Former Wallaby halfback signs for Northland

Former Wallaby halfback Sam Payne will join the Northland team for this year's NPC.

Northland open their campaign against Canterbury on August 17.

Payne has come off contract with French club Brive and has signed with Northland. He will arrive in Whangarei tomorrow, just two days before Northland's final pre-season match against North Harbour in Kaitaia.

Payne made his test debut for the Wallabies against Wales in 1996, and appeared in seven internationals, the last against Argentina in 1997.

He headed to France after spending a season in the Super 12 on the Waratahs' bench behind first-choice Chris Whitaker.

With Northland-based halfback Rhyan Caine injured, Payne is an ideal replacement.

The final squad of 26 contracted players may not be named by coaches Donny Stevenson and Mark Seymour until Monday.

There are several unfamiliar faces in the squad, with Auckland loan players James Arlidge and Mose Tuiali'i included with former Auckland B player Josh Levi, and newcomers Manu Burkhardt-McRae, Ted Carew, Matt Faleuka and Lee Jones.

In the wake of an unconvincing performance in an international friendly against Manu Samoa in Whangarei last Saturday, there are still some gaping holes to fill.

Finding a second-string first five-eighths and a stand-in goalkicker loom as priorities.

- NZPA