Northland 2024

Northland News...

Dale MacLeod has been appointed as new head coach for 2024-2025.

In addition, I understand Corey Evans will be a Taniwha in 2024.

Dale MacLeod Takes the Helm as Head Coach of the Semco Northland Rugby Taniwha

Northland Rugby Union proudly announces the appointment of Dale MacLeod as the Head Coach for the Semco Northland Taniwha for the 2024-2025 Bunnings Warehouse NPC. With an impressive coaching background and a commitment to fostering growth, integrity, and excellence, MacLeod brings a wealth of experience and a past connection to Northland Rugby Union as an NPC Assistant Coach from 2015-2017.

Dale also has extensive coaching experience, having led Southland in the Bunnings NPC (2020-2022), assisted Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific competition (2022-2023) and also the Tongan International team for the 2022-2023 seasons which included the recent Rugby World Cup.

MacLeod is committed to delivering a program with clear systems that garner buy-in from all stakeholders. This approach aims to challenge players and management, allowing them to express themselves, make informed decisions, and evolve into the best versions of themselves.

Dale MacLeod's appointment marks an exciting chapter for Northland Rugby," stated Cameron Bell (CEO). "His coaching abilities, coupled with a commitment to player development and a focus on strong local pathways, aligns perfectly with our vision for the team's future sustainable success. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact his leadership will have on our players and the wider rugby community."

MacLeod's expertise and dedication make him a valuable addition to the Northland Rugby Union coaching staff, setting the stage for an inspiring and successful Bunnings Warehouse NPC season.

Head Coach Dale plans to hit the ground running for 2024 and will be running our NPC Semco Taniwha program from February onwards.

Article added: Tuesday 05 December 2023

It’s a really good choice. What I hope to see is improvement from year to year, development of players to support that, building a strong squad and culture. Good news for 2024, with Corey Evans as well.

A good mix of players. Definitely seems like a bit of speed out wide.

Hopefully Auckland don't use this list to tap a few on the shoulder...

@Chiefy07 and with Payne, Salmon, Duncan, all 20 or under, think Tama is only 21 or 22 too, I wouldn't mind seeing Tama get a run at 10 TBH, particularly as I'm not sold on Scutt with anything I have seen.

Kind of glad to see Peita playing for Northland, if it means he'll get more game time. Underused by Auckland.

@Tim loosie is one area of strength and not paper thin depth if you add Rush and Parker to the list.

Super keen to see how the boys go this season! I have a good feeling

@taniwharugby Corey Evans definitely in the Taniwha squad

@george33 yeah they have managed to get several players back up this way for the 2024 season, have heard some other ones that are being looked at as well, but for the most part, remaining spots to come from club rugby.

Sam McNamara who is was contracted for 2023/2024 has been ruled out as he continues to battle a knee injury (prevented him.gettimg much gametime last year too) that I assume will be career ending as he hasn't played any club footy.

@taniwharugby there is another name, out of Waikato but unsure if its over the line yet, you probably no the name

@george33

Parker? That has been confirmed

@Duluth true isn't there a midfield back also

@george33 not sure about any mid-fielders, think front row is where they are looking, but I believe there is a player going the other way (Northland to Waikato)

As far as I am aware, Northland has a few spots to fill

Pack looking like:
Prop: Adams, Cobb, Remsy Lemisio, Esile Fono, Tu'ungafasi, Apoua
Hooker: Moulds, Hutchinson +1
Lock: Caird, Hallam-Eames, Craig, Terepai King (I think he has been signed out of MN)
Loosie: Parker, Rush, Woods, Matich, Peita +1
Half: Nock, Milo-Harris +1
1st: Reihana, Hawkins +1 (I believe Ryan Nankivell out of Morewa United Kawakawa is front runner here, can also cover 12 and 15)
MId-field: Corey Evans, Quentin Nicholas, Tevita Latu (think I am missing someone)
Outsides: Murray, Trainor (although I think out for at least part of season) Tama Anderson, Kiwi Duncan, Nathan Salmon

Think I have a couple missing.

Starting 15: Apoua, Moulds, Adams, Craig, Caird, Rush, Woods, Parker, Nock, Reihana, Salmon, Latu, Evans, Murray, Anderson

Possibility Evans may be shifted to FB with Trainor injured, meaning Tama to the wing but means we are light in the mid-field, some green but talented youngsters in the squad, fortunately the pack looks pretty solid.

@taniwharugby

By my count that's 9 guys who played NPC for Auckland before Northland?

Yes, yes most of them are from up there originally

Be interesting to see how the backline goes with all these changes....Rene finally done?

@Nzrugbyfan yeah he is, looks like he has lost about 5kg or so and a shadow of his former self, and has been playing all over the show for Wellsford this year, from 6, 9 and other back positions, even prop in pre-season. Moorby has returned to Waikato, Hohaia just not selected, although ironically, one of his best club seasons for Kamo this year, playing well and looking quick too.

My guess for the starting 15, once all on deck
Apoua, Moulds, Adams
Craig, Caird
Rush, Parker, Woods
Nock, Reihana
Latu, Evans
Murray, Trainor, Salmon

Although Adams won't be about for the start, so likely Li, Trainor is also injured so likely Anderson, as we are light on experience outside, hence Salmon likely getting starts early. I guess Murray or Evans could slot into 15 as well, meaning Nicholas may get more time in the midfield too.

I am also unsure about 7, Woods has played most of the season at 8 but is a heck of a talent, Saimoni is the only out and out 7, Matich and Parker both played 7 as well, Peita could also play 7.