Contraction distractions
The Manawatu Turbos squad is starting to take shape ahead of the 2017 season with 29 contracted players. There remains a handful of places up for grabs and with the NPC kicking off on August 20, there is plenty of time for players to prove themselves. Rug
HOOKERS Signed -
Hunter Prescott, Tim Cadwallader, Travis Taylor (injured)
The verdict: With Taylor likely out for the season, the Turbos will probably need one further hooker. Nick Grogan has the experience (24 games for Manawatu) and form to plug that hole. But there is a damaged relationship to heal after the team’s messy split with him last year. At 24, Grogan has plenty of rugby ahead of him. Max Fryatt is the other enticing option. He is a tidy performer with big potential which could help his cause. Chris Cairns is another player with potential, but is probably a year away from the provincial team. Neal Tudreu has yet to rack up enough minutes at hooker since his conversion from flanker to convince of his worth. Cam Barr and Cory Purton are the other contenders.
PROPS Signed -
Fraser Armstrong, Michael Alaalatoa, Tuki Raimona, Sione Asi, Sean Paranihi
The verdict: Five props mean the Turbos are already well stocked up front. Paranihi was a strong signing who should contribute right away. Asi is an unproven entity. He has the size to be effective, but has yet to standout in club rugby. His potential to follow a career path like Ma’afu Fia’s makes him worth investing time in. Sam Tufuga, Sean Rankin, Timo Bristow and Max Tufuga have been the standouts on the club scene and are quality options should injuries hit.
LOCKS Signed -
Jackson Hemopo, Tom Parsons, Liam Hallam-eames
The verdict: At least one more lock is needed for the season, potentially two if the side opts to use Hemopo on the side of the scrum. Liam Mitchell has just returned from Spain and is the hot favourite to get a contract after his impressive improvements over the past couple of seasons. The Varsity pairing of Tom Hughes and Mickey Woolliams are also knocking on the door. Hughes, who played four games in 2014, looks to finally be past his injury woes and must be next in line. Woolliams’ mobility and work-rate has him on the radar as well.
LOOSE FORWARDS Signed -
Heiden Bedwell-curtis (c), Antonio Kiri Kiri, Harrison Brewer, Brayden Iose
The verdict: There is potentially two spots up for grabs for loose forwards. While Bedwellcurtis can cover openside flanker, Kiri Kiri is the only specialist in the team. That could open the door for the likes of George Macpherson, who played for the Hawke’s Bay Saracens last year, Liam Giltrap, Nathan Tweedy and Doug Juszczyk. Brice Henderson is the front-runner as a No 6-8 cover. The five-game Turbo is starting to come into form after missing last year with a knee injury. Kirk Tufuga has an outside chance.
HALFBACKS Signed -
Aaron Smith (All Blacks), Kayne Hammington, Jamie Booth
The verdict: There is likely to be one final place open at halfback. The reliable Toby Morland remains an option, despite not playing club rugby this year. But taking the chance to blood an up and comer behind two established starters makes sense. Tejay Oliver is the most dangerous with ball in hand of the contenders and trialled for the team last year. Tom Stewart has huge potential with a tidy kick and pass. While Atu Henare was tearing up the club competition before his broken arm and can not be ruled out yet. If the team wants to save themselves a contract, Sam Malcolm is more than capable at No 9.
FIRST FIVE-EIGHTHS Signed -
Otere Black, Sam Malcolm, Jade Te Rure
The verdict: There is little need to sign any other players at No 10. With Te Rure back on deck, the Turbos have three quality options. His running game is a great change of pace option to Black’s pinpoint kicking. Ben Wyness as the fourth option highlights the depth in Manawatu. If injuries hit, expect Cotter to quickly call on the Feilding No 10.
MIDFIELDERS Signed -
Hamish Northcott, Ngani Laumape, Curtis Reid, Jason Emery (injured)
The verdict: The seasonending injury to Emery has opened the door for one final midfielder to edge their way into the team. There is also the chance of Laumape getting an All Blacks call-up which would open another hole. Kameli Kuruyabaki, Patrick Tafili-reid and Jamie Perigo are the front-runners at the moment. The trio have all shown potential in club rugby, which must have captured the attention of the Turbos coaching staff. Cam Black is an outside chance as well.
OUTSIDE BACKS Signed -
Newton Tudreu, Nathan Tudreu, Ambrose Curtis, Nehe Milner-skudder (All Blacks)
The verdict: There is one or two places open for outside backs, especially with Newton Tudreu still recovering from his knee injury last year. Kenyan wing Willy Ambaka remains up in the air. He is a gamble, but has high up-side if it works out. But there is some quality options locally as well. Last season’s Heartland Championship player of the year, Te Rangatira Waitokia, has shown glimpses of what he is capable of since returning from Wanganui. Lewis Marshall is back from Hawke’s Bay and offers plenty of x-factor, while Luther Hirini is fighting to be re-signed after his Turbos debut last year. Ben Werthmuller, Jeremiah Tuimanua-fryer, Ollie Brosnahan and Hamiora Thomas all need big finishes to the club season to force their way in.