Whanganui Maori team named

OPEN PASTURES: Te Rangatira Waitokia makes a rare break for the Whanganui Tane in the senior final of the Te Tini A Maui tournament against Wellington at Cooks Gardens last year.

A strong Whanganui Maori squad has been named to tackle the annual Te Tini A Maui Rugby Tournament to be played in Masterton next month.

The 22-man squad features a solid mix of current Steelform Whanganui Heartland players, more than useful senior premier grade men and few older wiser heads thrown in for good measure.

Whanganui hosted last year's tournament where the homeside finished second to a strong Wellington side. It was the first time in 10 years the tournament had been hosted outside Palmerston North.

Many of last year's quad return this season, including 2016 Mitre 10 Heartland Championship Player of the Year, Te Rangatira Waitokia.

Last season the team also claimed the prestigious 120-year-old Tuera Shield after upsetting Taranaki Maori 48-12 on home soil at Cooks Gardens for what was believed to be the first time since 1989.

Coach Vaan Rauhina is again back in the frame with Justin Lock named as his deputy. The team manager is Joe Fazakerley.

Training sessions will be held at Spriggens Park on Wednesday, March 1 at 6.30pm and Wednesday, March 5 at 3pm.

The tournament in Masterton is set down for March 11 and 12.

The squad is:
Roman Tutauha - Captain
Jamie Hughes
Gabriel Hakaraia
Tawhio Gupwell
Troy Brown
Christian Hawira
Dane Whale
Tremaine Gilbert
Jaye Flaws
Josh Hirini
Mikaere Penetito
Sean Van Der Lubbe
Kane Tamou
Keanu Puki-Kaa
Cody Hemi
Steelie Koro
Kieran Hussey
Sam Madams
Jack Hodges
Isaiah Hooper
James Forsyth
Te Rangatira Waitokia