News

Some talented young halfbacks are putting their hands up for PIC Steelers selection this season after impressing through the first half of the McNamara Cup season.

Papakura's Nic Snyman and Patumahoe's Aidan MacPherson have been two stand-outs that have made a name for themselves and have caught the eye of PIC Steelers coach Reon Graham.

Graham is blessed with talent in the key number nine jumper - Cam Roigard, Jonathan Taumateine and Liam Daniela were the three halfbacks used in 2022.

Roigard has enjoyed a strong campaign with the Hurricanes in Super Rugby and could even find himself in contention for an All Blacks jersey.

"We have some depth at halfback, which is always a good thing," Graham told Counties Sports Hub.

"Cam was outstanding for us last season and won our Player of the Year award, but we have to start thinking about the possibility of having limited access to him with the way he's been going and the chance of him making the All Blacks or the All Blacks XV side to play in Japan during our pre-season"

"Jonathan has been a key part of the Steelers for a few years now but he also could be involved in a RWC campaign with Samoa. Liam has experience and leadership qualities and is in the frame to return this season, but it has been great to see the development of some of our younger halfbacks in the competition as well.

"Nic Snyman has been great for Papakura while Aidan MacPherson at Patumahoe has impressed me this season. I also like what I've seen from the likes of Kanavalu Helu at Pukekohe. You also have Cohen Brady-Leathem at Patumahoe that can play fullback and halfback where he performed well for the Chiefs U20s, and is clearly a player to watch."

The PIC Steelers begin their NPC campaign in August.