Swords aimed at Stingrays

TOUGH TEST: The Northern Swords return to Toll Stadium tomorrow as they take on the Counties Manukau Stingrays at 2.30pm in their first home game of the Pirtek NZRL National Premiership.PHOTO/FILE

Toll Stadium is the place to be tomorrow as Northlanders have the opportunity to watch the Northern Swords in action for their first home game of the Pirtek NZRL National Premiership.

The Swords are under no illusions as to how tough their Counties Manukau Stingrays opponents will be, the Aucklanders being runners-up in the Premiership last year.

The match is scheduled for a 2.30pm kickoff.

The Swords were hoping for better conditions than they had last week in Wellington but that doesn't look likely.

The MetService has forecast rain with heavy falls and easterlies, although the Toll Stadium surface is likely to hold up better than the soggy pitch in Petone. Last weekend was a tough first weekend at the office for new coach Mark Freeman, with the Northerners being put to the sword 38-14 by the Wellington Orcas.

However, having had eight debutants last weekend, Freeman hoped to have a few more experienced heads in his team this time around.

"The conditions were terrible and after the bus trip and flight it took us 40 minutes to realise we were playing national league.

"We hope to have Takahiwai's powerhouse loose forward Adam Donaldson and inspirational fullback Hori Tuhoro, as well as Knights player of the [Rugby League Northland] grand final Jordan Katene available this week which will increase competition for places," Freeman said.

"[Having more players up for selection] is healthy leading into this week's game at Toll Stadium."

When the sides last met, Counties were comfortable winners, scoring a 44-24 win and the Swords face the challenge of improving on that.

Playing before the Swords match will be under-13 club teams, starting with Manaia View and the Hora Hora Broncos who will play for the plate final while the Otangarei Knights face the Portland Panthers in the under-13 grand final.

Match schedule

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Main event:

Northern Swords v Counties Manukau Stingrays, 2.30pm.

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Under-13 plate final:

Manaia View v Hora Hora, 12pm.

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Under-13 grand final:

Otangarei v Portland, 1.15pm.