The 2025 premier coaching group has been locked in with two new additions to the crew that took the team to the Gallaher Shield final earlier this year.

Joining Grant ‘Boof’ Hensen, Glen Rowe and Dwayne Polataivao are Aula Silipa and Duncan McGrory.

Far from strangers to the club, Aula is a premier centurion who was involved in the premier coaching group in 2022 while Duncan graduates from leading the Premier Development team. Aula is set to lead team defence while Duncan will lead the forwards.

“I’m pretty excited about the group we have locked in for 2025,” said Boof.

“We’ve watched Aula’ progress coaching the Pakuranga College 1st XV and he has built a good programme across the board as well as doing some great work in the Auckland Under 18 space. He’s refined his craft and its an exciting time for him to come back into the group.

“With Duncan, again its reward for what he’s been doing. He’s done some good things and showed good growth, so this is a reward for that work and shows a pathway within the club.”

Next year the Premiers will continue to work alongside the premier development and will look to bring in the Under 21s into the mix to operate as one large squad.

“We have some pretty exciting times ahead at Pakuranga. We have a youthful PD’s, we are bringing the Under 21s in and want to use players up and down those teams across the season.”

Ken Johns also returns in 2025 to manage the Prems.

Other coach announcements will come in due course.
 

Article added: Monday 04 November 2024