Southland coach opposes quota idea

By CHRIS RATTUE

Southland coach Phil Young thinks building good relations within franchises is the key to giving the supposed minnows of the first division a fairer go.

Young, whose side take on North Harbour at Albany tonight, said the return of power No 8 Paul Miller from Otago this year was an example of what could be achieved within a franchise.

North Harbour chief executive Doug Rollerson is leading the charge for a quota system to be introduced, forcing the top NPC sides to put some players into a pool.

But Young said it was preferable for individual situations to be sorted out, rather than forcing blanket rules on the competition.

"We seem assured of having Paul Miller again next year.

"I believe those are the sorts of things that can happen if you build good relations within a franchise.

"I know there have been political issues between Otago and Southland but it's no good fighting with each other.

"You've got to get on with things and make the best of situations.

"I believe the fact that I was involved with Otago for a long time has probably helped and relations have improved this year.

"It's no good moaning all the time."

Southland have also lost Corey Flynn to Canterbury, and the hooker's season is over due to a broken arm, meaning David Hall - once a club flanker - starts against North Harbour.

Young said North Harbour would be disappointed with their season to date and their players would be firing on all cylinders as they sought Super 12 contracts.

"On their day they can beat anyone," he said.

"They've got some very good individuals. They just didn't take their early chances against Canterbury."

North Harbour: Hayden Reid, Scott Adams, Luke McAlister, Mark Mayerhofler, Anthony Tuitavake, Tim Walsh, Mark Robinson (capt); Blair Urlich, Matua Parkinson, Craig Newby, Mark Giacheri, Troy Flavell, Tevita Taumoepeau, Slade McFarland, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Joe Ward, John Buchanan, Matt Lord, Andrew Gallagher; Billy Fulton, Brad Miller, Tusi Pisi.

Southland: Richard Newman, Bryan Milne, Hayden Martine, Seremaia Bai, Roy Hawker, Ashley Barron, Jimmy Cowan; Paul Miller, Ben Herring, Hale T-Pole, Steve Jackson (capt), Daniel Quate, Clarke Dermody, David Hall, Keith Cameron. Reserves: Jason Rickard, Brett Roberts, Andrew McClintock, Iona Sipa; Jason Harrison, Pailate Fili, Norman Ligairi.

Referee: Paul Honiss (Waikato).

Kickoff: 7.35pm.