Rugby: A guide to Northland's premier club competition in 2019 (part 2)

Jordan Olsen's experience playing for Northland will be key for Mid Northern's top four hopes. Photo / File

Mid Northern club logo.

Mid Northern:

Premier coach: Craig Edwards
2018 season result: 7th

Reserves coach: TBC
2018 season result: semifinalists

Representative players: Jordan Olsen, Isilei Tu'ungafasi

After a year off, Craig Edwards is back in the top job for Mid Northern and hoping the team's struggles with depth is be a thing of the past.

"We've got a couple of guys coming from overseas to boost our forward pack because we've got an awesome backline but they are no good if they're not going forward," he said.

With an average age of about 23, Edwards hoped the young group could push for a semifinals spot.

Leading figure: James Cherrington (Second-five, centre)

After about four years with the side, Cherrington had become a leader in Mid Northern's backline, which Edwards said was down to his strong ball-carrying and encouragement on the field.

"He's very vocal, always putting positive stuff out for the players and has a really good team spirit," Edwards said.

Emerging talent: Tomislav Baker (Number 8)

Originally from Kaitaia, the man known as Tomi had the backing of his coach who said the young Northland academy player could go far.

"He looks like he's a keen young boy and he's got potential, but it's up to him how far he wants to go and if he wants to put the work in."

Waipū club logo.

Waipū:

Premier coaches: Graham Dewes, Steve Bean
2018 season result: Runners-up

Reserves coach: Leon Clyde
2018 season result: 7th

Representative players: Temo Mayanavanua, Sam McNamara

Sam McNamara, left, will be a valuable member of the Waipū set-up in the 2019 season. Photo / File

Waipū fell at the final hurdle last year, losing to Kamo in the final but coach Graham Dewes said the club was able to take away positives.

"At the time, I think the team was quite disappointed but when we left the stadium and went back to the clubrooms, it was like we'd won the game because the community support was so great."

Dewes wasn't aware of any Waipū team winning the competition which was a motivating factor for his side who wanted to reach the heights of 2018 and go one step further.

Leading figure: Wiseguy Faiane

After switching from Old Boys Marist to Waipū this year, Faiane has been a big hit with the club. Dewes said they were lucky to be able to attract such talented players.

"He understands the game well and he's able to communicate that to the boys in a way that they are able to understand which is a great skill to have," Dewes said.

Emerging talent: Popoai Finau (Loose forward)

A broken hand may have hindered Finau's progress as a Northland under-19 player last year, but according to his coach, the young loosie is going places, putting pressure on the more established players with his accomplished skill set.

"He's been training well over the summer and he's been playing exceptional rugby for the club, he can definitely go far," Dewes said.

Kerikeri club logo.

Kerikeri:

Premier coaches: Jimmy Robinson, Neil Miller
2018 season result: 6th

Reserves coach: Ryan Barker
2018 season result: semifinalists

Representative players: Tom Robinson (Blues), Sam Nock (Blues)

With last year being Kerikeri's first appearance in the premier competition in a number of years, coach Jimmy Robinson said the side performed well considering the abundance of younger players.

"For them to get a taste of that kind of rugby and still finish sixth was really commendable I reckon and hopefully it stands them in good stead for this year," he said.

Robinson said if the team could play the game at pace and make use of a talented backline, their goal of making the top four could become a reality.

Leading figure: Adam Sheppard (Second-five)

One of the older players of a young Kerikeri team, Sheppard trained with the Northland side during last year's season which Robinson said, had an impact on his growth as a player.

"I think he realised where he needed to be and he's worked really hard in the off-season so he's looking really promising this year."

Emerging talent: Tom Smith (First-five)

Even at 21 years of age, Smith had been a long-standing member of the Kerikeri club but according to Robinson, was coming into his own in 2019.

"His decision-making wasn't always the best but he's worked on that and he's just playing really smart rugby, his head is in the right place so I feel like it's going to be a good year for him," Robinson said.

Otamatea club logo.

Otamatea:

Premier coach: Nick Makea
2018 season result: 10th

Reserves coach: Peter Robinson
2018 season result: 8th

Representative players: Matt Moulds (Blues)

A new coach and a new perspective outlined Otamatea's approach to the 2019 season. After finishing last in 2018, former South Island West Coast coach Nick Makea wanted to make progress and develop a good culture at the club.

"My goal would be to finish mid-table but as long as we aren't down the bottom, I think that would be an improvement," he said.

Leading figure: Lolesio Lavea (Prop)

Based in Auckland, Lavea was the latest addition to a strong front row and one that Makea felt would lead his troops in the right direction.

"He's big and he's strong but he can move and he's a good ball-carrier. His versatility playing across the front row will really benefit the team."

Emerging talent: Tyler Foster (Loose forward)

A recent Northland under-19 player, Foster would be one of the youngest captains in the competition but Makea had faith his young charge could do the job.

"He can be a bit rough around the edges but he is a true leader and he has real potential," Makea said.

Wellsford club logo.

Wellsford:

Premier coach: Stu Oldfield
2018 season result: 5th

Reserves coach: Kirk Sullivan
2018 season result: Runners-up

Representative players: Ross Wright, Jordan Hyland, Rene Ranger

Wellsford fans will be hoping Northland winger Jordan Hyland is at his best in 2019. Photo / File

It was a case of a slow start coming back to bite the boys from Wellsford who, despite an almost unbeaten run in last year's second round, could not make the top four after losing early games. Coach Stu Oldfield said the side had learned from the experience and the enthusiasm was there for 2019.

"Every training we've had at least 20 guys there each night so they are keen as mustard and they're enjoying it which is always a good sign," he said.

Leading figure: Sean Sweetman (Lock)

Plagued in the past by foot injuries, Sean Sweetman had the opportunity to dominate the set-piece this season and for coach Oldfield, keeping him fit and on the park this season was essential.

"With ball in hand, he's pretty dominant and he's a bit of a force on the field, he doesn't talk too much but when the boys get around him they listen, so it's great to have him out there," Oldfield said.

Emerging talent: Sage Walters-Hansen (Loose forward)

An under-18 player last year, the young loose forward made his debut in round one and according to Oldfield, Wellsford's newest recruit had great potential.

"There's a lot of young guys out there that have got talent but you have to work hard to get to that next step and I definitely think within three or four years, he could be playing for Northland."

Premier club rugby fixtures (March 30):

Old Boys Marist vs. Waipū at Old Boys RFC: Field 1
Kerikeri vs. Kamo at Kerikeri RFC: Field 2
Hikurangi vs. Otamatea at Hikurangi RFC: Field 1
Wellsford vs. Hora Hora at Centennial Park: Field 2
Kaihu Ruawai Sharks vs. Mid Northern at Kaihu RFC: Field 1

All games starting at 2.15pm
All reserve games are the same fixtures, starting at 12.30pm