Pikiao players into big league

HOOKER: Pirikawana Taiatini (right), of Rotorua, has been promoted to the starting lineup for the Waicoa Bay Stallions.PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER A - 210713SP3

Tahuriorangi, Taiatini get Stallions start

Two of Pikiao's best players this season have been promoted to the starting lineup for the Waicoa Bay Stallions clash with Counties Manukau.

The Stallions, who play in New Zealand's premier domestic rugby league competition the Pirtek National Premiership, face off against Counties on Monday night at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland.

Rotorua's Pirikawana "Papa" Taiatini is set to start at hooker on Monday while Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi will start on the wing, after captaining the Rotorua Boys' High School team this week at the national secondary schools tournament.

The Stallions' match kicks off at 5.45pm on Monday.

The Stallions started their season with a loss last Monday against Wellington 46-26.

Despite the loss, the Stallions looked the better of the two sides in the second half, scoring 20 points.

The other match this weekend sees Wellington up against the Akarana Falcons, which will be shown live on Sky Sports on Monday at 7.30pm.

Waicoa Bay Stallions team to face Counties Manukau Stingrays:

Hamiora Mihaka, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Pikiao), Waisale Tavabulabula, John Koko (Taupo), Ryan Gordon, Josh Weeden, Hayden Karena (c), Dana Ratu, Pirikawana Taiatini (Pikiao), John Love-Henry (Taupo), Willy Rutene, Carlos Kohu-Martin, Phil Rameka (Reporoa). Substitutes: Aaron Jolley, Sam Pritchard, Marrin Haggie, Jeremy Siulepa (Pacific).

** Squad may change