A strong Whanganui Maori side has been chosen to play Taranaki Maori in the curtain raiser to the next home Steelform Wanganui match at Cooks Gardens on October 1.
The side contains a number of former Wanganui Heartland representatives, Development XV members, and three of the players currently in the NZ Heartland Under 19 team playing at the national tournament in Taupo.
Coached by veteran player Vaan Rauhina, the team will play the Taranaki Maori before the Wanganui vs Thames Valley match, kickoff 12.45pm.
The team is
Josh Hirini (Utiku); Gabriel Hakaraia (Ruapehu); Tawhio Gupwell (Ruapehu); Isaac Fonotoe (Ratana); Keanu Puki-Kaa (Metro Colts); Sean Van der lubbe (Metro Colts); Jack Hodges (Border); Christian Hawria (Ruapehu); Dale Pene (Marist); Dylan Maloney (Taihape); Mikaere Penetito (Ratana); Kieran Hussey (Border); Kahl Elers (Ruapehu); Te Tua Kemp (Ratana); Isaiah Hooper (Border); Harerangi Meihana (Metro Colts); Ethan Robinson (Kaierau); Jessy Kemp (Ngamatapouri); Jaye Flaws (Taihape); Taylor Transom (Taihape); James Forsythe (Border).
Coach: Vaan Rauhina; Assistant coach: Justin Lock; Manager: Joe Fazakerley.