactical kicking game is pretty good. Have not seen him goal kick as Ben was kicking but with Ben moving back to full back they have formed a good combination. I still rate Ben Maccin as one of the best 10's in Northland but again size seems to come into it these days. Tom Hulse has a solid frame and would handle the physical nature of ITM. I agree with the Matt Wright comment and I would of gone one step further last year and played him at 10 instead of Hawkins. Northland need a 10 that has a strong tactical kicking game and takes it to the line, unfortunately Dan was weak in both those areas and played a distributing role behind the line which put the backs under to much pressure. in Derrins last season as coach they had success with Dan as he was able to play the distribution role and Fosita did most of the tactical kicking. I dont know if many people out of Wellsford have seen Matt Wright play 10 but I watched him dismantle Hawkins and Otamatea last year in the first round with quality tactical kicking and holding up the defensive line when he attacked it, if given the chance he would play that role just as good.

taniwharugby

ha, me and a couple of other posters on here that I watch Northland with, have said the same that Matt Wright shoulda been played at 10 for the past couple of seasons.
 
We even ran Carpenter at 10 a bunch of years back v HB, was an all out attack game that one!

Nath Jac

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="594103" data-time="1467683799">
<div>
ha, me and a couple of other posters on here that I watch Northland with, have said the same that Matt Wright shoulda been played at 10 for the past couple of seasons.
 
We even ran Carpenter at 10 a bunch of years back v HB, was an all out attack game that one!
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</blockquote>
I like the thought of a 10 that will take the line on when things need to be straightened up and then some one like Matt coming in to first receiver so the backs play of him as the defense is stretched, in the Northland team last year the only one that found space weather it was with the boot or on foot was Matt. I was told on the weekend by one of the Otamatea players that Hawkins was going to have back surgery.

taniwharugby

Yeah Matt was far and away our best player last year, one of our most consistent for the past few seasons also, such a shame he was never picked up by a Super team, reckon he woulda had huge gains after being able to train full time.

The Silver Fern

High Performance Squad