Northland's 2015 ITM Cup campaign is one step closer after the naming of a 64-strong development squad.
Northland selectors have chosen the preliminary squad based on performances in the Southern District Premiers, the Harding Shield and the Bay of Islands and Mangonui premier grades this year.
Though the announcement presents a definite building block for the franchise, Northland head coach Richie Harris reiterated "we're not there yet".
With the completion of the Harding Shield last weekend, Harris emphasised the real work for Taniwha selectors will take place form here on as they try to assign the squad into an ITM Cup squad and a B team.
"It's really two teams covering a wide basis," Harris said of the preliminary team.
Northland selectors will look to refine the current selection over the next few months with the announcement of a final ITM Cup squad in mid-July.
Northland ITM Cup development squad:
Props:
Graham Dewes, Dominic McCoy-Robinson, Mike MacDonald, Matias Navares, Roberto Ozryan, Tomas Ramirez, Howard Sililot, Matt Talaese, Curtis Toapuho, Namatahi Waa. Hookers: Paddy-Jo Atkins, Daniel Groome, Sean McCully, Matt Moulds, Jordan Olsen, Ross Wright, Tom Viggo.
Locks:
Heath Colthurst, Blake Haora, Ilikesa Kalidredre, Tom Murday, Shane Neville, Michael Stolberg, Sean Sweetman, Roy Griffin. Loose Forwards: Jas Apoua, Ben Beridge, Cam Goodhue, Pepa Koloamatagi, Conor Lawson, Jaycob Matiu, Hayden McCaw, Daniel O'Rourke, Dan Pryor, Kara Pryor, Jack Ram, Tom Robinson, Connor Woodman.
Halfbacks:
Ray Daniels, Kurt Davies, Ben Mathers, Sam Nock, Mac Sykes, Kaden TeNana.
First fives:
Dan Bowden, Dan Hawkins, Tyler Landsdowne, Trent Sherlock. Midfield Warren Dunn, Troy Gilbert, Brook Gilmore, Jordan Hyland, Issac O'Grady, Vili Taukiavea, Karitiana Vette-Welsh. Wings: Wise Lawabuka, Jone Macalai, Filipo Nakosi, Isimeli Taqea, Tevita Tuipulotu, Rupeni Vosayaco. Fullbacks: Corey Evers, Josef Glamuzina, Matt Wright.