Rugby League: Aucklanders must back up after NSW Country clash

By PETER JESSUP

It's a tough ask for the Auckland players who meet New South Wales Country tonight, backing up after the last Bartercard Cup round and either playing NSWC for New Zealand A or Bartercard again next weekend.

Auckland coach Stan Martin picked his side yesterday, choosing six players who are in the NZ A side. The Bartercard team most affected is Marist-Richmond, who supply seven Auckland players, with three of those also in the A team.

There are some familiar names - former Warrior Anthony Swann, Bernard Perenara and Karl Guttenbeil.

Steve Buckingham, who captains the A side, was selected but withdrew because of the three-game schedule.

Five-eighths Jesse Iaopo was injured in Bartercard play and Marist-Richmond's Glen Rota is on standby.

Auckland: Jan Tiavali (Marist-Richmond), Karl Johnson (North Harbour), Paul Fisiahi (Otahuhu/Ellerslie), Ricki Henry (M/R), Misi Tauapapa (M/R), Jesse Iaopo (Counties-Manukau), Bernard Perenara (M/R), Kurt Cawdron (M/R), Herewini Rangi (Eastern Tornadoes), Sinave Faitala (O/E), Charlie Wade (Glenora), Henry Turua (M/R), Wayne Barnett (C-M), Anthony Swann (Mt Albert), Regan Wigg (Mt A), Ben Valeni (Glenora), Karl Guttenbeil (M/R), 18th man, Paul Atkin (O/E).

NSW Country: Gary Dowling (Gungahlin Bulls), Adam Blake (Dapto), Luke Taylor (North Tamworth), Fuad Suljkanovic (Thirroul), Geoff Johnson (Shoalhaven Heads), Jacob Briggs (Lakes United), Warwick Colley (Mudgee), Kip Miranda (Lithgow Workmens), Darren Jackson (Dubbo Macquarie), Mahe Hala (Queanbeyan Blues), Peter Jensen (Tumbarumba), Ben Murphy (Range Hawks), Phil Stonham (Queanbeyan Kangaroos), Todd Pavlou (West Newcastle), Damian Seears (Queanbeyan Kangaroos), Kurt Hancock (Bathurst St Pats), Dean Amos (Wyong).

Coach: Scott Meini - Coffs Harbour.