Spooner-Neera in doubt

BIG BLOW: Hawke's Bay import and goal kicker Trinity Spooner-Neera is an unlikely starter for Wanganui in their big game in Masterton tomorrow. PHOTO/FILE 07092015WCSUPTRINITY

ADJUSTING to a new surface, stacking the medical kits and preparing for a Wairarapa-Bush in virtual kamikaze mode is all part of the battle plan for Steelform Wanganui ahead of their final Pink Batts Heartland Championship round-robin clash in Masterton tomorrow.

But they may not have their cool goal-kicking import Trinity Spooner-Neera to assist them, adding yet more weight on the young shoulders of standout teenager first five Stephen Perofeta.

Spooner-Neera had been dealing with a quad strain before last Saturday against Poverty Bay and a heavy knock early in the second half, which needed on-field treatment, did not help.

He has not been named in the starting 22 named by coach Jason Caskey for tomorrow, although the final call was being made at last night's training.

"He may be all right. We're just not sure. Didn't think he'd be up to it by Saturday [when announcing team]," Caskey said.

"He's been kicking beautifully lately."

Spooner-Neera has contributed 65 points in kicks, third on the overall Heartland scorers' list.

Even more cruel is the rolled ankle of flanker Daniel Fitzgerald, who had bravely worked his way back into the team after dislocating his shoulder.

"He's a bit disappointed on it. Hopefully it will be right by next weekend," said Caskey.

Lock Fraser Hammond is working through a knee injury and bracketed with Sam Madams.

On the plus side Bryn Hudson returns as expected and will move to blindside flanker. If Spooner-Neera can't play, the in-form backline just rejigs, with "Mr Fix-It" Ace Malo going to centre, Michael Nabuliwaqe back to fullback and winger Simon Dibben regaining his spot.

Nabuliwaqe, Dibben and Samu Kubunavanua must handle the unknown of Memorial Park's new all-weather artificial turf. It is expected to be extra quick, which is good, but also offer added bounce on attacking kicks, which could be a problem.

"I can't comment myself as I've never been on one [to play] either. It can't be worse than a dry Cooks Gardens when the ground is rock hard," said Caskey.

Another disconcerting report is that players have suffered infected grazings from the artificial grass, with Wairarapa and some visiting players wearing knee-protecting strapping. Caskey said the trainers were aware of the possibilities and would be ready.

"We've made sure we've got plenty of iodine and stuff ... Any cuts, they get plenty of tape put on them. Keep it nice and clean after the game so if anything grazes, they don't get infected."

What is much clearer is Wairarapa-Bush will do everything they can to lift the Bruce Steel Memorial Cup, while also securing their fourth spot for the Meads Cup semifinals.

The union has advertised the match heavily on social media to bring in their supporters, while coach Josh Syms added an extra Wednesday training session for the team this week, along with the regular Tuesday-Thursday.

"We need to be on the ball mentally and physically," he told the Wairarapa Times Age.

"Defensively we need to get in their faces and restrict their space and time on the ball. Any weaknesses and we will be in big trouble."

Caskey was not surprised to hear of the added session.

"They've got to do us to get into the Meads Cup.

"We've got a fair bit to play for as well. We're fully aware."

For Wanganui the equation is victory, ideally with a bonus point, while hoping Mid Canterbury and/or South Canterbury slip up in their final game to sneak past them for a home Meads Cup semifinal.

The home team will likely start with James Goodger and Auckland Grammar's So'otala Fa'oso'o in the loose forwards, although they have several options for the third man.

Front rower Andrew Makalio and midfield back Hala Viliami are also Auckland Grammar imports, while Feilding's Matt Daley is in the midfield.

But the man to watch for, particularly by Perofeta, is former Cantabrian-turned West Coaster Tim Priest, now living in Martinborough.

Second on the Heartland points scorers list with 78, Priest is a cool customer under pressure and enjoyed success against Wanganui when he was with the Coasters.