MANAWATŪ

BRAYDEN IOSE makes a typical charge for MANAWATŪ.

The turnaround in fortunes for the Manawatū Turbos in 2021 was as dramatic as it was heartwarming for their loyal fan-base.

In 2020, the Turbos won just one game to finish in last position of the 14 NPC teams. Last season, a rejuvenated Turbos side kicked-off their campaign with an excellent 39–21 win over Counties Manukau, followed by a narrow three-point loss to Canterbury in Christchurch. Wins then followed over Northland, Otago and Southland before unbeaten Taranaki were given one of their hardest games of the season. The Turbos deservedly qualified to host a semi-final against Otago but were outclassed by the visitors on the back of a Josh Ioane masterclass. The vagaries of the draw have given the Turbos the two biggest drawcards at home in Palmerston North in rounds one and two of this year’s NPC. For the second consecutive year, the Turbos will host the opening match of the season when they welcome Canterbury on August 5 followed four days later by the visit of Auckland. As big as those games will be, it is the matches against local rivals Taranaki and Hawke’s Bay that mean the most to the players, coaches and supporters. Former captain Jamie Booth’s shift to North Harbour has come as a shock to the loyal Manawatū faithful. After 60 games for the Turbos over seven

JASON EMERY in action for the TURBOS against Counties Manukau.

seasons, the feisty halfback was after a change of scenery so has moved north of the Auckland harbour bridge to replace Japan-bound Bryn Hall. Booth’s surprise move opens the door for Hurricanes halfback Logan Henry to grab the starting halfback jersey and he will not let anyone down. The 25-year-old, who is originally from Wellington, is a powerful runner around the ruck and has an eye for the try line. The return to Manawatū of outstanding first-five/fullback Brett Cameron from Japan is the best piece of news for the coaches. The former All Black was in irresistible form last season after moving north from Canterbury. His goalkicking, attacking skills and tactical smarts were pivotal in the Turbos improvement. Other players to watch for the Turbos are prop Sean Paranihi, lock Micaiah Torrance-Read, openside flanker Slade McDowall (who has played 41 games for Otago), and talented loose forwards TK Howden and Brayden Iose who have had a taste of Super Rugby. Midfield back/fullback Taniela Filimone impressed on debut last season after his shift to the Manawatū from Bay of Plenty, while experienced second-five Jason Emery will again have a key leadership role. Another to take his chances with the Hurricanes is No 8/blindside flanker Tyler Laubscher. At 1.94 metres tall and 104kg, he has real physical presence and should be a standout player for the Turbos.

COACH: PETER RUSSELL HOME GROUND: CENTRAL ENERGY TRUST ARENA WEBSITE: www.turbosrugby.co.nz TICKETS: ticketfairy.com ADDRESS: CENTRAL ENERGY TRUST ARENA, 61 PASCAL STREET, PALMERSTON NORTH PHONE: 06 357 2633 EMAIL: info@manawaturugby.co.nz