Steelers team names seven new faces
Seven new caps and a near new backline are the features of this season’s Counties Manukau Steelers.
Besides All Blacks captain Kieran Read, whose transfer to his home province had already been feted, they include Albert Nikoro, the former New Zealand schoolboy from Papatoetoe who comes by way of the Western Force, Nigel Ah Wong, the Brumbies winger who scored a sensational solo try against the Chiefs in the Super 15 semi final, Maori All Black Joe Royal and a 1.95m Fiji Sevens winger Tevita Nabura who has been a sensation for his Bombay club.
All come into the squad chasing their first cap and eager to prove themselves.
The departure of first five Pier Francis and the midfield pairing of Carter Vaega and Sam Vaka means the Steelers will have a backline of rookies outside halfback Augustine Pulu and the returning Baden Kerr, both of who featured in the Steelers’ historic Ranfurly Shield win under Tana Umaga.
But coach Darryl Suasua is confident he has the mix right.
‘‘We’ve got a very different look to last year. Obviously Pier Francis, Carter Vaega and Sam Vaka have all moved on. They played a lot of our games last year.
‘‘But we bring in Baden Kerr. Obviously no stranger to Counties. He’ll partner experienced half back Augustine Pulu. The two will run the back line.
‘‘Orbin Leger will slot in at 12. I feel was one of the picks of that under 20 team that won the recent World Cup. And we’ve got Nigel Ah Wong ... if anybody was watching the Chiefs play the Brumbies, he was the one that broke through and scored a spectacular sole try. He is a big powerful player and then in our club competition, then there’s the likes of Sam Furness being quite outstanding as well at club level.’’
Suasua says among the rookies Nabora will be one to keep an eye on. ‘‘He has had a fantastic season for Waiuku. He’s 1.95m winger that’s been with the Fijian Sevens. To get him across here and playing in our club competition. It will be spectacular to have him running around on the wing. I’m looking forward to that.’’
THE 2017 STEELERS SQUAD:
Hookers: Suliasi Taufalele (Ardmore Marist); Joe Royal (Patumahoe). Props: Sean Bagshaw (Onewhero); Pauliasi Manu (Karaka); Kalolo Tuiloma (Bombay); Nepo Laulala (Ardmore Marist). Locks: Matiaha Martin (Bombay); Viliame Rarasea (Ardmore Marist). Loose forwards: Sam Henwood (Pukekohe); Jonathan Kawau (Bombay);Fotu Lokotui (Patumahoe); Ronald Raaymakers (Waiuku); Viliami Taulani (Manurewa); Jimmy Tupou (Patumahoe); Matt Vaai (Manurewa); Kieran Read (Crusaders). Halfbacks: Augustine Pulu (Karaka) 66 caps; Jonathan Taumateine (Ardmore Marist) 4 caps; Liam Daniela (Bombay) 0 caps. First fives: Baden Kerr (Karaka); Luteru Laulala (Ardmore Marist). Midfield backs: Orbyn Leger (Karaka); Salimoni Tukinia (Pukekohe); Nigel Ah Wong (Brumbies); Sonny Bill Williams (Puni). Fullbacks: Tim Nanai-Williams (Manurewa). Utility back: Albert Nikoro (Western Force). Wings: Sione Fifita ( Pukekohe); Glen Fisi’iahi (Bombay); Tevita Nabura (Waiuku).