RUGBY - Taniwha survive but cash is tight

It's official - Northland will have a team in next year's Air New Zealand Cup after the Northland Rugby Union received its formal invitation to the competition from the New Zealand Rugby Union.
But with money tight and many other regions clamping down on player payments, Northland's home-grown talents will play a bigger part in the season than previous years, when a number of imports have been used.
Northland fans were outraged this year when the NZRU announced plans to dump Northland and Tasman from the Air NZ Cup. The news sparked a storm of protest and a "Save The Taniwha" campaign - which ultimately proved successful - was launched. The NZRU reversed its decision in September.
But despite that, Northland chairman Andrew Golightly didn't breath a total sigh of relief until he had the formal invitation in his hands. The invitation means Northland will be in the competition for 2009 and 2010.
Now it's full steam ahead for the 2009 season and Golightly is confident the Taniwha will be competitive. Last season Northland finished ninth, just outside the quarterfinal playoff spots, and with a little more luck would have made the top-eight.
Northland was, however, the top finisher of the Blues Super 14 franchise teams, ahead of Auckland and North Harbour.
"The NZRU is satisfied that Northland has worked hard to meet the conditions imposed on the union," Golightly said. "We thank our fans from within Northland and all over New Zealand who have supported us throughout 2008. Their generous support, in particular from the benefactors who made unconditional grants to Northland, have ensured our survival in the Air NZ Cup.
"We also thank our loyal staff, players, our local media and major sponsors Toll United, Hanson, Lion and Canterbury, and all other sponsors for their ongoing support."
He said finances were in reasonably good shape, with a $150,000 grant from the NZRU now on the books. As well, Northland got a $300,000 loan from the Whangarei District Council, which has yet to be banked.
Golightly said getting a full playing roster for next season was proving more difficult than first thought, but acknowledged home-grown players would make up a big part of the squad.
"There will have to be players coming through from the Northland clubs [competition] to make up the squad of 26, but I think we will still be competitive.
"Like other unions, we will lower our player spend as well," he said.