NORTH HARBOUR

from Rugby 2022

BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE NPC FIXTURES

Last year’s disrupted campaign meant North Harbour played just two games, so there is even more urgency among players, coaches and supporters ahead of the new NPC season.

Daniel Halangahu is back as head coach with highly respected assistants, Steve Jackson and Ben Afeaki. Halangahu is excited about the season ahead and the quality of the squad Harbour has put together. “There are a bunch of North Harbour players who didn’t get to show the competition all the hard work they put in last year. Now we get the chance to show what North Harbour is all about.” The Harbour squad looks to have depth across all positions with some excellent new recruits, including Hurricanes prop Alex Fidow and former Blues and Highlanders flyer Tevita Li. A regular starter on the left wing for Harbour from 2013 through to 2018, 27-year-old Li scored 36 tries in 55 games before he moved to Japan. “Tevita didn’t need to play for us; he just wanted to. Suntory have been kind enough to allow him a sabbatical from Japanese rugby. He gets to give back to Harbour, which was his springboard into everything he has achieved in the game,” says Halangahu. “Alex is another player we are excited to have in the squad. We all know how good a ball carrier he is and we are excited to see all the other parts of his game come together as well.” Li will add to an already dangerous back division for Harbour that should have no trouble scoring tries. Joining the powerful midfield pairing of Moana Pasifika’s Fine Inisi and Henry Taefu is new signing Denny Solomona. The former England wing and rugby league star is a tremendous addition to Harbour’s attacking force. Blues winger Mark Telea, who is in the All Blacks frame after being called-up as cover ahead of the Ireland series, and the ever-reliable Shaun Stevenson are two other renowned try-scorers who will enjoy having plenty of space to run into. Chiefs first-five Bryn Gatland and recently signed Hurricanes and former Manawatū halfback Jamie Booth are key players. Booth will bring experience to the mix and help to fill the massive gap left by long-serving halfback Bryn Hall, who has left to play in Japan. Halangahu says Booth will add greatly to the halfback group alongside Siaosi Nginingini and Ben Fuhiniu. “Everyone who has played with or coached Jamie speaks so highly of his work ethic and his approach to the game. He has added a lot already and will share his experience with the other guys.” Harbour kick-off their campaign with a much-anticipated Battle of the Bridge clash against Auckland at Eden Park. COACH: DANIEL HALANGAHU HOME GROUND: