A 17-year-old Northlander will be jetting off to the University of California, San Diego, on a full golf and academic scholarship.

A heavy defensive session yesterday put the Taniwha through rigorous tackling drills to help reiterate their various roles and responsibilities around the defensive channels.

Whangarei's Cobham Oval is set to host New Zealand's premier Twenty20 tournament, the Georgie Pie Super Smash, on November 15.

Northland loose forward Dan Pryor could make his return to the professional rugby scene against Taranaki at Toll Stadium on Sunday.

Changes have been made to Northland's lineup for their round-three clash against Wellington at Westpac Stadium tomorrow.