Presence of new club Bears adds interest as season opens
The Dunedin club season kicks off today at the Oval. Ricki Allan has a look at the four teams and their chances.
Dunedin Bears Rugby League Club Coach: Monson Prouting Captain: Terrence Reid
For the new club in this year’s competition, the preseason has gone very well. Numbers have been good at training.
A large core of the East Coast Eagles side that disintegrated after making the grand final last year has moved into the squad and there are several newcomers to the code who look promising. The new club brings a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm into the season, and a lot of work has been invested in getting the wheels turning for this club.
Its captain in its inaugural year, Terrence Reid, has pointed out that the vision is simple — to improve the culture of rugby league in Dunedin and build the game. The side also wanted to beat Southland’s top club teams — the Cowboys and He Tauaa, from Invercargill — he said.
Kia Toa Tigers Coach: Dallas Wade Captain: Vila Apuula
The reigning backtoback premiers will be a tough side to defeat again this season, and the majority of players have returned. A real strength of this club has been the consistency within the playing group, and under the familiar guidance of coach Dallas Wade, captain Vila Apuula, and senior players such as Shane Unahi and Koben Katipa, it looks as strong as ever.
The challenge for the Tigers will be one of complacency; although, all signs suggest they are desperate to secure their
third premiership in a row, and captain Apuula has not been shy in putting players on notice during the offseason.
Only time will tell if the Tigers can claw their way to a third successive title.
South Pacific Raiders Coach: David Reedy
Cocaptains: Manassah Kutia and Steven CampbellPaniona
The Raiders stride into the season having won the Southern Zone Nines with a newlook side. The new style of play coach David Reedy employs aligns with the way the Raiders will look to play this season.
Reedy’s ultimate goal is to win the championship, and he is instilling a processdriven approach aimed at giving the side its best shot at achieving the ultimate goal, come finals footy in July.
The Raiders will be coled this year by two of their longestserving players, Manassah Kutia, in his ninth consecutive year playing for the club, and sixyear veteran Steven CampbellPaniona.
Key gains are Chase Kennedy (Taniwharau Rugby League), Teremoana Hamblin (OBHS), Mika Vaitupu (rugby), Ben Hanara (rugby), Cameron Todd (Waikato).
Key losses include Jordan Ruatoe, Jayden Hollander, Kale Fruean, Honehau ClarkHepi, Taylor Haenga, Mitchell Kemper, Jeremiah Salu, Caleb Lawrence, Chase Stephens and Doug Gordon.
Otago University Rugby League Club Coach: Ray Fitiao Captain: Ricki Allan
The OURLC heads into this season in a challenging position, having lost several key players from last season, and not managing to recruit heavily in the offseason.
Coach Ray Fitiao will be in a comfortable position at the helm of the side, as he has more than 20 years of experience in the role.
Captain Ricki Allan has his sights set on winning the competition and has indicated that his side will bring a doggeddetermination that is difficult to overcome.
The side poses a threat with the inclusion of playmaker Te Marino Huriwai Briggs, and his combinations with Ben Tunnicliff and Jordan Stuart will be the determining factor in the team’s attacking success.
Key gains are Te Marino Huriwai Briggs (Linwood) and Ben Nicolson (Canada),while the losses are Tyson Ball, Ro Allen, Jordan Styles, Robert Blair and David Tupi.