Shane Hurndell
Taradale's Josh Mahoni has been stealing the limelight during the Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby team's pre-season training sessions.
The top tryscorer in the province's 2004 premier club season with 19, Mahoni was considered unlucky not to get game time with the Kelt Capital Magpies last season. Pre-season training for the
2005 season began on November 15 and Magpies fitness trainer Grant Dearns said Mahoni has "certainly put his hand up" in his quest to earn a Magpies jersey next year.
A 2004 Hawke's Bay B winger, Mahoni, has tested well in all disciplines and joined regular Magpies winger Karl Mudzamba and Hastings Boys' High School star Tivaini Fomai as the quickest over 10m and 40m.
Another Hastings Boys' High School player, Hika Elliot, and regular Magpies forwards Clint Newland, Reyno Botha, Mutu Ngarimu and Lua Lokotui have all impressed in the strength tests.
An emphasis on endurance training is being applied by Dearns and academy manager Liam Barry.
Up to 30 players attend the compulsory Monday endurance sessions, while midweek boxing, kickboxing and wrestling sessions have provided variety.
Dearns is a former wrestler and he said Mahoni, Clint Newland and Mutu Ngarimu had adapted well to the sport for "first timers".
"We've got players involved with Hawke's Bay Sevens trainings and touch but generally we're more than happy with the attendance rates and enthusiasm shown," said Dearns.
"Rats (new Magpies coach Brendon Ratcliffe) has asked that we step things up next month and there will be more compulsory sessions than there has been in recent weeks and we'll be looking for improvement in the various tests," he added.
A surf carnival-type session has been scheduled for Ocean Beach next week.
