There are still eight spots up for grabs in the Tasman Makos squad, but coach Kieran Keane says he will keep an “open mind” when deciding whether they will come from inside the region or from out of town.
Already 22 players have contracts for the upcoming ITM Cup season, with just three of those being new faces – Waitohi prop Ross Geldenhuys, Central hooker Jesse MacDonald and Waimea Old Boys blindside flanker Peter Samu.
But Kieran says, with eight spots still available – covering a variety of positions – more new faces are a possibility when the final squad is announced on August 4. “We have moved up to the Premiership so we would be unable to compete with a squad of 26 because of the draw and the quality of the opposition,” Kieran says. “Last season we were very fortunate to get away with using 26 players, and can’t risk it again this season.
“We are in a semi professional environment so we have an open mind. If there is nobody local that meets the criteria then it’s up to us to find someone who does.”
The final eight spots will certainly include a back-up halfback to Billy Guyton, a back-up first-five to Marty Banks, a fourth prop and fourth lock, while other areas to cover could include one loose forward who can cover openside flanker, another centre and outside back.
But the core of the squad will come from last year’s ITM Cup Championship winning team. Ten of those went on to pick up Super Rugby contracts, and those ten are all re-signed. “We are thrilled with what our boys playing super rugby have been able to achieve, in some ways our Makos responsibility is to help provide a pathway for our players to make the next level. It’s a huge pat on our back for the Makos to be able to have this many players going well in Super Rugby. It shows other players there is a viable pathway.”
An extended “emerging players squad” will be picked on July 14, ahead of pre-season games against Canterbury and Otago,, before the final squad is announced on August 4.
The 22 already contracted players are: Quentin MacDonald, Jesse MacDonald, Siua Halonukonuku, Tim Perry, Ross Geldenhuys, Joe Wheeler, Alex Ainley, Tevita Cabuvati, Shane Christie, Liam Squire, Tevita Koloamatangi, Peter Samu, Vernon Fredericks, Billy Guyton, Marty Banks, Tom Marshall, Kieran Fonotia, Michael Wells, Mitchell Scott, Robbie Malneek, Bryce Heem, James Lowe.
