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23 July 2010
On the face of it a reasonably predictable squad
with 7 new inclusions, all of which have featured prominently in
club rugby this season. Most notably has been Luamanu, Watt and
Leiataua and it will be interesting to see if they make a real impact
for this side. One import from the dark-side in Darth Grayson which
is quite a good bit of business given the season-ending injury to
Matt France.
Looks like a squad with balance but not over-flowing
with talent. It will need to go well to erase some of the bollocks
of last year.
Ben Afeaki - Marist
This giant was selected for the Chiefs in this year's Super 14 but
injury has continued to plague his career. He looks the goods so
hopefully we can get the best out of him in the ITM Cup, here's
hoping.
James Afoa - Northcote
A reasonable favourite of this website and has been recently seen
playing for his native Samoa. Big lad, good prospect, lets hope
the fitness holds out.
Ben Botica - North Shore
A naturally talented player but not in the same class as Harris,
I would expect him to play second-fiddle to the Northcote fly-half
and be used sporadically during this campaign. May have to move
overseas to realise potential.
Tom Chamberlain - Marist
Originally didn't rate him due to my bias against all things Marist,
however he has won me over, as has his mate Uren. A very competent
No.7 which is handy as it is reasonably important. Needs to play
exceptionally well for us to have a sniff.
Alipate Fatafehi - Mahurangi*
Haven't seen much of this guy the only thing we know is he won't
play for Mahurangi next year if he makes the big time.
Michael Farmer - Mahurangi
The Hamster has heard this promising lock has broken something which
is not ideal. It's a bit sad as he is very talented and I thought
he would make a decent impact this year.
James King - North Shore
Has this tall bit of bamboo played any rugby in 2010, I'm not entirely
sure he has actually? Given he was the Player of the Year in 2009
we must rightly expect good things again but I worry about his lack
of play thus far.
Michael Harris - Northcote
I like him, he has the goods and I expect nothing less than total
domination from this fella. If he wants to progress into Super 14/15
then this is his season to prove he has what it takes. A fair bit
of pressure on the wee lad but its time to get serious.
Grayson Hart - Import*
Auckland sucks basically, but we are a bit short of half-backs so
this looks quite good, no doubt if he changes the course of our
season the Scum will recall him quicker than dodgy Hyundai.
Manu Leiataua - Mahurangi*
Looks big and good but probably more on the big side. Untested at
this level, let's see how he goes.
Mathew Luamanu - North Shore *
One man that has had his fair share of local media attention but
I must say given the average state of Premier rugby this year, he
never really impressed me. I get the feeling it is going to be a
bit more tricky running off the back playing Canterbury vs. say
Helensville. If he has ability I suppose there is only one way to
find out.
Luke McAlister - Silverdale
Never been a fan but he will undoubtedly bring experience and some
composure to our backline which was not really an impressive sight
in 2009. Unlikely to feature in the All Black's for sometime, we
may actually get some value in having him on our books.
Jack McPhee - Glenfield
I thought his use-by-date expired in 2007. I still don't see the
point of selecting a ginger-bearded full-back from a club which
has struggled this season consistently. Hammering the ball in the
air and weaving around static opposition is more ARL type stuff.
A sentimental favourite for some, a lost cause for others.
Michael Mayhew - Northcote
Had a very good season last year and we look for more of the same.
Looks to be the top hooker in the Union with Parsons snapping at
his heels. Expect more of the same.
Richard Mayhew - Northcote
I i just don't think he is going to go any further to be honest.
I'm surprised he hasn't gone offshore for a quick Euro or two. With
Luamanu entering the fray it appears his chances will be slim. A
good club player but I think he has reached his level.
James Parsons - Takapuna
More injury-prone than McAlister which is saying something, looks
to have the bench position sown-up, will be interesting to see if
he can get s start or two.
Filo Paulo - Mahurangi
Just not sure what he offers, the Super 14 contract got the better
of me, not sure how much rugby he has played but I don't think it
is a lot. Maybe injured already.
Ken Pisi - Massey
The last remaining Pisi on Harbour Island, gone are the days of
having every back from Massey in the side. Ken is very competent
and no more, I hope he can bring something to the cause and is not
too lonely without his brothers.
Malakai Ravulo - Helensville
Excellent player, good - hope he can go on and have another destructive
season.
Michael Reid (C) - Marist
Good prop, interesting choice for skipper but is a quiet achiever,
hopefully he will once again be the rock of the team in 2010.
Chris Smylie (vc) - Massey
Average halfback with limited ability, this is one position where
we just don't have a lot of talent coming through. Getting some
fella from across the bridge illustrates this quite clearly.
Jack Tarrant - Takapuna*
Came in with big wraps and got slowly better as the season progressed.
They love him in Japan but you have to wonder if he was so good
there why is back in NZ? A wait and see approach with this one.
Nalu Tuigamala - East Coast Bays
Lacks structure and game awareness. Good on the counter attack but
your half-back needs to be a thinker and a communicator. He isn't
this, more a 7's type fella.
Nafi Tuitavake - Massey
Once a promising youngster and now know as someone who was once
promising. He needs to stamp his mark and I'm prepared to give him
another season to sort himself out.
Scott Uren - Marist
Very good recruit from last year, he is very good and we lose nothing
having him on the park or on the bench.
Brendon Watt - North Shore*
Another one with big wraps and hopefully he is half decent, don't
know much about him.
William Whetton - Northcote
Most likely be in the B's rather than the A's, but too soon for
this creature of the 'Cote.
Josh York - East Coast Bays
I'm bored now writing this stuff, he is small, has big thighs and
is a bit nippy, should be adequate for our needs if required.
* indicates first time squad member
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