Surfing: Imports lift NZ team's hopes of top-four spot in series

SYDNEY - An injection of transtasman talent has strengthened the New Zealand Southern Makos team for the Australian National Surf League which begins tomorrow.

New Zealand captain Cory Hutchings is confident stronger members will see his team improve on the distant last they managed on debut in the six-team event last summer.

He hopes the Australian imports can make an impact in the first of five rounds at Sydney's Manly Beach.

"I suppose it's a bit like the Auckland Warriors where they just don't have the depth to put together a full Kiwi side," Hutchings said.

"We're still quite proud to have 70 per cent of our team from New Zealand but we've tried to bring some of our weaknesses up to par while still working on our strengths."

The additions are swimmer Gabrielle Moses, ironwoman Cassandra Sedgman, ironman Dane Hurst and the women's boat crew from Newport, New South Wales.

Hutchings said Hurst was a particularly good signing. The younger brother of Queensland ironman sensation Ky Hurst, 17-year-old Dane is eclipsing some of Ky's performances from the same age.

The two ironmen and the inflatable boat crew of Justin Martin and Ben Fuller from Wainui are expected to be the Southern Makos' best source of points.

Hutchings said a top-four finish was a fair series goal for the team.

"We're not there with Queensland and New South Wales, but we think that if things go our way we can improve a lot." The $A240,000 ($314,140) Kelloggs league captures much attention in surf-mad Australia.

New Zealand team (club in brackets).-

Ironman: Cory Hutchings (Queenscliff, NSW), Dane Hurst (Tugun, Qld).

Ironwoman: Cassandra Sedgman (Surfers Paradise, Qld), Anna Ballara (Northcliffe, Qld).

Swim: Glen Anderson (Midway, Gisborne), Gabrielle Moses (Queenscliff, NSW).

Beach run: Callum Taylor (New Plymouth Old Boys, Taranaki), Veronica Van Dijck (Pauanui).

Ski paddle: Paul Green (Waikanae).

IRB: Driver - Justin Martin. Crewman - Ben Fuller (both Wainui).

Surf boat, men: Wayne Urbahn, Scott Barry, Pat Peoples, Ian Wright, Steve Krielen (all Whangamata). Women: Michael King, Eliza Bryant, Marnie Bryant, Haidee Stephen, Narelle Pannowitz.

Five-round event schedule.-

Dec 3: Manly, NSW. Dec 17: Mooloolaba, Qld. Jan 14: Surfers Paradise, Qld. Feb 4: North Wollongong, NSW. Feb 25: North Cronulla, NSW.

- NZPA