Barry Cup holders ready for Wairoa challenge

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

WAIROA are the latest sub-union to get a shot at wresting the Barry Cup off holders Waikohu at Te Karaka Domain tomorrow.

Fronting with the best possible team is a mark of admiration by defenders and challengers alike and that's what Wairoa coach Sid Ropitini is planning to do.

Wairoa have a great understanding of the significance of the cup and what it means, he says.

Ropitini also knows Waikohu will be ready for battle and as the holders have home advantage.

“Waikohu have their finger on the pulse when it comes to the Barry Cup and everyone should,” Ropitini said.

“They had a few convincing wins over the last few weekends with the challenges.”

Waikohu have held the cup since 2019 although Covid put paid to challenges until until this year.

Club stalwart and Waikohu halfback Mario Counsell, who was in the Poverty Bay jersey against Wairarapa Bush today, says Waikohu will be ready.

“I'm sure they'll have a good mix of Tapuae and Wairoa Athletic players as well.” Counsell said.

“They will also have some boys who play in the (Poverty Bay) premier competition such as Tione Hubbard, Jesse Kapene, George Whakatope, Keanu Taumata and Ngahiwi Manuel. They will be strong.”

Kick-off is 2.45pm.

Fans can expect a spectacle of good, honest and physical rugby.

Waikohu: Toru Noanoa, Geoffrey Pari, Tulsa Kaui, James Rutene, Shyanne Wyllie, Tamanui Hill, Kupu Lloyd, Tristan Morten, Jordan Christie, Ethine Reeves, KC Wilson, Jesse Fleming, Jacob Leaf, Roy Horo, Moses Christie. Reserves: Isaac Ngatai, Peryhn Martin, TK Tane, Te Mana Barbarich, Tapuraka Dixon, Matatua Ruru, Punch Noanoa.

Wairoa: To be confirmed.