NPC - news, injuries etc
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="African Monkey" data-cid="599953" data-time="1469406807">
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<p>Yes you guys do need all the help you can get :mocking:</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>how dare you...oh wait.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Still amuses me we have our highest number of contracted super players after what was probably worst season I can recall us playing (even worse than that time where we might not have won a game for 2 seasons - but at least we looked good in parts, unlike last year)</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="599095" data-time="1469234035">
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<p> </p>
<div>2016 <strong>Bay of Plenty Steamers </strong>Squad:</div>
<div>Hookers:</div>
<div>Nathan Harris – Te Puke Sports (26), Liam Polwart* – Greerton Marist, Joseph Royal – Rotoiti (29), Sabastian Siataga – Mount Maunganui (8)</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Props:</div>
<div>Siegfried Fisi'ihoi – Rotoiti (18), Jordan Lay* – Whakarewarewa, Aidan Ross – Te Puke Sports (3), Solomona Sakalia – Mount Maunganui (19), Pingi Tala'apitaga – Tauranga Sports (34), Jeff Thwaites – Te Puna (6)</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Locks:</div>
<div>Troy Callander – Greerton Marist (7), Shahn Eru – Te Puna (7), Keepa Mewett – Tauranga Sports (17), Culum Retallick – Tauranga Sports (92)</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Loose Forwards:</div>
<div>Matty Axtens* – Mount Maunganui, Hugh Blake* – Te Puke Sports, Sam Cane – Tauranga Sports (18), Mitchell Karpik* – Mount Maunganui, Jesse Parete* – Arataki, Henry Stowers* – Arataki, Eru Wano-Smith* – Whakarewarewa, Joe Tupe – Greerton Marist (23)</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Half backs:</div>
<div>Luke Campbell* – Te Puke Sports, Ruki Tipuna – Rangataua (12), Te Aihe Toma – Te Puna (25)</div>
<div> </div>
<div>First five-eights:</div>
<div>Kelly Haimona – Whakarewarewa (15), Dan Hollinshead – Te Puke Sports (19)</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Midfield backs:</div>
<div>Lalakai Foketi – Rangataua (10), Terrence Hepetema – Te Puna (1), Teddy Stanaway – Mount Maunganui (1), Joe Webber* – Te Puke Sports</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Outside backs:</div>
<div>Te Rangi Fraser – Whakarewarewa (10), Monty Ioane* – Greerton Marist, Elijah Nicholas – Whakatane Marist (6), Chase Tiatia – Rangataua (11), Isaac Te Aute* – Mount Maunganui, Regan Ware* – Arataki</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Injury Cover:</div>
<div>Leigh Hughes* – Mount Maunganui</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>*Denotes Steamers debut</div>
<div>() Denotes Steamers caps</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.boprugby.co.nz/news--information/2016-steamers-squad-announced/'>http://www.boprugby.co.nz/news--information/2016-steamers-squad-announced/</a></div>
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<p> </p>
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<p>If they made it a Sevens comp, we'd be right in the mix!</p> -
<p>The North Harbour squad looks to be somewhat light, numbers wise anyway, in a couple of areas. I suppose it must be dictated by financial pressures, or perhaps blind optisism if the can only include four outside backs and three locks. Maybe it could be there is just not the talent available to them locally and numbers from outside the area are not interested in playing for them?</p>
<p>If Afa Fa'atau is the same guy that played on the wing for Poverty Bay last season then he looks like he could cover prop and most other forwqard positions judging by the size of him.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Higgins" data-cid="600043" data-time="1469419050">
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<p>The North Harbour squad looks to be somewhat light, numbers wise anyway, in a couple of areas. I suppose it must be dictated by financial pressures, or perhaps blind optisism if the can only include four outside backs and three locks. Maybe it could be there is just not the talent available to them locally and numbers from outside the area are not interested in playing for them?</p>
<p>If Afa Fa'atau is the same guy that played on the wing for Poverty Bay last season then he looks like he could cover prop and most other forwqard positions judging by the size of him.</p>
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<p>I suppose Matt McGahan can cover fullback and he usually plays there for them. They could take a lock from Auckland as we have plenty lol but that's not gonna happen.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And yes, that is the same Afa Fa'atau. He was in the Blues wider training squad but didn't see any game time.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="African Monkey" data-cid="600044" data-time="1469419390">
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<p>And yes, that is the same Afa Fa'atau. He was in the Blues wider training squad but didn't see any game time.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Partly because he was injured most the season, I think.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Counties Manukau team has been named, and includes Cameron Skelton and So'otala Fa'aso'o among others</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://steelers.co.nz/news/article/1570/'>http://steelers.co.nz/news/article/1570/</a></p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p>2016 Steelers Mitre 10 Cup Squad</p>
<p>Jarred Adams (Prop) Pukekohe *</p>
<p>Sam Aiono (Prop) Bombay</p>
<p>Sean Bagshaw (Prop) Onewhero</p>
<p>Nathan De Thierry (First Five-Eighth) Pukekohe</p>
<p>Hika Elliot (Hooker)</p>
<p>Sootala Fa’aso’o (Loose Forward) North Shore *</p>
<p>Sione Faletau (Prop) Patumahoe *</p>
<p>Sione Fifita (Outside Back) Pukekohe</p>
<p>Piers Francis (First Five-Eighth) Bombay</p>
<p>Joseph Ikenasio (Midfield) Ardmore Marist</p>
<p>Richard Judd (Halfback) Onewhero</p>
<p>Luteru Laulala (Outside Back) Ardmore Marist *</p>
<p>Orbyn Leger (Midfield) Karaka *</p>
<p>Fotu Lokotui (Loose Forward) Patumahoe *</p>
<p>Matiaha Martin (Lock) Bombay *</p>
<p>Sione Molia (Outside Back) Karaka *</p>
<p>Augustine Pulu (Halfback) Karaka</p>
<p>Toni Pulu (Outside) Bombay</p>
<p>Viliame Rarasea (Lock) Ardmore Marist</p>
<p>Joe Reynolds (Outside Back) Pukekohe *</p>
<p>Cameron Skelton (Lock) Pukekohe *</p>
<p>Sherwin Stowers (Outside Back) Ardmore Marist</p>
<p>Gafatasi Su’a (Hooker) Pukekohe</p>
<p>Suliasi Taufalele (Hooker) Ardmore Marist</p>
<p>Jordan Taufua (Loose Forward) Ardmore Marist</p>
<p>Viliami Taulani (Loose Forward) Patumahoe</p>
<p>Jonathan Taumateine (Halfback) Ardmore Marist *</p>
<p>Kalolo Tuiloma (Prop) Bombay *</p>
<p>Jimmy Tupou (Lock) Ardmore Marist</p>
<p>Cardiff Vaega (Midfield) Karaka</p>
<p>Sam Vaka (Midfield) Bombay</p>
<p>Sonny Bill Williams (Midfield)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Five players who are contracted, but unavailable due to injury:</p>
<p>Glen Fisi’iahi (Outside Back) Bombay *</p>
<p>Sam Henwood (Loose Forward) Pukekohe</p>
<p>Nepo Laulala (Prop) Ardmore Marist *</p>
<p>Pauliasi Manu (Prop) Karaka</p>
<p>Maama Vaipulu (Loose Forward) Pukekohe</p>
<p>Players contracted for pre-season:</p>
<p>Harry Fitzsimons (Loose Forward) Karaka</p>
<p>Kalione Hala (Outside Back) Karaka </p>
<p>Lolohea Loco (Outside Back) Ardmore Marist</p>
<p> </p>
<p> New Steelers</p>
<p> </p>
</blockquote> -
<p>hello Mafia, i should go to the dedicated forum, but i can't be fucked.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>While i am under no illusion how we are going to go this year, have we got a coach and a set of players that will play enterprising rugby at least? If we're going to lose, can we at least be fun to watch?</p> -
<p>Northland i can stomach, but Harbour? That's low bro</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mariner4life" data-cid="600295" data-time="1469491032">
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<p>hello Mafia, i should go to the dedicated forum, but i can't be fucked.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>While i am under no illusion how we are going to go this year, have we got a coach and a set of players that will play enterprising rugby at least? If we're going to lose, can we at least be fun to watch?</p>
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<p>You have a better on paper squad than the real Bay (all our good players are off overseas or in the ABs ;)). So there's probably one win you can bank. I will practice adding Bay to Of Plenty in the meantime.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mariner4life" data-cid="600295" data-time="1469491032">
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<p>hello Mafia, i should go to the dedicated forum, but i can't be fucked.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>While i am under no illusion how we are going to go this year, have we got a coach and a set of players that will play enterprising rugby at least? <strong>If we're going to lose, can we at least be fun to watch?</strong></p>
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<p> </p>
<p>I'd expect so with all the 7s players you have</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="600314" data-time="1469494495">
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<p>You have a better on paper squad than the real Bay (all our good players are off overseas or in the ABs ;)). So there's probably one win you can bank. I will practice adding Bay to Of Plenty in the meantime.</p>
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<p>About time you lot left your borders to put the Real Bay Trophy on the line - we always seem to be going there!</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mariner4life" data-cid="600295" data-time="1469491032">
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<p>hello Mafia, i should go to the dedicated forum, but i can't be fucked.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>While i am under no illusion how we are going to go this year, have we got a coach and a set of players that will play enterprising rugby at least? If we're going to lose, can we at least be fun to watch?</p>
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<p>Well last year under Clayton McMillan was 7 times better than the team under Schuler, we were enterprising and made the semis - 4th meaning we finished mid-table. We have backs to play enterprising rugby, pack looks a bit short with Bardoul and Axtens out so hopefully the loosies we stole from Auckland come good and Retallick can last the season. Hoping we make the semis again at minimum</p> -
<p>i saw so little last year i forgot we made the semis. With a shit record though? wiki tells me 4 and 6, with some kickings.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>but only just lost our semi.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>was last year with the really really dumb, late loss to HB? I remember a game in teh last couple of years where we were in front, and then gave it up with some of the dumbest rugby in history. </p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote"><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11681665'><strong>Rugby: Make or break season for hopeful Harbour</strong></a><br><br>
By Campbell Burnes<br>
3:07 PM Tuesday Jul 26, 2016<br><br>
It's Championship semifinals or bust for North Harbour.<br><br><strong>But third year coach Steve Jackson believes he has the squad to do it, despite budget restrictions meaning he cannot fully contract more than 29 players, two of whom are the long-term injured midfielders Pita Ahki and Rene Ranger.</strong><br><br>
"We definitely believe that we can make the semis. It was disappointing the last two years that we couldn't make it, missing out by a point here and there," says Jackson, whose side placed fifth in the Championship in 2014-15, with three wins in each season.<br><br>
Now is the time to up the ante, and the early signs are promising. He has a new coaching lieutenant in Daniel Halangahu, who played the last of his 17 games for the union as a No 10 just last year. The former Waratah replaces Alex O'Dowd as backs coach, the latter about to take up a post at England's Nottingham club.<br><br>
"Dan was the best candidate for the job at the interview process, regardless of whether he played for us last year. We both think the same. I play the bad cop now and then, but he's a good calming voice behind me. He runs all our attack and he's got my full support. I think he'll do a fantastic job," says Jackson. "I joked to him that if anyone goes down, he'll have to jump on the field and play."<br><br>
Funnier things have happened in rugby.<br><br>
While there is disappointment that Ahki (shoulder) and Ranger (knee) will not play, that will mean last season's find Michael Little, starved of any Blues action, and Matt Vaega, should have the inside running. There are two youngsters nipping at their heels, though, in the North Shore midfield combination of James Little, still just 18, cousin of Michael, and Daniel Hilton-Jones.<br><br>
Outside back Marty Swart returns from two years of injury issues. Bryn Gatland, signed from Waikato, and Matt McGahan will battle for the No 10 jersey.<br><br>
"We understand that Matt can play in other positions. He wants to play 10 and we'll give him an opportunity in pre-season to battle it out with Bryn," says Jackson.<br><br>
Competition for places looks to be more intense this season.<br><br>
"Chris Smylie and Bryn Hall will be going hammer and tongs and right across the park. Reputations don't mean anything."<br><br>
Smylie finished a contract with Treviso in Italy in May and was keen to return to where it all started for the veteran in 2002.<br><br>
"When Chris touched base earlier in the year and he said he was available, we jumped at the opportunity. He's 34 but he's in the same condition as a 20-year-old. He wants to give back to the union," Jackson says.<br><br>
The return of No 8 Hapakuki Moala-Liava'a from a shoulder injury suffered in the New Zealand Under 20s' campaign is imminent. Newcomers in the pack include loose forwards Kane Jacobson from Waikato, the elder of the Jacobson loosies, and Josh Tyrell, both of whom have been outstanding in helping Takapuna to its first premier club final in seven years. Former All Blacks Sevens rep Murphy Taramai can play more than one position in the loose trio.<br><br>
While James Parsons, Bryn Hall and Tevita Li had heavy workloads with the Blues, several others from the franchise saw little to no game time, so should be jumping out of their skins. Into this category fall McGahan, Little, outside backs Matt Duffie and Afa Fa'atau, and lock Gerard Tuioti-Mariner, who will be keen to reproduce his consistent 2015 form for Harbour which won him a Blues' contract.<br><br>
Missing from the 2015 group include Hayden Triggs and Nafi Tuitavake, both overseas, and Jordan Manihera, who is in Waikato.<br><br>
Jackson says prolific Massey club wing Mark Telea, who led all premier tryscorers with 12 this season, was unlucky, but he is on the fringes and will train with the squad in pre-season. North Shore No 8 So'otala Fa'aso'o, a 2012 NZ Schools captain, who scored eight tries for his club, missed the cut and was duly snapped up by Counties Manukau.<br><br>
"You can't take three No 8s. I wish Sooty all the best. As a coach, you want to promote all your players and see them succeed," Jackson says.<br><br>
He was very impressed with the quality of club rugby this season, and this has made his job easier when contracting players, such as East Coast Bays pro Toketa Fatai, straight out of the premier competition.<br><br>
"Our club season has been one of the best I've ever seen and that's even when I was a player here. Look at the final, going into extra time."<br><br>
The level of co-operation between the clubs and rep programme, so evident in 2016, has not always been so smooth in the past at the union.<br><br>
"Our premier coaches and clubs have been outstanding in adopting the new rules for the second round, and so have our refs," Jackson says.<br><br>
"The players are a good, hard-working group who have been in good club form and we think they will adapt to the new rules and get on with the job."<br><br>
Pre-season games are slated for this Friday (Northland), August 5 (Auckland) and August 11 (Hawke's Bay) before North Harbour opens the Mitre 10 Cup with an August 18 Thursday night home crossover fixture against Counties Manukau.<br><br>
Getting off to a winning start, not Harbour's forte in recent seasons, will be paramount. Of course, there is the added carrot of a round two Ranfurly Shield challenge in Waikato. Two Premiership opponents in the first nine days will be instructive.
<p> </p>
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<p>Canterbury training squad from June, sans NZ U20s, Super Rugby players and injuries:</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p>The players selected for the initial Wider Training Group are:</p>
<p><strong>Forwards</strong><br>
Kalolo Otutaha (Christchurch)<br>
Carisbrook To’omalatai (New Brighton)<br>
Samu Tawake (Sumner)<br>
Oli Jager (New Brighton)<br>
Tom Crozier (Sumner)<br>
Nick Werahiko (Lincoln University)<br>
Jack Powell (Lincoln University)<br>
Jonno Osbourne (Lincoln University)<br>
Sam Godwin (University)<br>
Dylan Nel (Sumner)<br>
Billy Harmon (New Brighton)<br>
Jordan Stewart (Linwood)<br>
<br><strong>Backs</strong><br>
Ere Enari (Lincoln University)<br>
Jack Stratton (Lincoln University)<br>
Finlay Christie (University)<br>
Josh McKay (Lincoln University)<br>
Brett Cameron (Lincoln University)<br>
Inga Finau (Christchurch)<br>
Poasa Waqanibau (Sumner)<br>
Harrison Groundwater (Lincoln University)<br>
Nigel Gibb (University)<br>
Milford Keresoma (Sydenham)<br>
Marshall Suckling (Sumner)<br>
Mark Maitland (Waihora)<br>
<br>
Some players have not been named due to injuries.<br>
<br><strong>New Zealand 20’s</strong><br>
Sean Paranihi (Sumner)<br>
Hamish Dalzell (Lincoln University)<br>
Jordie Barrett (Lincoln University)<br>
Caleb Makene (Lincoln University)</p>
<p> </p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>To a full squad could be added:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Props</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Franks</p>
<p>Moody</p>
<p>Crockett</p>
<p>Faletau</p>
<p>Tokolahi</p>
<p>Hodgman</p>
<p>Leinert-Brown</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hookers</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Taylor</p>
<p>Funnell</p>
<p>Robinson</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Locks</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Whitelock</p>
<p>Romano</p>
<p>Barrett</p>
<p>Manning</p>
<p>Dunshea</p>
<p>Bird</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Loose forwards</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Read</p>
<p>Todd</p>
<p>Whitelock</p>
<p>Brown</p>
<p>Sanders</p>
<p>Princep (if fit)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Halfbacks</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Drummond</p>
<p>Fukofuka</p>
<p> </p>
<p>First-fives</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Mo'unga</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Midfield</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Crotty</p>
<p>Thompson</p>
<p>Goodhue</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Outside backs</p>
<p> </p>
<p>McNicholl</p>
<p>Osborne</p>
<p>Tulolo</p>
<p>Laulala</p>
<p>Apa</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="shark" data-cid="600449" data-time="1469527762">
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<p>Halfbacks</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Drummond</p>
<p><strong>Fukofuka</strong></p>
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<p>He's still with Auckland.. was named in the squad last week</p> -
