Rugby: Club talent burns brightly

With Northland's Southern Districts Premier club rugby competition nearing the halfway stage, Northern Advocate sports editor Cameron Leslie put the word out around local clubs to see who, in their view, were the players to watch this season.

HIKURANGI

Premier Coaches: Quentin Cherrington, Troy Raitt.

Manager: David Hodson.

Premier Reserve Coach: Ali Rickey.

Manager: Kevin Wharfe.

Player to Watch: Star Timu.

Timu is a former New Zealand under-20 player who has played the last two seasons for the Hawke's Bay ITM Cup and sevens teams. He is a gifted utility player who can play anywhere in the backline.

Up and Coming Player: Yates Cooper.

Cooper is a former St Kentigern College 1st XV player who is an exciting and dynamic loose forward. Cooper has been dubbed as a player with a lot of potential and one to watch in the years ahead.

HORA HORA

Premier Coach: Mark Wati.

Manager: Hayden Bell.

Premier Reserve Coaches: Jason Parangi, Ned Roberts.

Manager: Hayden Bell.

Players to Watch: Warren Dunn.

Dunn is a current contracted Northland ITM Cup player with a strong running game and the ability to break the line. He has been one of the form centres in the premier competition for the past four years. Dunn will be hoping to learn as much as he can from Rene Ranger before Ranger possibly moves overseas.

Up and Coming Player: Jared Wendt.

Younger brother of Hora Hora and Bay of Islands halfback Logan, Wendt is a strong runner with the ball who constantly asks questions of the opposition defence. Wendt's skills don't stop there; he is also touted as a tough defender. One thing is for sure; Wendt punches above his weight when it comes to rugby.

MID NORTHERN

Premier Coaches: Craig Edwards, Rata Going.

Manager: Butch Te Nana.

Premier Reserve Coaches: Des Going, Brian Going.

Manager: Steve Kaire-Smales.

Player to Watch: Tane Takulua.

Takulua is described as an outstanding player. He came to Mid Northern after playing for the Western Sharks in 2012, quickly fitted in and became a star. While playing for Mid Northern, he gained recognition by being named in the Northland ITM Cup team and this year gained a full contract with the Taniwha. Takulua is a player who shows skill and determination in each game. Last year, he was named Player of the Year at the Mid Northern prizegiving.

Up and Coming Player: Jordan Olsen.

Olsen is a third-generation club member. His grandfather, Robin, was a founding member of the club 50 years ago, and his father, Robert, was a prominent player and coach. Both Olsen's grandfather and father are still heavily involved with the club. Olsen, who turns 21 shortly, plays at hooker and is an exciting prospect for Northland honours. Last year, he played for the Northland Colts and had a few games for the development team.

MID WESTERN

Premier Coaches: Simon Cauty.

Managers: Derren Thyne, Craig Berridge.

Player to watch: Ben Berridge.

Berridge is no stranger to Northland rugby supporters after being in the public eye since making New Zealand age grade teams. The 20-year-old loose-forward has a work rate second-to-none in the premier competition. However, currently Berridge is nursing an injury after hyper-extending his leg early in the season. Mid Western coach Simon Cauty is expecting Berridge to be ready for action again by the second round of premier rugby. Berridge is described as a player with a lot of heart who just doesn't stop working.

Up and comer: Aiden Miller.

Since making the shift this year from Marist's B team, Miller has been making big strides and getting better with each game. Miller is a young player who can cover wing and fullback, although he generally plays fullback. He is a player touted as having huge potential, boosted by being well built.

OLD BOYS MARIST

Club Coaching Director: Mark Seymour.

Premier Coaches: Boyd Matson, Paul Butturini.

Manager: Gary McCullough.

Premier Reserve Coaches: Trevor Reader, Jason McMasters.

Manager: Tai Rogers.

Player to Watch: Mateo Malupo.

Malupo was a Northland representative player in 2012 who gives the Old Boys Marist team amazing strike power from anywhere on the field. A true game breaker who can create opportunities from nothing, Malupo has already shown this season his game-breaking potential after scooping up a ball to score against Kamo two rounds ago.

Up and Coming Player: Dan Wells.

Wells is a solid first or second-five player with good fundamental rugby skills. He is able to consistently get over the gain line with his strong ball carries. Wells is also able to kick his team out of trouble if needed with a huge punt. He is a well balanced player who offers variable styles of play.