Hockey: Men's teams for national league

Auckland

Coach: Manoj Daji

2005: 2nd
2004: 4th
2003: 2nd
2002: 2nd
2001: 1st
2000: 3rd

Expected standouts: Wayne McIndoe, Richard Petherick, Simon Child, David Samuels

On the rise: Jono Brooker, Hamish Baron, Luke Emerson, Cain Fleming

Outlook: Auckland are under new leadership this year - Manoj Daji, who played in the NHL between 1987 and 1996 for Auckland, Wellington and North Harbour.

Auckland are weaker than the side who finished runners-up last year. Key absentees include Black Sticks captain Ryan Archibald, and fellow internationals goalkeeper Paul Woolford and attacker Gareth Brooks, who are off to play overseas after the World Cup, and defender Dion Gosling, who has retired.

Daji's only major gain is New Zealand No 2 drag-flick weapon Richard Petherick, who has moved from Midlands and should have an impact on the scoreboard when he returns from the World Cup.

Simon Child and Hamish Baron - two of the league's top goal-scorers last year - are back. Child in particular has improved dramatically during his year with the Black Sticks and will pose a huge danger from anywhere in the circle.

In the midfield, Daji is looking to national squad member Wayne McIndoe and David Samuels, as well as Sanjay Patel, who returns from a year with Northland.

Team: Hamish Baron, Jono Brooker, Simon Child, Luke Emerson, Cain Fleming, Ben Glynn, Michael Gunn, Jaydeep Keshaw, Warren Kreft, Ken Maplesen, Wayne McIndoe, Rakesh Parsottam, Sanjay Patel, Richard Petherick, Dharmesh Puna, David Samuels, Gareth Spittall, Ben Stevenson

Tip: Auckland are weaker than last year but should still be good enough to make the top four. From there, anything is possible at finals weekend.

North Harbour

Coach: Darren Smith

2005: 4th
2004: 1st
2003: 4th
2002: 4th
2001: 2nd
2000: 1st

Expected standouts: Bryce Collins, Lloyd Stephenson, Ben Collier.

On the rise: Aidan Sleeman, Priyesh Bhana

Outlook: North Harbour are back with a similar-strength team to last year. Harbour finished first in round-robin play last year before slumping to a disappointing fourth at finals weekend.

The only key loss is defensive anchor Blair Hopping, who is taking some well-earned time out after the World Cup.

Up front, former international and league favourite Dave Kosoof is back. He is a proven performer at NHL level and will be supported most notably by Black Stick Lloyd Stephenson.

The midfield is an area of strength, with New Zealand squad players Bryce Collins, Shaun Barnett and Ben Collier.

Harbour have brought in Darryl MacCormick from Perth to bolster their defence in Hopping's absence.

Daniel Shaw, Aiden Sleeman, Steven Edwards and David Green fill out the defence. MacCormick may not arrive until well into the league and Harbour's World Cup Black Sticks will similarly miss the early rounds.

Team: Shaun Barnett, Sam Bartholomew, Priyesh Bhana, Simon Brill, Ben Collier, Bryce Collins, Julian Dapena, Steven Edwards, Charles Fryer, David Green, Sinclair Hill, Nathaniel Joy, Chris Lee, Shane Maddaford, Darryl MacCormick (International Guest Player), David Kosoof, Daniel Shaw, Aidan Sleeman, Lloyd Stephenson.

Tip: North Harbour's attacking depth will be tested in the early rounds. The side will need to work hard early to compensate, and to ensure a role at finals weekend.

Last year's final placings:

Canterbury 1, Auckland 2, Wellington 3, North Harbour 4, Northland 5, Midlands 6, Southern 7, Central 8

HOW THE REST SHAPE UP

Northland

Fifth last year, will target the top four. There's a good quota of young talent, with the squad's average age 20, but John Campbell and Brett Hood, who last played when Northland won the title in 1996, have returned to add experience. Goalscorers Mark Thorne and Auckland's Scott Heappey are back and will be vital.

Midlands

Aiming to make the top four for the first time since 2000. Sixth last year but have lost penalty corner expert Richard Petherick. Watch for overseas import Arif Ali, who was top scorer at the recent Asian Games qualifying tournament.

Central

Finished last in 2005 so only one way to go. Scored only nine goals in pool play so there's an obvious target. Black Sticks Bevan Hari and Shea McAleese will be crucial. Top four likely to be beyond them.

Wellington

Beaten in the semifinals the last two years, so the incentive takes care of itself. Watch for Australian guest player Brent Livermore who arrives after round five. With names like Parag, Pontifex and Nation in the lineup, they will again be decent title contenders.

Canterbury

The defending champions are significantly weaker, just six players back from last year. The big loss is penalty corner king Hayden Shaw. This campaign will test the depth of talent in the province. New coach Grant Edwards is back after coaching several English premier club sides.

Southern

No big names of note for the team who finished seventh last year. New co-coaches Peter Ashton and David Ross will be targeting a first appearance in the top four. Might have capability to surprise.