CMK Club Squad Preview - City teams


Spotswood United co-captain Warwick Lahmert said his side has great culture in the side.

Taranaki Rugby looks at the city squads competing in the 2020 CMK premier competition.

New Plymouth Old Boys

Last year’s semi-finalists New Plymouth Old Boys could go one better this year after coach Kelvin McDowell has selected a talented squad. They have a few fresh players including Josiah Pokai, Christian Elaise and Perry Lawrence straight out of high school along with several Colts players. Those players will blend in nicely with existing experienced players like captain Daniel Waite, vice-captain Kaylum Boshier, Codey Rei, who returns from overseas and Caleb Mawson just to name a few. The side aims to play a positive and exciting style of rugby and will challenge themselves to lift to a higher level each week. With one round, they will be taking it one game at a time as every team will have its challenges.

Squad: Toby Burkett, Mitchell O’Neill, Josiah Pokai, Perry Lawrence, Donald Brighouse, Caleb Mawson, Brent Tucker, Tupou Vaa’i, Fin Hoeata, Christian Elaise, Gabe Lauderdale-Smith, Kaylum Boshier, Michael Loft, Brad Valentine, Dean Stewart, Jordan Roylance, Hamish Alabaster, Tom Florence, Shaan Waite, Brodie Lilley, Daniel Waite (c), Liam McBride, Adam Smith, Jayden Ford, Braydon Northcott-Hill, Jackson Carrington, Jamahl Hapi, Jimmy Weir, Saiasi Qiokata, Caleb Ritai, Cruz Grace, Codey Rei. Unavailable due to injury: Alex Paterson, Matt Guthrie.

Coaches: Kelvin McDowell, Brendon McGlashan and Andy Slater

Manager: Tyler Maindonald

2019 placing: Fourth

Spotswood United

Defending champions Spotswood United is wanting to build on last year’s success which won them their first premier championship. Co-Coach Warwick Lahmert said the team has a great culture with different ethnicities involved in the club. He wants the side to come together as one and is putting a big focus on going out to ‘win another title, not defend one.’ Spotswood United has attracted several new players including Kylem O’Donnell, who has moved back from the Waikato. The 30-year-old played 33 games for Taranaki across two periods and was involved in five All Black Sevens campaigns – this is a big acquisition for the defending champions. Players to watch are captain James Grogan, vice-captain Jared Proffit, Tristan Lahmert, O’Donnell and promising pivot Josh Jacomb.

New players: Ethan Reti (Horowhenua-Kapiti), Tyrone Mafi (Waikato), Chris Bryan (formerly FDMC), Kylem O’Donnell (Waikato), Jordan Christie (Gisborne), Craig Nutt (Wales), Tui Katoa (Hamilton)

Squad: Sione Sifa, Viliami Ahio, James Grogan, Tamati Tupaea, Chandler Kingi, Jared Proffit, Craig Nutt, Matt Tupa, Mikaere Bell, Jacob Bourke, Tui Katoa, Tristan Lahmert, Tawera Baker, Kale Coyne, Tyrone Mafi, Kylem O'Donnell, Jack Hartley, Jordan Christie, Warwick Lahmert, Josh Jacomb, Ethan Reti, Frank Tawake, Selestino Kalounivale, Tutewenua Tupaea, Emerson Gray, Chris Bryan, Moses Christie, Salesi Havea, Rico Falaniko, Bailey Kingi, Tyrese Ratahi, Keenan Tamarapa.        

Coaches: Mitch Williams, Warwick Lahmert, Josh Hamilton and Matt Goodwin.

Managers: Jade Morgan and Lewis Evans.

2019 placing: First

Tukapa

Last year’s semi-finalists, Tukapa has built a relationship with nearby Francis Douglas Memorial College and have attracted four school leavers. These include All Black Sevens squad member Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens who will provide an exciting style of play from the back, Josh Hopkins, Ethan Seed and Mairenga Laapo. Joining the newbies is loose forward Chris Jollands, who has moved over from Scotland and outside back Santana Marshall from Northland. Coach Ben Siffleet said the squad has a mixture of senior and younger players but will rely on the likes of Scott Mellow, Mitchell Crosswell, Leighton Price, Jayson Potroz and Pomare Samupo who all set high standards and lead the side around the park. Siffleet said the sides focus is on enjoying their rugby in 2020 while playing an exciting brand.

New players: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Josh Hopkins, Ethan Seed and Mairenga Laapo (all FDMC), Chris Jollands (Scotland), Santana Marshall (Northland), Luke Taplin (Southern), Shaye Hill (Spotswood United).

Squad: Brendan Dent, Jackson Clarke, Liam Bernet, Mairenga Laapo, Scott Mellow, Shaye Hill, Corbin Porteous, Leighton Price, Mike Nyssen, Chris Jollands, Josh Hopkins, Mitchell Crosswell, Nathaniel Peters, Ethan Seed, Dan Bernet, Jayson Potroz, Henry Miles, Lukas Halls, Mason Porteous, Pomare Samupo, Eli Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Issac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Lagen Kumeroa, Luke Taplin, Santana Marshall. 

Coaches: Ben Siffleet and Darryl Lilley

Manager: Dan Johanson

2019 placing: Third

Next week, Taranaki Rugby will look at the rural clubs competing in the CMK competition.


Article added: Friday 12 June 2020

 

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