“There’s eight teams and we’ve got a tough pool with Taranaki, Manawatu and Hawke’s Bay in our pool,” Mokomoko said.
“Our preparation has been good so we’re all looking forward to tomorrow. We’re a young side but guys like Tamanui (Grant-Hill) James Grogan and Izzy (Walker-Leawere) are talented young players.
“We’re under no illusions, it’s going to be a tough day but we’re confident the boys will be competitive.,”
Mokomoko’s son Hunter, who made his debut for Poverty Bay in this season’s Heartland Championships and was the star performer in the Poverty bay club sevens, has fully recoved from an ankle knock recieved in last week’s Condor Sevens.
Russell said the Poverty Bay women’s player/coach Trish Hina and player/manager Amoe Tarsau have prepared their team with a short turnaround as six of their original club-winning sevens team were too young to compete at this level.
“But we’re all still excited in what is a long-waited return to women's rugby in this region,” Russell said.
“Trish brings a confidence and a wealth of experience which is calmly portrayed having represented New Zealand in rugby, rugby league, softball and touch."
PB MEN: Tamanui Grant-Hill, Viliami Kava, Isaia Walker-leawere, TK Moeke, Cole Eru, Tom Iosefo, James Grogan, Michael Tadudravu, Andrew Tauatevalu, Hunter Mokomoko, Treigh Christy, Nathan Rangihuna.
PB WOMEN: Trish Hina, Te Uarangi Olsen-Baker, Ihipera Mackey, Amoe Tarsau, Sulieti Halafihi, Kahurangi Delamere, Ariana Olsen-Baker, Ahwina Rickard, Monique Carmichael, Tamia Matthews, Rita Halley, Lizzie Hall.