Coast not to be underestimated

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

POVERTY Bay under-16 rugby reps play East Coast at Rugby Park tomorrow in the Bay’s first and only warm-up game before their representative season starts the following weekend.

The Bay have been training for the past month, and seven Gisborne Boys’ High School u15 players have rejoined the u16s. Nine GBHS first 15 members are in the side.

Also in the frame are Genesis Bartlett-Tamatea and Isaiah Booth of Lytton High School, Tavita Kavai and Tawhai Tanerau of Campion College, and Russell Te Whata of Turanga Ararau.

“These boys have all the skills,” Poverty Bay coach Tuki Sweeney said.

“Now it’s just a matter of them gelling and getting back into a competitive structure.”

Sweeney has been grateful for the help of Tom Cairns, Kahu Falaoa and YMP great Ron Tamatea in the lead-up to the Hurricanes season.

“We were fourth at the tournament in 2016 and this year we want to at least make the final,” Sweeney said.

“We can be competitive against Hawke’s Bay and Manawatu.”

Sweeney wants to trial the structure he and others have implemented in the past month. He has told his players the Coast will be physical and cannot be underestimated.

East Coast u16s coach David Newton said he had a “very strong team” who were looking forward to tomorrow’s derby.

“This is our warm-up game going into the Hurricanes u16s tournament in Whanganui. Look out for Hoki Wahitapu and Romeo Schumann. They’re very good backs.

“Poverty Bay, come at us. We’re ready.”

The game kicks off at 12.15pm.

POVERTY BAY (1-22): Jordan McFarlane, Lyric Te Hau, Sione Mafileo/Tavita Kavai, Keanu Wainohu-Kemp, Isaiah Booth, James Law/Finn Henstock, Dylan Hall (captain), Nikau Maxwell, Braedyn Grant, Matt Proffit (vice-captain), Tyrese Tuwairua-Brown, Russell Te Whata, Taumanu Gemmell, Tuteari Te Rauna-Lamont, Campbell Hall. Reserves: Moko Kiwara, Tavita Kavai, Nehe Papuni, Sione Mafileo, Kiane Westrupp, Ash Grant, Finn Henstock, Jordan Christie, Alex Maile, Devonte Babbington.

EAST COAST (1-22): Liam NgereNgere, Putahi Morice, Tremain Cannell (vice-captain), Kyah Hollis, Kiwa Gibson Haig, Anaru Chase, Reweti Fisher, Porourangi Poutu, Te Aho Haenga (captain), Zyon Collins, Ihaia Te Purei, Tuhakia Stewart, Te Aotahi Tuhaka, Romeo Schumann, Hoki Wahitapu. Reserves: Israel Parker, Reihana Wilkie, Rawhiti Ngata, William Martin, William Haenga, Ptolemey Niania, Caleb August, Karaitiana Kenworthy, Waitakeo Banks.

Officials: Isaac Hughes (referee), Chris Wanoa (assistant ref 1), David Stevenson (assistant ref 2).