Surf lifesaving: Veteran leaves Taranaki

Jaron Mumby (left) and Chris Scott. Photo / Supplied

Surf lifesaver Jaron Mumby has been passed over by his Taranaki club for next month's New Zealand surf league competition in Mt Maunganui.

After captaining his province to win the last three titles, the champion IRB crewman will cross coasts to race for Gisborne at the two-day carnival.

It's a big talking point around the announcement of eight provincial teams, Mumby admitting he wanted to stay with his home province.

"I've been training hard and looking forward to my 12th year with Taranaki but, unfortunately, I wasn't wanted after making myself available as a canoe specialist," Mumby said.

Taranaki selectors went for the world champion East End IRB team of Andrew Cronin and James Moorwood. Cronin and Mumby teamed up to win all four races at last year's surf league when Moorwood was unavailable.

Gisborne manager Mark Weatherall convinced the 34-year-old to join the rebuilt team but only after Mumby had consulted some Taranaki faithful, such as long-time IRB crewmate Chris Scott.

"His first words were, 'do it', so the decision was made easy based on a lot of support," said Mumby.

"I'll be crewing the IRB with another Taranaki local, Geoff Cronin. It'll be tough taking on well-established crews with only three weeks to gel but we're 100 per cent committed."

Mumby's selection isn't the only masterstroke by the Gisborne team, which finished sixth last year. Australian team members Devon Halligan and Laura Shorter will also compete for the province.

Shorter will resume her duel with top Kiwi sprinters Chanel Hickman (Auckland) and Arna Wright (Bay of Plenty) after some great battles at the international challenge last year. Hickman, who is based on the Gold Coast, will be a warm favourite in the flags, while Wright's beach sprinting form has been exceptional this season.

Even without Mumby, Taranaki's talented line-up will be hard to beat, New Zealand captain Glenn Anderson looking to continue a remarkable streak. He's been with teams that have won the last five surf league titles - the last three with Taranaki.

Taranaki will also lean heavily on their prodigious IRB crew, as well as world champion beach sprinter Paul Cracroft-Wilson, swimmer Ayla Dunlop-Barrett and national ski champion Dan Nelson.