Northland: Loss of players once again a problem before a ball has been kicked

They say that while many players see the NPC as a passport to success, those in Northland just look for their passport.

Northland coach Bryce Woodward could have been forgiven for stationing himself at Auckland Airport with his hand raised and demanding: "Thou shall not pass."

A clutch of Northland players from last season are now plying their trade far from our shores, including the sometimes inspirational Norm Berryman, halfback Joggie Viljoen, who has not returned from South Africa, and first five-eighths Tony Monaghan.

When you add that first five-eighths Jared Going will miss the season because of a shoulder injury, Samiu Vahafolau has returned to Auckland and Justin Collins has also joined the Auks, there is not a lot of cause for optimism in the north.

Then again, Northland are used to seeing their players head far and wide, and Woodward epitomises a never-say-die attitude that carried them to four wins last season.

In the plus column, rangy flanker Allen Tubbs is back in the ranks after being unavailable for most of last season.

It will be a reunion of sorts in the loose forwards, with Tim Henwood and Graham Hilton-Jones also returning.

In another key gain, Northland have scored the services of James Arlidge, who made more than a decent fist of his Super 12 opportunities with the Blues this year.

He will bring a solid game-plan and goalkicking ability to the side.

Auckland prospect Ben Meyer is on loan, joining Sam Pinder, who played second fiddle to Viljoen at halfback, and North Harbour's Aidan Vince is the other first five-eighths.

The player to watch further out might be New Zealand Colts centre Jason Shoemark, who cemented his place in the Northland backline at the end of last season.

Wing has been an area where Northland have struggled to produce their own NPC players, and there are more imports this year, with Canadian test wing Fred Asselin and Fiji sevens representative Rupeni Caucau joining Fijian Fero Lasagavibau.

Northland will hope that their scrum continues to test one and all, and they have two Super 12-class locks in Glenn Taylor and Vula Maimuri.

The Northland pack never lack heart, although the loss of Collins and the dynamic Vahafolau is a major blow.

Like many smaller provinces, Northland are battling the odds.

But never underestimate their spirit.