Harbour lick their lips over Tuitavake

Anthony Tuitavake has had a strong NPC season. Picture / Paul Estcourt

North Harbour's ambitions to build on their strong campaign this year took a significant step forward last night with the resigning of in-form centre Anthony Tuitavake.

In tandem with captain Rua Tipoki, the pair have been the outstanding midfield double act in the NPC and are strong contenders to win spots in the Blues franchise for the inaugural Super 14 when it is named on October 28.

There had been whispers that the flying Tuitavake, who was not wanted by the Blues and had a fine debut Super 12 for the Highlanders this year, was again in southern sights.

But the 23-year-old, who has scored five tries to back up powerful defensive work in Harbour's charge to the semifinals, ended that speculation yesterday.

Blues coach David Nucifora will have a serious case of head-scratching before he names his squad. He can protect up to 24 players with the other four to be decided by consultation with the other Super 14 coaches.

His midfield alternatives include Auckland's Sam Tuitupou, Ben Atiga and versatile Isa Nacewa, and Tipoki and Tuitavake. As he'll need two halfbacks, two first five-eighths, at least two specialist wings and one specialist fullback to fit into no more than 13 spots for backs, Nucifora may face some curly questions.

North Harbour chief executive Noel Coom is delighted with Tuitavake's signing, which includes an option for 2007.

It also bolsters Harbour's contracted player pool for next year. Coom will not discuss which individuals have been signed, but confirmed 12 of what has become the regular starting XV this season will be back at Albany next year.

"We are not unhappy about our position and we've got a number of negotiations in the pipeline. I'm pretty encouraged we'll be competitive again next year," he said.

Tipoki sat out training at Albany yesterday, resting a quad muscle injury he picked up against Southland last Sunday.

He has been hugely influential this season with his muscular defence and snappy attacking skills. However coach Allan Pollock insists there is no chance Tipoki will not be leading Harbour at Eden Park on Saturday.

"He could have played on against Southland, but we took the approach the game would look after itself," Pollock said of a match which had no bearing on Harbour's place in the semifinals.

Similarly it was a "no-brainer" to protect a key player from getting another bump at training yesterday.

Pollock will name his team today and only one position is likely to exercise his mind, the choice of Anthony Boric or Brent Wilson at blindside flanker.

Wilson made the early running this season and scored a couple of tries. But the taller Boric has come on significantly in recent weeks. Wilson is useful towards the back of the lineout, but 21-year-old 2m tall Boric has been excellent.

"Week after week it's the same old tough question," Pollock said. "They are both quality players. Boric has got the nod in the last few weeks because of his outstanding cleanout and tackle stats."