“We have a committed group of young men who have spent the last three weeks learning about the club and the Highlanders style of rugby to grow their own game,” he said.
“The group has been working extremely hard during this period and as a result have created some great discussions within our coaching group before we were able to land on the 27-man travelling squad to Taupō.
“There is an exciting mix of skillsets and personalities throughout the group, and they are ready to meet the challenge ahead of them this Saturday.”
Leading the team onto the field is midfielder Josh Whaanga at captain.
Despite his youth, Whaanga brings experience, having earned his stripes through his inclusion in the Otago National Provincial Championship team last September.
He started and played in 10 games during the 2023 NPC Season.
Whaanga attributes his preparedness to his tenure with the Highlanders under-20s team and participation in the Highlanders’ pre-season training in 2023, experiences that have primed him for advancing his rugby career.
Having completed his second pre-season with the Highlanders under the John Jones Steel high-performance programme, Whaanga, alongside his elder brother Matt Whaanga, showcased his prowess in the Highlanders v Moana Pasifika pre-season game in February 2024.
Anticipating the challenge in Taupō, Whaanga expressed his enthusiasm for guiding his teammates.
“This being my second year with the team, I understand the physical and mental demands of playing three games in eight days. The management has equipped us with a solid foundation to cultivate professional habits and deepen our understanding of the game.
“Representing the club I’ve always admired, being born and raised in the Highlanders Region, is a tremendous honour. As captain, witnessing the players utilize the available resources and embody the club’s values has been truly gratifying,” he said.
The team comprises a record 19 players from the Highlanders region, a testament to the efficacy of provincial and school-level development programs in the region.
Highlanders John Jones Steel Under 20s team:
Hunter Areaiiti Burgess - Southland Boys’ High School
Josh Augustine - Napier Boys’ High School
Charlie Breen - John McGlashan College
Keegan Ferguson - John McGlashan College
Jayton (JJ) Fisher - Southland Boys’ High School
Quinten Holland - King’s High School
Shaun Kempton - Rolleston College
A-One Lolofie - Hastings Boys’ High School
Stan McClure - John McGlashan College
Liam McIntosh - Southland Boys’ High School
Samuel Nemec-Vial - King’s High School
Reuben Palmer - Tauranga Boys’ College
Wyndham Patuawa - Hamilton Boys’ High School
Eric Peita - Otago Boys’ High School
Dylan Pledger - King’s High School
Kyan Rangitutia - St John’s College, Hamilton
Max Ratcliffe - Napier Boys’ High School
Gregor Rutledge - Southland Boys’ High School
Justin Shaw - Southland Boys’ High School
Moana Takataka - Otago Boys’ High School
Taitelea Tasi-Cordtz - Otago Boys’ High School
Josh Tengblad - Sacred Heart College
Oliver Thode - Otago Boys’ High School
William Thode - Otago Boys’ High School
Jack Timu - John McGlashan College
Josh Whaanga (Captain) - John McGlashan College
Caleb Williams - Southland Boys’ High School
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