Squad picked for Heartland action

Following the Town v Country representative trial match on Monday, the Wanganui rugby selectors have named their pre-season squad.

The selectors were impressed by the calibre of rugby in the trial match and are set to prepare a team to take on Manawatu Evergreens at Arena Manawatu on June 22 as the first of the warm-up matches for the Heartland Championship season.

Head coach Jason Caskey said the Manawatu game (6.30pm kick-off) was a great opportunity for players on the cusp of selection to further their claims for the Heartland season. The squad will train on Wednesday, June 15, at 6pm at Cooks Gardens, and any injured or unavailable players should contact Caskey on 027 494 1022.

Forwards: Viki Tofa (Marist); Hamish Mellow (Border); Tietie Tuimauga (Border); Karl Parker (Ruapehu); Hadlee Hay-Horton (Taihape); Jack Yarrall (Kaierau); Roman Tutauha (Ruapehu); Sam Madams (Border); Gavin Thornbury (Border); Jake Alabaster (Border); Bryn Hudson (Ngamatapouri); Malakai Valou (Ngamatapouri); Tremaine Gilbert (Taihape); Jamie Hughes (Ruapehu).

Backs: Kane Tamou (Ratana); Anaru Saurara (Kaierau); Dane Whale (Taihape); Craig Clare (Ruapehu); Tevita Tui (Marist); Meki Magele (Pirates); Kaveni Dabenaise (Border); Kameli Kuruyabaki (Kaierau); Cyrus Paringatai (Taihape); Samu Kubunavanua (Ngamatapouri); Michael Nabuliwaqe (Ngamatapouri); Simeli Koniferedi (Marist); Te Rangatira Waitokia (Metro Colts); Nick Harding (Border).