News

Try-scoring fullback Etene Nanai-Seturo makes a timely return while two club players are set to make their NPC debuts when the PIC Steelers face Tasman in Blenheim on Sunday.

Reon Graham’s side will attempt a third straight win in the competition as they hunt a quarter-final berth in the final weeks of pool play.

Graham has named Manurewa’s Larenz Tupaea-Thomsen at second five and Patumahoe’s Alex Eruera on the bench for the PIC Steelers third game in the past eight days. The pair are set to make their debut. 

Youngster Cohen Brady-Leatham makes his first start, named at halfback alongside the experienced Ahsee Tuala as Graham opts to bring regular starters Liam Daniela and Riley Hohepa off the bench.

Ian West-Stevens (hooker), Alex McRobbie (lock) and Sam Tuifua (number eight) start in the forward pack this week while the experienced William Furniss is listed on the bench.

The PIC Steelers have enjoyed a successful storm week to date, beating both Southland and Canterbury at Navigation Homes Stadium.

Their match against Tasman kicks off at 4.35pm.

PIC Steelers: 1. Ezekiel Lindenmuth, 2. Ian West-Stevens, 3. Salesi Tuifua, 4. Jimmy Tupou, 5. Alex McRobbie, 6. Maama Vaipulu, 7. Sean Reidy (capt), 8. Sam Tuifua, 9. Cohen Brady-Leatham, 10. Ahsee Tuala, 11. Joshua Gray, 12. Larenz Tupaea-Thomsen, 13. Tevita Ofa, 14. Blake Makiri, 15. Etene Nanai-Seturo. Reserves: Ioane Moananu, Kauvaka Kaivelata, Suetena Asomua, Adam Brash, William Furniss, Liam Daniela, Riley Hohepa, Alex Eruera.