Putting an end to stealing Steelers

When Kevin Putt says he wants the Counties Manukau Steelers to contend for the revamped national provincial competition within five years, it's not one of those pie-in-the-sky lines some coaches float.

Of all the newcomers to the top division (Tasman, Hawke's Bay, Manawatu and Counties Manukau), the Steelers have more ability than most to return as a major player on the national scene.

It would be a big surprise if they were among the title contenders this year or next. But one of the positive spinoffs of inclusion in the new Air New Zealand Cup will be an increased ability to retain talented youngsters.

For years, other unions have pillaged Counties Manukau's top talent, with the likes of Joe Rokocoko, Casey Laulala, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Jerome Kaino, Stephen Donald, John Afoa and Loki Crichton lured away. While they can't guarantee it won't happen again, top-flight rugby will give them more chance of maintaining their stocks.

And, for once, Counties Manukau enjoyed positive immigration, so to speak, with more than 30 players lured to the province to play club rugby this season in the hope of impressing Putt and playing in the Air New Zealand Cup.

"There has always been talent in the area," the former Waikato halfback explained. "Our focus needs to be on identifying and retaining it, and providing them with a way of launching their rugby careers.

"I think if we did that well, we could promote a higher degree of loyalty because players can see they can achieve their goals within the province.

"The best thing we could do is produce an All Black in the next couple of years. That would prove guys can make it through our system."

Putt is realistic about his side's chances this season. Although they beat North Harbour 28-11 and Bay of Plenty 25-20 on Friday night, the coach has few expectations - at least ones he's prepared to disclose.

"We really are the new kids on the block and are going into a brave new world," he said. "I don't think people know what to expect of us and I don't think we know what to expect of ourselves.

"It's a quantum leap to the Air New Zealand Cup and to be fighting with the big boys. I guess our focus is on gaining respect and support in the first year.

"But our ultimate aim is to be up there and contesting for the competition in three to five years. I'm convinced we will have a pool of players to do that."

There are only a handful of recognisable names in the 2006 squad, with Maori All Black Kristian Ormsby and skipper Ben Meyer heading the list and first five-eighths Blair Feeney returning to Counties Manukau from overseas. They also have Junior All Black Niva Ta'auso and New Zealand under-21 representative Lelia Masaga among their ranks.

Seeded 13 of the 14 teams, the Steelers were drawn in pool B alongside Canterbury, Southland, Waikato, Northland, Hawke's Bay and Otago, who they start their season against at Mt Smart Stadium on July 29.