Tasman Mako squad named for 2021 NPC campaign

Mitch Hunt and Quinten Strange will lead the 2021 Tasman Mako as they bid for a third consecutive NPC title this season.

The defending champions today named a well-balanced 33-man squad, packed with talent and possessing experience in key positions for their Bunnings NPC campaign which begins with a match against Bay of Plenty in Tauranga on Sunday, August 8.

Hunt and Strange have been named as co-captains for the new campaign, replacing talismanic leader David Havili, who is part of the All Blacks squad.

Talking points include the naming of hooker Andrew Makalio, who missed the Crusaders’ 2021 season through injury. He forms part of a powerful front row brigade, along with former All Blacks prop Atunaisa Moli, Tongan hooker Samiuela Moli and the vastly experienced Quentin MacDonald.

Joining Strange and NZ Maori lock Pari Pari Parkinson in the middle row are new faces Max Hicks and Antonio Shalfoon, who have forced their way into the mix with top club and pre-season efforts.

The loose forward mix is predictable, Super Rugby standouts Hugh Renton (Highlanders) and Sione Havili Talitui (Crusaders) being joined by NZ under-20 flyer Anton Segner plus regulars Te Ariwaru Cirikidaveta and Jacob Norris.

Finlay Christie, an All Black earlier this year but in the back-up squad for the Rugby Championship, is one of three halfbacks named. His availability will be subject to international demands. Jack Grooby returns after a lengthy injury break along with the up-and-coming Louie Chapman.

Hunt’s back-up in the 10 jersey is the talented Campbell Morgan-Parata while block-busting ball-carrier Levi Aumua joins Tim O’Malley, Alex Nankivell and Fetuli Paea, who is coming off a long injury break, as midfield options.

Timoci “Jim” Tavatavanawai joins the outside back brigade, the Fijian excitement machine poised to take his talents to another level, although with Super Rugby stars Leicester Fainga'anuku (Crusaders) and Mark Telea (Blues) also in the wing mix, opportunities will be limited.

Taine Robinson, another to come from club rugby, joins veteran Tom Marshall as fullback options. Marshall’s vast experience and poise will be crucial with the likes of Havili, Sevu Reece and Will Jordan absent on All Blacks duties.

Before the Mako tackle the NPC they have a final pre-season match, against Southland in Christchurch on Friday, July 30.

Tasman Mako 2021

Props: Atunaisa Moli, Isi Tu’ungafasi, Isaac Salmon, Sam Matenga, Ryan Coxon.

Hookers: Andrew Makalio, Samiuela Moli, Quentin MacDonald.

Locks: Pari Pari Parkinson, Quinten Strange (co-captain),

Antonio Shalfoon, Mahonri Ngakuru, Max Hicks.

Loose forwards: Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Anton Segner, Jacob Norris, Hugh Renton, Sione Havili Talitui, Taina Fox-Matamua.

Inside backs: Finlay Christie, Jack Grooby, Louie Chapman, Mitch Hunt (co-captain), Campbell Morgan-Parata.

Midfield: Tim O’Malley, Alex Nankivell, Levi Aumua, Fetuli Paea.

Outside backs: Leicester Fainga'anuku, Mark Telea, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Taine Robinson, Tom Marshall.

Several Development Squad players were also named as back-up. They are: Matt Graham-Williams, Luca Inch, Taya Brown, Noah Hotham, William Havili and Macca Springer. Unavailable due to injury was Kershawl Sykes-Martin.