Reeves, Moala in Heartland XV

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

POVERTY Bay No.8 Siosiua Moala and fullback Ethine Reeves have been named in the New Zealand Heartland XV to play NZ Marist in Timaru on November 4.

Despite the Bay finishing eighth in the 12-team Heartland Championship, Moala and Reeves consistently turned in top-class performances.

Moala is one of only seven players to retain their places from last year’s Heartland squad, as a raft of new talent has been recognised.

“When you are coming together for one match, it’s important to pick guys in form, and these are the players who have impressed this season,” said Heartland XV and South Canterbury coach Barry Matthews

“We had a good culture last season so we will look to build on that, do some one-on-one coaching and make sure it’s an enjoyable week. It is a thrill for these guys to represent their provinces in this team.”

The Heartland XV will be defending the McRae Cup against Marist.

“New Zealand Marist bring some very good players together and the matches are always very evenly contested so we know we’re in for a big match,” Matthews said

New Zealand Heartland XV squad: Scott Cameron (Horowhenua Kapiti), Craig Clare (Wanganui), Kieran Coll (South Canterbury), Ralph Darling (North Otago), Eric Duff (Mid Canterbury), Anthony Ellis (Buller), Matt Fetu (Sth Cant), Bryn Hudson (Wang), Nathan Kendrick (Horo Kap), Melikisua Kolinisau (Nth Otago), Seta Koroitamana (Mid Cant), Sam Maddams (Wang), Lemi Masoe (Nth Otago), Siosiua Moala (Poverty Bay), Willie Paia’aua (Horo Kap), Jarred Percival (Mid Cant), Ethan Pollock (Horo Kap), Tom Reekie (West Coast), Ethine Reeves (Pov Bay), Maleli Sau (Mid Cant), Andrew Stephens (Buller), Nick Strachan (Sth Cant), Willie Wright (Sth Cant).