Though Ben Botica, son of Frano and a representative first five-eighths himself, will be absent, having moved to France, North Shore will still have a member of the noted family in the pivot's role when North Harbour premier club rugby starts today.
Lining up for Shore in their away game against Marist will be Frano's second son, Jacob, who showed exceptional promise and a potent boot in the under 21 grade last year.
Ben Botica is one of several players Shore will be missing as they try to defend the title won so dramatically last year. Head coach, Wayne Shelford, says he has lost most of last year's side either to injury or moves overseas, including all four locks and also the powerhouse No 8 Mat Luamanu, who is looking for a Japanese contract after not being wanted for the Super 15.
But Shelford, who will be again assisted by Frano Botica, points out that in winning last year's championship Shore had a large turnover of players, using 44 in all. He believes the club's depth, and promotions from the reserves and under 21s, will overcome any problems.
Helping offset the losses, too, will be the return of veteran back Willie Walker from a lengthy professional stint overseas, while experienced hooker Jamie Hincho might have a useful bench backup role.