Rugby: Caskey names large squad ahead of Heartland season

Steelform Wanganui coach Jason Caskey (centre) has named a large squad for the upcoming Heartland Championship season. Photo / File

Steelform Wanganui coach Jason Caskey has named an extended 31-strong squad as the side prepare to launch yet another defence of the Meads Cup.

Caskey wants to carry a large squad through the season to help some of the younger players gain experience being around the rep side.

Wanganui have four games before the Mitre 10 Heartland Championship kicks off when South Canterbury visit Cooks Gardens on August 25.

The squad is dominated by the top four clubs with a handful from Marist and Kaierau.

"We're looking to try and develop a few of the younger guys and give them an opportunity," Caskey said.

"A few probably won't play a lot of games but we're bringing them around the squad and training. We won't be changing the numbers by a lot. It'll be a big squad right the way through."

Pre-season starts with a game of three halves against Manawatu and Bay of Plenty in Taihape in July 27 followed by a Ranfurly Shield challenge against Taranaki in Hawera in August 4, for which Wanganui will field its top available side.

Wanganui then head into a training camp and pre-season game against Wairarapa Bush the following weekend before a final hit out against Hawke's Bay Saracens.

Henri Williams is the sole loan player in the squad, coming to Wanganui after a club season with Fraser Tech in the Waikato competition.

Caskey said at 2.3m and 122kg the Welsh Williams would help Wanganui in the locking department.

"He gives us something we haven't got in the union at the moment, a bit of size and a bit of bulk for set piece strength."

Caskey said he was happy with the pre-season programme as Wanganui attempt to add to their run of three Meads Cups in succession.

"We shouldn't be underdone when we start, that's for sure."

The 2018 extended Steelform Wanganui squad is :

FORWARDS
Jackson Campbell (Ruapehu)
Wiremu Cotterell (Taihape)
Dylan Gallien (Taihape)
Tremaine Gilbert (Taihape)
Gabriel Hakaraia (Ruapehu)
Campbell Hart (Ruapehu)
Peter-Travis Hay-Horton (Taihape)
Jack Hodges (Border)
Jamie Hughes (Ruapehu)
Kamipeli Latu (Border)
Sam Madams (Marist)
Angus Middleton (Border)
Cade Robinson (Kaierau)
Viki Tofa (Marist)
Roman Tutauha (Ruapehu)
Henri Williams Loan (Fraser Tech - Waikato)
Jack Yarrall (Marist)

BACKS
Junior Ainea (Pirates)
Craig Clare (Ruapehu)
Cameron Crowley (Marist)
Kaveni Dabenaise (Border)
Simon Dibben (Marist)
Joshua Fifita (Ruapehu)
Lindsay Horrocks (Border)
Kameli Kuruyabaki (Taihape)
Penijamini Nabainivalu (Marist)
Ethan Robinson (Kaierau)
Tyler Rogers-Holden (Border)
Shandon Scott (Kaierau)
Harry Symes (Border)
Dane Whale (Taihape)