Marist go into opener favourites

The men’s game kicks off for the year in Palmerston North today when Marist and Massey University contest the pre-season Chinese Cup, a symbol of local footballing supremacy.

Holders Marist, under new coach Juliano Schmeling, must go into the Memorial Park clash favourites to keep the cup after finishing third in the Federation League last year, amassing double the points fifthplaced Massey accumulated over the season.

Marist have also hung on to most of their players from last season as well as attracting new talent, including Jono Steele from North End and Fletchar Leslie, ex-red Sox. Both are dangerous frontrunners who were among the goals last year.

Marist beat Massey both times they met in the league last season.

Massey coach Donald Piper agreed Marist would be hard to beat today and picked them to be well in the running for the league title this year as well.

But one thing about the students is they’re always capable of springing a surprise, as league opponents have found to their cost from time to time, and this year they have added new faces to a solid core of returning players from last season.

Joining Massey this year from school football powerhouse Palmerston North Boys’ High School are Jacob Riley and Dominic Rankin, along with Zac Farmer, who turned out for Horizons Premiership title winners Wanganui City last season, Ben Meyer, ex-waterside Karori, and Jack Graney, ex-napier Marist. Also listed for Massey is one-time North End stalwart Dave Mccorkindale.

Then there are familiar names such as Rhys Galyer, last season’s leading Massey goal-scorer Joe Freeman and stopper Tom Johnston.

There are also plenty of familiar names returning to Marist as well for the fixture, including prolific striker Nick Carrick, veteran Adam Cowan, goalie Liam Outtrim and others such as Jaeden Shaw, Jordan Joblin-hall, Eli Smith and Taylor Monk.

So the scene is set for a spectacle that should give fans a preview of what is to come from many of the locals in the league this year. Kick off is 3pm.