Moorby out under HIA protocols, otherwise pretty much as close to full strength as we can be.

Adams, Moulds, Apoua
Craig, Caird
Rush, Matich (c) Mau'u
Nock, Reihana
Goodhue, Tua
Rush, Murray, Leilua

Kauika-Peterson, Cobb, Lemisio, Hallam-Eames, Uluinakauvadra, Milo-Harris, Hawkins, Ranger

Only spots I'd maybe quibble over, would be no Olsen at all, but Moulds & BKP are still quality, and I'd be inclined to run one of the younger guys on the wing over Pisi, who can do the business going forward, but has had far too many 'comical' moments without the ball, but hey, if we give him some decent ball, he might make a fool of me...

Font in images aint great in white

Looking at backline options, the only players available and not used are Tama (young and talented) and Blake (injury cover). Do we have other options? Seems like we are paper thin in the backs with Trainor and now Moorby injured.

@kev are a couple others who have been training with the squad too, but I'd like them to give the young guys like Tama a shot, Pisi still has too many wtf moments for me, and a smart team like Canterbury will likely target him

Who are the others? Must be Tama’s time soon.

Fair point @kev with 2 out we do look very light.

Very strong team, like @taniwharugby I was expecting Olsen to get a crack but the other 2 are still bloody good.

Only 2 guys in that 23 haven't played for Northland before. This will help with not having many pre season games hopefully

@kev well I think Tama should be given a shot, Pisi has been found wanting too many times IMO, especially on defence.

Tama is a bit on the small side, but is quick, good feet, but equally as importantly seems a smart player, does alot of talking and organising on defence.

I understand a good number of players are training with the squad, but 2 of the more talented younger players, Kiwi Duncan and Nathan Salmon, particularly the latter is someone who looks good enough to get a shot this year, he is big enough and fast enough to play on the wing, but also plays 13 and 15.

We just dont seem to promote our young talent as well as other provinces do, we often seem reluctant to play them and then keep them on the sidelines for longer, while holding onto others.

No Rebolo?

I’m happy to see others get the first crack but was expecting him to be in the 23

@Duluth he picked up a niggle in the Auckland game.

Also see this fulla at training

@taniwharugby that’s always been my issue, the pathway for development seems uncertain. I know we don’t have the success at age group rugby of other provinces (some being away for school/university) but it certainly needs a look such that guys being selected for the squad are ready to play and are being given game time. Not just carrying the tackle bags all season.

Some of these team naming graphics are awful. Apparently the most important thing on that image is the words 'Squad Naming'

Then they go through the effort of writing an brief summary on their website (good, many sides don't), but they don't bother adding the text of the team

1 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 2 George Bell, 3 Seb Calder, 4 Luke Romano, 5 Tahlor Cahill, 6 Dominic Gardiner, 7 Corey Kellow, 8 Billy Harmon, 9 Willi Heinz, 10 Fergus Burke, 11 Manasa Mataele, 12 Rameka Poihipi, 13 Ryan Crotty, 14 Ngantungane Punavai, 15 Chay Fihaki

Reserves: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Tom Henwood, 18 Carisbrook Toomalatai, 19 Mitch Dunshea, 20 Joe Brial, 21 Mitch Drummond, 22 Alex Harford, 23 Blair Murray

@Duluth I only posted that picture because they hadn't posted it on Twitter, yet. I've now replaced it with the Twitter graphic, which is better.

@Stargazer It was a general comment. Look at how shitty the northland one is too. That text is tough to read

@Duluth Yes, not enough contrast. And it's very easy to fix without changing the colours. Just give the letters an outline or (non-faded) shawow in black and chose a better font.

@Duluth said in Northland v Canterbury:

@Stargazer It was a general comment. Look at how shitty the northland one is too. That text is tough to read

It's like apple, style over substance - yes I'm looking at you Eyesight

Looks like the Cantabs have sprinkled their jerseys with glitter

That is one ugly Canterbury jersey.

Who are the commentators?