On Tuesday, coach Adriaan Ferris unveiled the official Northland squad to contest this year's ITM Cup.
The talking point of Ferris' selection - see nearby - for many was the naming of dynamic centre Rene Ranger as a co-captain; an interesting role for the former All Black. While certainly popular among the fans, and widely regarded as an exceptional talent, it was also hard to overlook comments - which came to light after the recent high profile trial for assault of which the Wellsford player was eventually acquitted - that he was "a man of few words" which obviously raised questions about his ability to handle a leadership appointment.
Naturally, there was also plenty of interest further north over how many local boys would make the cut. There were some, albeit virtually all from the Bay of Islands including Jack Ram who played for Kerikeri this year, Cam Goodhue who grew up in Kawawaka, and Moerewa-bred Justin Davies. Awanui's Whiria Meltzer also features as Mangonui's sole representative but a long standing knee injury, although cleared by medics, does risk threatening his chances of gaining some serious real-gametime.
As it is, the squad has a random look with the majority being outside players. Ferris' main challenge will be to stitch these fragments into a cohesive whole. Helping the cause will be the distinctive new ITM Cup strip featuring the snarling profile of the team mascot, Tane the Taniwha.
The Taniwha's national provincial championship (NPC) campaign begins with a road trip, when the side head to the mainland later this week to take on Otago - featuring a former Northland standout, Bronson Murray - in Dunedin on Saturday. The first home game for the Taniwha is on Wednesday, September 5, against Manawatu at 7.35pm.
