A new-look Steelform Wanganui Heartland rugby squad is shaping up well as the representative season looms.
Incoming coach Karl Hoskin said he already had a training squad of 26 players, although his plan was to assemble a wider squad of around 30 in the lead-up to their first match against King Country at home on August 24.
"We have held two training sessions so far and I'm real happy," Hoskin said yesterday.
"They've been really good sessions, with a lot of positive feedback and enthusiasm."
Hoskin, assistant coach Daniel Rolls from Ohakune, scrum coach Darryl Hoskin and Heartland manager Chris Back have combined to select the squad and prepare a comprehensive training programme.