COUNTIES MANUKAU

The introduction of Fiji Drua and Moana Pasifika into this year’s Super Rugby Pacific competition has given several Counties Manukau players the opportunity to test themselves at a higher level.

The benefits of being involved in a fully professional environment are likely to flow through to the performance of a strong Counties Manukau Steelers squad. Fiji Drua teammates Zuriel Togiatama and Viliame Rarasea are two of the most durable forwards. Lock Rarasea has been a consistent performer for the Steelers since making his debut back in 2013, while hooker Togiatama has been a constant starter in the solid front-row of the Steelers over the last two seasons. Newly appointed Steelers head coach Reon Graham is grateful to have that experience coming back to play. “Both Vili and Zuriel have been great players for the PIC Steelers before and they bring a lot of experience but also that understanding of what it is to represent the local community. “We know that big game experience is key and having significantly more Super Rugby players in our midst this year will be a real bonus, but I’m also pleased that they are home-grown talent as well because they get what we are all about.” There is wide-spread support throughout the Counties Manukau region for long-serving Patumahoe coach Graham being appointed the new head coach. Graham replaces Tai Lavea, who has taken up an offer to coach in Japan. Graham has coached representative rugby through the grades and led Counties Manukau to National Sevens titles in 2016 and 2017, as well as a runner-up finish in 2018. Moana Pasifika stars returning for another campaign with the Steelers are halfback Jonathan Taumateine, loose forward Sam Slade, prop Ezekiel Lindenmuth, flanker Alamanda Motuga and lock Alex McRobbie. It is encouraging to see local talent selected from club rugby with winger Benji Malimali and lock forward Steven Leavasa set to make their Steelers’ debuts after outstanding form for their clubs. Former Irish international flanker Sean Reidy returns home after leaving for Ireland in 2014 – a year after he scored the match-winning try for the Steelers when they famously won the Ranfurly Shield. The Steelers will field a huge pack filled with Super Rugby experience and led by former Wallaby prop Sekope Kepu. The Moana Pasifika captain’s impact on and off the field last season was hugely significant and he will be a key leader again this campaign. Flanker Alamanda Motuga has made quite an impression in his two seasons with the Steelers, while centre Tanielu Tele'a showed his potential for the Blues. Chiefs star Etene Nanai-Seturo and Hurricanes halfback Cameron Roigard should be stand-outs for the Steelers. All Black forwards Nepo Laulala, Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu may get some game time during the season for the Steelers.

COACH: REON GRAHAM HOME GROUND: NAVIGATION HOMES STADIUM, PUKEKOHE WEBSITE: www.steelers.co.nz TICKETS: steelers.flicket.co.nz ADDRESS: PO BOX 175, PUKEKOHE PHONE: 09 237 0033 EMAIL: admin@steelers.co.nz