‘Banger’ gets openside chance
Brice Henderson will get a crack at claiming the Manawatu Turbos’ openside flanker jersey when the side takes on Tasman in a preseason match in Porirua today.
The loose forward, who has played five provincial games, has been named to start in the final lead-up to the NPC.
The man nicknamed Banger, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, is not contracted to the Turbos but he appears likely to play a decent role with the team this year.
Henderson is more at home at No 8 or on the blindside flank, but Cotter was confident Henderson would be comfortable at No 7 as they continue their search for a back-up to incumbent Antonio Kiri Kiri.
‘‘Banger could be a good option. He has got that physicality you require from a seven. He can get his nose into dark places. He is keen to try it and I am keen to see it,’’ Cotter said.
Brayden Iose has filled the No 7 jersey in the preseason matches against Wanganui and Hawke’s Bay, but will shift to his preferred position at No 8 for the Tasman match.
Cotter said they had to be careful how they use Iose, especially considering Manawatu still need to get dispensation from New Zealand
Rugby for him to play in the NPC due to his age.
‘‘The thing with Brayden is that he is still very young. As much as we think that he can foot it, it is not in his best interests to get bashed about week-in and weekout.’’
The only other uncontracted player named to start is centre Lewis Marshall.
Marshall played for Hawke’s Bay for the last couple of seasons, but he played 27 games for the Turbos between 2010 and 2013.
‘‘He has had his run of injuries, but he is pretty motivated now,’’ Cotter said. ‘‘He can add a bit of x-factor out there so this is an opportunity for him to show his wares.’’
While the preseason matches are not about wins, Cotter hoped to see continued improvement.
‘‘I would like to think that our set piece will be secure. We have done a fair bit of work on the lineouts so I would like to see that executed well,’’ he said.
‘‘I would like to see us decisive on attack and get go-forward, recycling possession well, going through multiple phases and guys working multiple efforts. Workrate is a key for us. We want to see guys working hard off the ball, getting into position and then going again.’’
Among those ruled out through injuries are Sam Malcolm (sternum), Harrison Brewer (concussion) and Liam Mitchell (ankle), who all picked up minor injuries at the end of the club season.
Hamish Northcott and Tom Hughes were also both ruled out of the match through concussion after a collision at training.
Newton Tudreu is still recovering from last season’s knee injury and Tuki Raimona is unavailable due to a family bereavement. Kickoff is at 1pm.