League: Stallions champ at bit to gallop away with top title

Johnson Peri, middle, is one of the players in the WaiCoa Bay Stallions 2014 training squad. Photo / George Novak

Forty players have been selected in the WaiCoa Bay Stallions training squad to contest the 2014 Pirtek National Premiership.

The Bay of Plenty District is well represented, with 16 players included.

The premiership is the highest domestic league in New Zealand and fiercely contested by all seven zones - Northern Swords, Akarana Falcons, Counties Manukau Stingrays, Mid Central Vipers, Wellington Orcas, Canterbury Bulls (representing South Island) and the WaiCoa Bay Stallions.

"The Stallions have been competitive in the comp year in, year out, but we've never quite made it," their coach, Tony Lajpold, said. "We have a lot of talent in our zone and we've been working hard to create an environment that will build strength and depth in our squad as part of a long-term plan to be the best in the country."

The first official round of competition starts August 24 when the Stallions play the Akarana Falcons in Northcote.

Bay of Plenty District players named in the WaiCoa Bay Stallions 2014 training squad:

Johnson Peri (Mangakino Hawks), Raureti Grace, Fetaiaimauso Tauiliili-Pelesasa (Ngongotaha Chiefs), Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano, Kardas Kaea, Peter Letoga, Cassius Reid-Dunn, Callin Tereu (Pacific Sharks), Percy King (Pikiao Warriors), Phil Rameka (Reporoa Razorbacks), Freedom Carson, Mac Carson, Cody King, John Koko, John Love-Henry, Tupara Tupara (Taupo Phoenix).