2010 ITM Season
23 July 2010

So what does 2010 ITM season hold for North Harbour in their 25th Anniversary?

Well, lets hope it is better than previous season's where final placing for the last 3 years have resulted in 12th,12th and 9th. Last year we were told that the team was young, full of potential and that it would be better next year due to the experience gained. The loss of Wulf, Ma'afu and Tuitavake will certainly not boosted the experience levels so what do we think will be served up to the fans this season?

Messrs Dowd & Wilson are a year better off in their assessment of the players at their disposal and the preparation for this years championship will have been drawn off the back of the learning's from last year. The team have a few new faces and few familiar ones and the consistency that has been afforded to the squad should help the process of building the team cohesiveness and the camaraderie.

The game against Japan gave an insight into what brand of rugby the North Harbour team are looking to play and a good start to the season seems like it needs to be a must if the union wants to be considered as a top tier team. Whilst it is unlikely that we will see our All Blacks in a hurry, it is fair to say that a fit and hungry McAllister will certainly add some bite to the back line and and the ever growing numbers of Whetton's and Mayhew's will no doubt add a family feel to the pack.

The new guys in the squad will be expected to fill the gaps of the departed and that could be a big ask. That said, there are always a few bolters in the NPC competition and maybe Harbour will be able to lay claim to a player who catches the eye of the Super 15 selectors in coming months. Whatever happens it is sure to be an interesting season in which the side needs to perform well and turn close losses into victories if they want to finish in the top half of the table for the first time in a number of years.

Good luck to the lads and the perfect start to the season would be another win against 'Te Scum'.

Mairangi Murray from the terraces!