Counties Manukau: Steelers likely to battle for their survival

It is difficult to see Counties Manukau being anything other than also-rans as they try to bounce back from last season's nightmare, when they won just once, in an upset local-derby triumph over Waikato.

Professionalism has done nothing to advance the cause of teams outside the major city areas, and the days of Counties Manukau being constant title challengers are firmly in the memory banks.

They had just three regulars in the Chiefs this season, and it is difficult to make an impact in the NPC without a core of Super 12 players.

That is not to say there is not potential, particularly around the lock-loose forward area.

Kristian Ormsby looks like a player on the rise in New Zealand rugby. The Steelers also include his fellow national Colt George Stowers.

Koula Tukino is one of the best power-running loosies in the game, and Hare Makiri is a recent Super 12 player.

But, crucially, there are no such riches in the front row.

Coach Andrew Talaimanu attempted to lure Samoan prop Polo Asi into the side, but that deal fell through over the small matter of money, something Counties Manukau do not have in abundance.

There have also been talks with Waikato about getting a prop on loan, with no result yet.

So for now, they will be relying on players from club ranks such as Dave Stewart, who are limited in experience and will be up against frontrowers around the country who have been fighting it out in the Super 12 this year.

The player to watch in the backs might be national under-19 centre Casey Laulala, one of the surprise stars in the win at the world championships in Chile this year.

Laulala, who has been pursued by Canterbury, may not start, but is expected to be injected into games in the second half when his broken-field running will be best used.

The man to spark the Steelers' backline is undoubtedly fullback Loki Crichton, who was impressive for the Chiefs this season.

And Crichton, captain Danny Lee and Tukino will know from their experience with the Chiefs that turnarounds are possible.

But it shapes as a tough season ahead for the Steelers, who look more likely to be fighting it out in the relegation zone than pushing for the semifinals.