Taniwha backline stocks are set to be further replenished with an announcement expected later in the week to confirm that Nick Collins will join the Northland team for this season's Air New Zealand Cup.
The younger brother of Justin (Gus) Collins has been playing his rugby in Japan and, after signalling
his wish to return to New Zealand, Northland made an offer to bring the experienced centre back to Whangarei.
While final negotiations are still taking place, Northland coach Bryce Woodward said Collins, 32, had also accepted a position as the academy trainer for the association.
Replacing David Howell's experience and knowledge of the game was always going to be a difficult job after the fly-half retired from representative rugby this year, Woodward said.
He added a key factor for the Taniwha this year would be to find those qualities in a player.
"Nick's experience would add to the backline," he said.
Collins played for the Waikato Chiefs and for Bay of Plenty in the NPC until a shoulder injury resulted in a lengthy layoff from competitive rugby.
Woodward was more than happy with Howell's heir-apparent, Lachie Munro, who had everyone on their feet at Okara Park on Friday as he went on a try-scoring rampage against Old Boys.
The Mid Western first five-eighth ran in five tries to give his side to a 59-0 victory, emphasising why he is the Northland selectors' first choice replacement following Holwell's departure.
Woodward said he was satisfied with how Munro had been working at the gym and on his kicking accuracy.
While pleased with Munro's progress, the search for a player to cover first five eighth has so far been in vain.
Woodward's recent trip to Auckland looking at possible new recruits had not uncovered anybody, so it will be back to watching local players perform in the premier grade in the following weeks.
"We will be watching local players to see if they can step up to the mark and, if we feel they haven't developed enough, we will have to look elsewhere," Woodward said.
"There is talent in the union - it's whether they are ready or not yet. Having a back-up is important - but not as important as having the number one in place."
