Steelform Wanganui coach Jason Caskey and the selectors have made their final trim for the start of the 2014 Pink Batts Heartland championship next week, which will include eight newcomers to local first-class rugby.
After the 7-7 draw with Manawatu B in the final preseason match on Wednesday night, the26-man squad retains most of the veteran local forward pack, with just loose forward Malakai Volau dropping back to join the Wanganui Development team.
In the backs, winger Samu Kubunavanua, centre Kameli Kuruyabaki, winger Sailosi Naqiso and halfback Nick Tipling also make way for some new faces.
Among the newcomers, winger Jaye Flaws made it through despite not featuring in either of the preseason games, joining his Taihape teammate in fullback Dane Whale, who will look to follow 100-game capped Kerry Whale into national provincial honours.
The other new Wanganui Heartland backs are halfback William Short, winger Clive Stowers, and Taranaki import Josh Hamilton.
