Assume this is a good sign for Ofa
Northland have changed something in the way they contract players, and as such pulling in quite a few local youngsters.
All 3 of these lads, along with Holwell currently play for Mid Northern
Jade spent some time in the Crusaders youth system after he left either MAGS or St Kent's, can't recall which he and Reuben went to.
Jade is a 10, Reuben a midfield/FB and Heremaia is a prop, I don't know anything of his background, but is a big lad.
We should get a look at new Taniwha recruit Lachie Hooper off the bench for the Brumbies Wednesday night.
And another youngster from Mid Northern (was at Waipu last year and has been part of the HP program since last year) plays centre/wing.
Was also in the U20 baabaa squad that played the super teams.
This time from Moerewa-United Kawakawa, Hoani Reid, was in the HP side last year as well.
Powerful and deceptively quick midfielder, who could get a decent run atbthe next level as I haven't seen anything of Quentin Nichols this season and we are very light in the midfield.
@taniwharugby if he’s anything like his Dad Brandon anything is possible, I know the Blues will be keeping a close eye on his progress as he is genuine line breaker .
I thought Murphy had already been signed...plays 9 for Kamo.
Hopefully can pressure Nock to lift his game or take his spot
Matt letoga, made Northland while playing for battling Hikurangi in 2023, playing only 1 game off the bench for the Taniwha vs NH that year, moved to Mid Northern this season and looks to have shed a few kgs in the process, plays mainly 8.
Zac Shanks is a robust and athletic 7 playing for Mid Northern, has been on the fringe of selection for a couple of seasons.
Was very good in yesterday's club final.
@taniwharugby well deserved hopefully he can remain injury free
@taniwharugby said in Northland 2025:
Matt letoga, made Northland while playing for battling Hikurangi in 2023, playing only 1 game off the bench for the Taniwha vs NH that year, moved to Mid Northern this season and looks to have shed a few kgs in the process, plays mainly 8.
Absolute workhorse
@Landers92 unfortunately Matt Le Toga sustained a serious injury in the club final on Saturday
Possibly ruled out for the season is what i am hearing
Got to feel for Matt worked bloody hard to get his S & C up to speed
Looked in very good shape and ready to make an impact
@Steven-Harris yep, was helped from the field and then the cart was used to take him from the side of the field to the medical room.
@taniwharugby I didn't realise Heenan had returned. He'll finally make his NPC debut
Northland side to face Counties in the pre-season match tomorrow.
Good to see Nichols named, hadn't seem him named in club footy this year.
Good chance for a new newbies to lay a marker.
@taniwharugby very young side for that game. Hard to get a reading from that. Presume another preseason game?