Chiefs may keep it in Senio family

If Chiefs rugby coach Ian Foster is worried about finding a new halfback to fill Kevin Senio's boots next season, he might be advised to try visiting the Senio family homestead in west Auckland.

There he might be able to wish Kevin a fond farewell before he heads south to Christchurch to join the Crusaders, then wander down the hallway to John Senio's bedroom and strike up a conversation,

Northland rugby coach Donny Stevenson believes Foster would do well to take a close look at John Senio, the Northland halfback who is incumbent Manu Samoa No 9.

Stevenson said Senio had all the credentials to become a Super 14 halfback and might be exactly what Foster needs to allay his concerns about Kevin Senio's departure.

"I mean he's an international player for Samoa and in terms of depth around the country (at halfback) there's heaps of young fellas around but not many with the sort of experience John Senio can bring to the party," Stevenson said.

Foster intimated Kevin Senio's departure would probably force him to look outside the franchise for a backup to All Blacks test halfback Byron Kelleher.

But Foster might have to be quick as John Senio may yet be part of David Nucifora's plans with the Blues next season.

"I think the Blues would be looking at John as well," Stevenson said.

"There isn't a lot of depth at halfback in the Blues franchise. Steve Devine is there, and there are a couple of handy young guys playing in Auckland and North Harbour but after that there's Ben Meyer and Craig McGrath who have been around a while now."

Kevin Senio confirmed this week he had signed a two-year contract with Canterbury and would move there from Bay of Plenty at the end of the year in time to play for the Crusaders in the 2006 Super 14.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)