All six senior teams are finally in action this weekend with the Pressies joining the party. Three teams at home, three away for a blockbuster day of footy.

Our Premier and Premier Development teams head to Williams Park to face defending champions Manukau Rovers.

Both our teams will be looking to extend their unbeaten runs.

Injury and illness have forced some further changes in the ranks, but Coach Boof said that isn’t the worst thing.

“We identified that we have used between 40-50 players in the prems each year, for the past three years, and the teams that win it do the same. So while some of our changes are forced through injury and illness it gives us the ability to develop players.

“We think one of the keys to keeping this momentum is creating competition within the squad.”

Anthony Bolton and Lepani Tuifagalele both return from injury this week, while Louis Taylor and Paula Wallwork-Tuala are set for their premier debuts.

Jack McGregor has been a tower in the premier development line out this year, and he will add his impact off the bench for the premiers, while two tries off the bench last Saturday sees Ezekiel Wye promoted to the starting line up.

Rovers are two-time defending champions but have struggled to find form so far in 2024.

“It’s a tough one when you see a team struggling and naturally players might feel it is going to be an easier game. But this is the defending champions, at home. You have to turn up and respect your opposition if you want to be a top four team, and that is our focus.

The Premier Development team bring the same mindset, looking to further cement their spot at the top of the table. Reinhardt Schutte is a fierce competitor in the middle of the pack, while Caleb Nyantachi and Charles Gibson add spark on the wings.

Also traveling away are the Presidents, for their first match against Ardmore Marist. Captain Big Sexy anchors the pack at number 8, while vice-Captain Dicko starts at fullback. 

The Black Panthers have their first defence of the Speight’s Shield, against last years champions, Ponsonby Hustlers. Did someone say revenge?

They had a strong start to their season in round one, with their new recuits impressing across the pack, this week Lachlan Sheriff debuts at lock while a new face in Kogan Linnear is on the bench – we are looking forward to seeing him in action…

For the Under 21 Cannons the fierce season continues when they host University. There are a few changes to the side who suffered a narrow loss last week against Ponsonby.

Lastly, the Belles finally have a home match after trekking across wider Auckland over the past few weeks, and host Eden. Caitlin Foster is in line for a debut off the bench. 

The premier team is:

1.    Oscar Cowley-Andrea
2.    Paula Fatafehi
3.    Jerry Samania
4.    Setefano Leavasa
5.    Randall Baker
6.    Niukula Osika
7.    Marc Holzer
8.    Sione Takai – captain
9.    George Sims
10.    Riley Harrison
11.    Ezekiel Wye
12.    Tane Dunn
13.    Paula Wallwork-Tuala
14.    Lousi Taylor
15.    Paula Maama

16.    Moses Hafoka
17.    Lepani Tuifagalele
18.    Mercy Tia
19.    Jack McGregor
20.    Jimmy Tuifua
21.    Michiale van Wyk
22.    Cruiz Overend
23.    Harlyn Saunoa

Article added: Friday 03 May 2024