News

Coaches Mike Tuiloma, Jarrod Firth and Mark Thomas have named their Bayleys Steelers Development training squad for the 2023 representative season.

Players from seven different clubs have been included in the 27-strong squad announced on Tuesday.

The squad includes former PIC Steelers hooker Penisoni Fineanganofo as well as talented Academy player and champion Karaka U21s skipper Nicholas Muli.

Pukekohe lock Callum Adams is rewarded after a superb club season while the McNamara Cup champion Manurewa outfit provides hooker Michael Lea, lock Soakimi Havili, first-five Bradford Lemalufaitoga and winger Nicholas Nasila.

Exciting young halfbacks Aiden MacPherson (Patumahoe) and Nic Snyman (Papakura) have both been selected while Weymouth’s Norman Savelio Ropati makes the squad out of the Sid Marshall Shield competition after a strong season.

The Counties Manukau Development Squad begins their campaign this weekend with a game against Samoa Sports Club at Bombay Rugby Club.

They start their competition games on August 26 with a game against Northland at Waipu.

Counties Manukau Steelers Development Squad

Props: Darius Mauga (Karaka), Telefoni Junior Siamani (Pukekohe), Siate Taupaki (Patumahoe), Manatu Tangataevaha (Bombay).

Hookers: Penisoni Fineanganofo (Karaka), Michael Lea (Manurewa), Nicholas Muli (Karaka)

Locks: Callum Adams (Pukekohe), James Conaglen (Bombay), Soakimi Havili (Manurewa), Semesa Saukuru (Pukekohe), Tino Ulugia (Karaka)

Loose Forwards: TJ Meleisea (Bombay), Faamaoni Suetena (Karaka), Sese Tohi (Pukekohe)

Halfbacks: Aiden MacPherson (Patumahoe), Nic Snyman (Papakura)

First-fives: Bradford Lemalufaitoga (Manurewa)

Midfields: Selesitino Kalounivale (Karaka), Jermaine Malaga (Papakura), Norman Savelio Ropati (Weymouth), Selwyn Loamanu (Bombay)

Wingers: Nicholas Nasila (Manurewa), Jeremaia Driu (Pukekohe), Josua Kacirogoci (Papakura)

Fullbacks: Ezra Meleisea (Bombay), Jesse Te Kani (Patumahoe)

Head Coach: Mike Tuiloma
Assistants: Jarrod Firth, Mark Thomas
Physio: Rachael Lewis
Manager: Sera Mika