"It's a good side and I think one of the good things about it is that we're taking away 13 guys who have played for us regularly throughout the season and they deserve their spot," he said.
"I haven't seen the Manawatu team yet but they'll have some decent players like Dave Meiring and, of course, Michael Mason who'll feature with the bat and the ball," he said.
Cunis said the Manawatu team have been successful.
"They'll have home advantage on their own wicket, and we're unsure of how that's going to play until we get there but they'll be well prepared and, even though we're fired up for it, they'll be a hard team to buck," he said.
Cunis said the final selection of a playing XI from the travelling squad of 13 would be made after they were able to see the wicket at Fitzherbert Park.
Manawatu won the coveted trophy off Bay of Plenty last summer and then held it against Canterbury Country and Southland to keep it locked away for the winter.
They beat Taranaki in the opening defence of the season in a match that was rained out.
