Excitement and optimism for North Otago’s campaign
THERE is an air of excitement — laced with plenty of optimism — ahead of the start of another campaign for North Otago in the Heartland Championship. That is based on a number of factors:
A solid clubrugby season culminated in a spectacular pair of semifinals and a memorable allcountry final, and several players — old and new — were in sizzling form.
North Otago has selected a squad that looks strong, even before the confirmation of imports.
The Old Golds have looked good in two preseason games, competing very well with major union Southland and thumping Otago Country.
No wonder there is a solid level of confidence that North Otago will get back into the Meads Cup, the top tier of the Heartland Championship, for the first time since 2013.
‘‘Everything promises to be very positive,’’ North Otago chief executive Colin Jackson said.
‘‘After an outstanding club season, everyone is genuinely excited, and we have a good crosssection of clubs represented in the Heartland squad. There are a lot of talented local rugby players in there.
‘‘We’ve had two excellent warmup games and everyone has a smile on their face, looking forward to the Heartland season.
‘‘We’ve got positive coaches, and that’s the type of rugby they want to play. And we’ve got some exciting players in the team — Mika
Mafi, Josh Buchan and Simon Lilicama, among others — so let’s get plenty of ball in their hands and see what we can do.’’
North Otago will again be coached by Nigel Walsh, who has Jason Forrest as his assistant and the longserving Duncan Kingan as manager.
The Old Golds missed out on the top four by a whisker last year, and know the importance of banking points immediately in the Heartland Championship.
‘‘The season is so short that you very quickly talk about mustwin games,’’ Jackson said. ‘‘You’ve got to win at home.’’
It all starts this weekend as North Otago hosts Buller at Whitestone Contracting Stadium on Saturday at 2.30pm.
NORTH OTAGO SQUAD
Forwards: Sam Sturgess (captain), Ralph Darling, Kelepi Funaki, Meli Kolinisau, Thomas Shields, Tom Furnival, Jared Whitburn, Braden Barnes, Anthony Amato, Junior Fakatoufifita, Isaac Shields, Mat Duff, Filipo Veamatahau, Cameron Rowland, Jake Greenslade, Kafa Katoa, Mika Mafi.
Backs: Inoke Naufahu, Kieran McClea, Glen Sturgess, Tyler Burgess, Josh Buchan, Kayne Middleton, Taina Tamou, Sam Tatupu, Antonio Misiloi, Frank Kelly, Matthew Vocea, Simon Lilicama, Hamish Slater.
NORTH OTAGO’S HEARTLAND
CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW August 25: v Buller (home)
September 1: v Mid Canterbury (away)
September 8: v King Country (away) September 15: v HorowhenuaKapiti (home) September 22: v Thames Valley (away) September 29: v West Coast (home) October 6: v South Canterbury (home) October 13: v WairarapaBush (away)