Hodder notes impressive form of some club players
New Northland rugby signing, Mike Rowe, is hoping to celebrate his selection for the final New Zealand colts trial when he steps out for Mid Northern in a Northland-wide club rugby match against Otamatea in Kaiwaka tomorrow.
Rowe transferred to Northland from Manawatu in the off-season hoping to burst onto the provincial scene after being overlooked by the Manawatu selectors.
He subsequently linked up with the Mid Northern club and has produced some eye-catching displays on the wing for his new club.
Now he seems almost certain of a place in the final NZ colts trial in Palmerston North later this month with the squads set to be announced tomorrow.
Northland coach Bruce Hodder said Rowe's form in club games had been duly noted and in particular his ability to score tries on the wing.
"Mike is one, but actually there has been some very impressive form by a few club players which in some ways is quite exciting," Hodder said.
"Mike Rowe has been really impressive with his speed and so has Matt Faleuka for Marist and one or two others who are standouts every week in club games," he said.
If Rowe gets the nod of approval from NZ colts selectors as expected, it is likely he will not play the Northland trial game against Poverty Bay next week.
Tomorrow marks the start of round two in the Northland-wide competition, to be known as the Joe Morgan Memorial Trophy round with a dedicated trophy in honour of the famous former All Blacks midfield back up for grabs.
Hikurangi took out first-round honours from Waipu but there are just seven championship points dividing the top two teams and the next six contenders.
Hikurangi meet Marist at Hikurangi tomorrow with the visitors hoping several of their star imports, Matt Faleuka, Josh Levi and Simon Lemalu included, front up to play.
If they do it could be an interesting tussle.
Waipu host Hora Hora at Waipu and will need to be on guard against a resurgent Hora Hora outfit. Awanui and Wellsford are still well in the mix for a semifinal spot and their return clash at Wellsford may prove to be crucial for both.
While both Kamo and the Western Sharks appear to be out of the reckoning for a semifinal this season, their game at Kamo tomorrow is looming large as the loser then faces the very real threat of demotion.
New signing keen to celebrate
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