Ngarimu hoping for injury-free day

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

POVERTY Bay Heartland coach Mutu Ngarimu will have his fingers crossed as he watches tomorrow’s premier games.

Ngarimu has pencilled in a squad to play the New Zealand Universities team at Rugby Park at 6.30pm on Monday night.

“I’m just hoping all the players come through the games without any injuries,” Ngarimu said.

“That said, I don’t want any player not giving 100 percent for their team.

“I don’t want anyone going into tomorrow’s game saving themselves for Monday night.

“It’s going to be tough . . . two games in three days and against a side as good as the New Zealand Uni team — that’s going to be a huge challenge.”

Ngarimu has had a training squad together for the past month but is under no illusions about the task facing his side.

“Traditionally some of these university guys have gone on to play at national provincial level, then on to Super Rugby and some have gone on to play at the highest level, the ABs.

“Being young, they’re going to be fit and well drilled. When I was offered the chance to play them I couldn’t turn it down.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for local players to test themselves against good players — some whom have aspirations of becoming professional rugby players.

“And don’t forget they are a national side.

“They will have the Silver Fern on their jersey and we all know what that means to a New Zealander.

“From a coaching and playing perspective we’re all looking forward to the game but we have to be prepared for a tough 80 minutes.

“I have set some goals that we want to achieve and for some local players it’s the chnace to show me they are ready to make the commitment to play Heartland rugby.”