Steelers have to rebuild

Rebuilding the Counties Manukau Steelers is the challenge facing new coach Darryl Suasua. The 50-year-old is being forced to contend with eight battle-hardened front-liners out for the season.

Chief props Pauliasi Manu and Nepo Laulala, loose forwards Maama Vaipulu and Sam Henwood, wing Glen Fisiiahi, blindside flanker Dan Hyatt and lock/loose forward Ronald Raaymakers and Jonathan Kawau were missing from the Steelers squad named yesterday.

Manu, Laulala, Vaipulu, Henwood, Hyatt and Raaymakers were in the core leadership group that the Steelers developed under Tana Umaga.

‘‘To lose such quality players and people before the season even starts is tough. One, maybe two, wouldn’t too big an issue. Seven is definitely a challenge,’’ Suasua says.

‘‘We’ve had to dig into our club resources as a result. We have had a number of guys who have played well at club level and now they get their chance at the next level.’’

They include loosies Sootala Fa’aso’o, Fotu