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Counties Manukau Steelers team named to play North Harbour

Tue, 16 Aug 2016

Steelers coaches Darryl Suasua, Grant Henson and Semo Sititi have named their team to take on North Harbour in their opening game of the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup at QBE Stadium, Albany on Thursday 18 August at 7:35pm.

The 23 features twelve Steelers debutants, with Kalolo Tuiloma, Fotu Lokotui, Sootala Fa’aso’o, Joseph Ikenasio and Joe Reynolds to start, and seven more players set to make their debut off the bench.

Skipper Jimmy Tupou leads the side again in 2016. He will co-captain with Augustine Pulu, who has just returned to New Zealand following his Olympic Sevens campaign. Fellow Super Rugby players Sam Vaka and Jordan Taufua will wear the Steelers jersey for the first time this season.

Coach Darryl Suasua said their strong performance in last week’s Game of Three Halves has given them confidence.

“We played with a lot of heart against Northland and the All Blacks and we need to make sure we do the same thing against North Harbour.

“Sam Vaka and Jordan Taufua will have their first hit out and both guys have brought in so much enthusiasm and intensity. Their great attitudes are infectious and they are amped and ready to go.”

Season Memberships for the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup are still available for purchase at www.iticket.co.nz or at the CMRFU Office at ECOLight Stadium between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday. A Season Membership will get you into the Steelers five Mitre 10 Cup home games. Season Memberships cost as little as $50 for Kids in the Grandstand and $100 for Adults.

Steelers team to face North Harbour:

1. Sean Bagshaw

2. Gafatasi Su’a

3. Kalolo Tuiloma *

4. Viliame Rarasea

5. Jimmy Tupou ©

6. Jordan Taufua

7. Fotu Lokotui *

8. Sootala Fa’aso’o *

9. Richard Judd

10. Piers Francis

11. Sherwin Stowers