“Sione’s right; it’s too early to be even thinking about that,” said McDonald, who was part of Steve Ward’s coaching staff in 2013 when Ngatapa beat YMP 22-8 in the final.
“It’s been a good start but we’ve lost Corey McCarthy (hooker), out for the season with a knee injury; Ihaia Kerr (hooker), nursing a hamstring; Richard Webby (lock), out for a bit with an ankle injury; and Scott Brodie (lock), battling a calf injury.
“Injuries to forwards are a bit of a concern for us at the moment.
“We’re fortunate we’ve got the bye this week.”
McDonald said that having good numbers in the backs had allowed some players to settle into their preferred positions.
“Having Matt (Raleigh) come in and play first five-eighth has allowed Chris Richardson (skipper) to revert to his best position, No.9, and Cameron Rowden to focus on playing fullback.
“Both are great communicators in critical positions.”
Raleigh, who normally plays fullback, made his starting debut at first five-eighth in last week’s 22-17 win against Enterprise Cars OBM.
In his first full game Raleigh looked assuredIn his first full game, after playing 20 minutes the previous week, Raleigh looked assured. He took on the line, was strong in defence and had a good kicking game.
“I’m really enjoying playing for Ngatapa,” said Raleigh, a 21-year-old stock agent for PG Wrightson.
“It’s an awesome club; everyone is so welcoming.”
Raleigh, from Pongaroa, played for Feilding High School before moving to Lincoln University, where he played fullback and wing for the colts and Division 1 team.
During his school days, Raleigh was attended the Hurricanes school training camps.
Last year he played for the Lincoln University team who won the Division 1 title “for the third year in a row”.
“I don’t mind where I play, as long as I’m playing.”
Former Waikato sevens back Oka Sanerivi and vice-captain Anthony Karauria are forming a formidable midfield combination.
Both are strong ball-carriers and not shy in coming forward on defence.
Australian winger Matt Yanz is still coming to grips with New Zealand rugby but is a big strong player who provides options for back coach McDonald.
“Pete Livingston covers many positions — 10, 13 and back three — he’s such a versatile asset to the team,” McDonald said.
'Angus Twigley gets better every game'“Angus Twigley (halfback) gets better every game, as does Tom Holden, another nine.
“Tom Pepper will play anywhere for the team. He ended up playing No.8 last week.
“He’s a gutsy player who chops down players twice his weight.”
Let’s not forget the dyed-in-the-wool Ngatapa men, wingers Karl Macpherson and Henry Seymour.
Macpherson’s strength, determination and pace make him a handful for any marker.
Seymour is a consistent player who brings the ball back strongly.
Richardson, Ngatu and props Campbell Chrisp and Jason Jones were all members of the 2013 shield-winning team.
Chrisp, who is now in the best form of his career, was captain that day and dedicated the win to club stalwart John Kirkpatrick, who had died that year.
Chrisp scored the first of his side’s three tries in the final and no doubt would love nothing better than to lift the shield again this year.
He is one of three Ngatapa players leading the charge for the season-ending most valuable player (MVP) award.
His propping partner, Semisi Akana, is in pole position with eight points, followed by YMP hooker Shayde Skudder and Tapuae’s Dan Hartley.
Chrisp and Sanerivi have six points.
