There will be a strong Wanganui rugby presence in the Central Zone Maori side to play Southern in Christchurch on Saturday.
Former Heartland representatives Junior Tume, Vance Pereka and Che Barlow, along with young flanker Jamie Hughes, have been named in the Te Tini a Maui team to meet TeWaipounamu.
The hooker Tume played 25 games for Wanganui between 2003 and 2012 and was part of the Wanganui Development campaign to win the RDO Cup for the first time last season.
Second-five eighth Pereke earned 24 caps for Wanganui (2009-2012) and while reserve back Barlow (17 matches, 2003-2005) will play a major rugby union representative fixture after having been named Back of the Year by Manawatu Rugby League while playing for Whanganui Boxon and the Central Vipers in 2013.
Also included in the Central Zone Maori is former Wanganui first-five Mark Davis, who played 39 times for Wanganui between 2008-2012, and is now based back in Taranaki.
Three Wanganui players - lock Gerrard Paki, flanker Sean van der Lubbe and reserve inside back Paora Heremia - are in the Central Colts team.
Wanganui Maori suffered two defeats at the Te Tini tourney in Palmerston North last weekend, losing to Manawatu 28-15 and to eventual winners Wellington 54-5.
