Two big young outsiders get a run with Taniwhas

Bring on the ITM Cup is the call from Derren Witcombe after naming his 30-man squad for the upcoming season, which has a distinct local flavour mixed with a couple of big outsiders.

Of note in the 2013 Taniwha squad is 120kg former Wales under-20 prop Willgriff John who has been plying his trade out of the Mid Western club this season.

John, 20, is described by Witcombe as a mobile prop who has impressed him after initially sliding into Northland under the radar.

"He turned up to play club rugby and we heard about him, [we heard] this big Welsh guy was playing at Mid Western," Witcombe said of John who has signed with the Northland Rugby Union for two years.

"He's got the makings to become a good player. He's come a long way for an opportunity, for a change, [and] he's earned it, we didn't [just] say he's a big whopping rooster so we'll have him."

Witcombe added that John had been involved with the Welsh PRO12 side, the Cardiff Blues - which Jonah Lomu, Paul Tito and Xavier Rush have all played for in recent years.

The Taniwha's other big signing comes from the Queensland Reds wider training squad in the form of some tall timber. The 2m Tom Murday, of Mid Western, has traded his spot in the Reds for the Cambridge blue after spending the past eight months in Super Rugby training.

"He heard there was an opportunity over here and has signed for two years," Witcombe said. "He's given up an opportunity for the Reds academy to be with us.

"They are two positions [lock and prop] we've felt we had a shortage in, the height to locks and size for props, there's not a lot in New Zealand so we thought these two would help [Northland]."

One of the main bolters in the squad is Kamo halfback Mac Sykes who has benefited from injuries to other halfbacks in the region.

Witcombe added that Sykes was a through-and-through Northlander and would bring a bit of excitement to the squad.

"Mac Sykes has been working hard for many years, he's been involved in under-20 trials and has been on the cusp for awhile.

"A lot of people have been talking about him for awhile. One thing we like about him is he's got a lot of work to do, and he knows it, but he's got a Northland heart and is keen to get better."

Joining Sykes as excitement machines in the Taniwha squad is the heart of Hora Hora's backline - first five-eighths/utility Latiume Fosita, and midfielders Warren Dunn and Viliami Tahitu'a.

"They've been performing for Hora Hora [all season], Vili [Tahitu'a] is ready now but Ume [Fosita] is in the squad for a reason.

"Vili really excites us. They are just two kids who have moved out of Auckland and made it up here, and they've added to the club rugby scene. I'm pretty sure Hora Hora calls them their own now," Witcombe laughed.

Other obvious exciting players included are Fijians Rupeni Caucaunibuca and Jone Tori.

"Tori played in the Harding Shield and, for his size, he's very strong. He's put on about 6-8kg already, and [although] has been hindered by a hamstring of late we can't wait to get him out."

Witcombe was unsure what All Black Rene Ranger's availability would be like with next month's Rugby Championship possibly affecting his involvement.

The club breakdown of the squad sees Mid Northern the leaders with four players, followed by Old Boys Marist, Awanui, Wellsford, Otamatea, Hora Hora, Kamo [all with three players], Moerewa, Mid Western [both with two], with Kerikeri and the Western Sharks providing one player each. Bronson Murray and Jake Paringatai have not been listed with a club side attached.

The squad:

Robbie Abel, Derek Carpenter, Rupeni Caucau, Justin Davies, Warren Dunn, Latiume Fosita, Roy Griffin, Dan Hawkins, Willgriff John, Mateo Malupo, Whiria Meltzer, David Morgan, Matt Moulds, Tom Murday, Bronson Murray, Jake Paringatai, Owen Pihema, Dan Pryor, Jack Ram, Rene Ranger, Ben Seymour, Mac Sykes, Viliami Tahitu'a, Tane Takulua, Jone Tori, Scott Vessey, Will Whetton, Bryce Williams, Matt Wright, Ross Wright.