“Our key strength is our connection back to our hapu, and the pride and passion that these boys play with for their people,” Gear said.
“I look forward to seeing that brought together.
“In terms of selection policy on loan players and players of origin, they need to to be able to whakapapa back to the Coast, first and foremost. Then we consider the next best option suited to our needs, and whether they share our culture and values.
“The leaders that we have within the group all bring their own qualities, and great knowledge and understanding of the game so to have their voices in this area will be huge.”
Gear said he also valued their ability to remain calm, collected and able to make good decisions in tough situations.
“In terms of specific skill-sets, we’re trying to grow — create some depth — in the front row, as that’s been a constant work-on for us in previous years, and then connect that with the back five. If we’re not competitive at set-piece, we’ll struggle to get anything going on attack, and defensively.
“We also have a number of young players, which is great as that brings excitement and enthusiasm to the group.
“I would like to grow our game awareness. This will be challenging as we don’t have the luxury of training every day.
“The talent of these players will allow us to play in a number of ways, so I’m excited. It’s about bringing it all together to get the maximum out of these boys.”
Tokararangi lock Kyah Hollis, 19, is one of a crop of emerging players who enjoyed and took a lot from the first training run at Kahuitara last night.
“It was really good,” he said.
“There was a lot of great information; everyone was focused. The lads are excited.”
Incoming NPEC chairman Val Morrison likes what he’s seen and heard of the Sky Blues’ build-up to the representative season.
“That group is building on what’s always been a great sense of whanau, and the boys’ willingness to initiate their own personal training programmes is a byproduct of that,” Morrison said.
“Having a person of Hosea’s calibre is huge for the Coast at all levels. And while the focus is rightly on the various NPEC teams, the groundwork done by the board, chief executive Cushla Tangaere-Manuel, her staff and outgoing chairman Campbell Dewes makes all this possible. We’re all grateful to Campbell for his leadership and guidance over the years, but I’m pleased — with him as our new president, taking over from Bailey Mackey (New Zealand Rugby Board) — that I can still call on his wisdom.”
*first-time squad member
Perrin Manuel, Jody Tuhaka, Raniera Whakataka (player of origin), *Myles Tawa-Lardelli, Hirini Delamere, Mike Chambers-Raroa, Pera Bishop. Jorian Tangaere, *Jack Westenra, John Brown. Patrick Allen, Netani Seruwaqa, Riki Waitoa, *George Waddy, *Gabe Te Kani, Kyah Hollis. Hone Haerewa (captain), Will Bolingford, Tanira Nepia, Trent Proffit, Richard Green, *Te Atapo Kirikiri, Tutere Ngarimu, Moana Mato, Jack Richardson, Tanetoa Parata.
Hamuera Moana, Sam Parkes, Josh Dearden. Te Rangi Fraser, Rapata Haerewa, Te Manu Herewini. Tawhao Stewart, Tutere Waenga, Jayden Milner, BJ Sidney, Verdon Bartlett, Jesse Rye. Teina Potae, Tipene Meihana, Mohi Bartlett, Fabyan Kahaki, Ahomatua Morice, *Ben Raimou, Tarleq Simeon, *James Warnock.
v Hawke’s Bay (Ranfurly Shield challenge), McLean Park, Napier, July 24.
v Northland Development 15 (non-first-class game) Whangarei, July 31.
v Eastern Bay of Plenty (non-first-class), Te Araroa Domain, Te Araroa, August 7.
Bunnings Heartland Championship
v Buller in Ruatoria, Aug 21.
v West Coast in Greymouth, Aug 28.
v Poverty Bay in Gisborne, September 4.
v Wairarapa-Bush in Masterton, Sept 11.
v North Otago in Oamaru, Sept 18.
v Thames Valley in Ruatoria Sept 25
v Horowhenua-Kapiti in Otaki, October 2.
v South Canterbury in Ruatoria, Oct 9.
TBC semifinals, Oct 16.
TBC Meads Cup final, Oct 23.
TBC Lochore Cup final, Oct 24.
