Bunnings NPC side named for North Harbour and Onewa Domain

Tom Christie and Dallas McLeod return to Canterbury’s starting line-up for Sunday’s Bunnings Warehouse NPC clash against North Harbour. Oli Jager and Cullen Grace return to the bench after also sitting out Canterbury’s round one victory over Northland.

Speedster Blair Murray will wear jersey number 11 after impressing off the pine and a training injury to hooker George Bell sees Ben Funnell promoted to the startling line up, offering Sydenham’s James Mullan the opportunity to make his NPC debut from the reserves. 

“It’s awesome to have those troops back,” said Head Coach Marty Bourke. “Cullen hasn’t played since the end of May, so he’s itching to be back doing what he loves.”

Dallas returns Canterbury following a month away with the All Blacks, while Tom Christie and Oli Jager have shrugged off niggly injuries to take to the paddock.   

 “It’s great to be able to give opportunities to the likes of James, he’s a North Canterbury kid that’s come through the Canterbury pathways and has everything in front of him,” said Burke.

“Blair got an opportunity last week and grabbed it with both hands. He’s been around in and around our group for a couple of seasons now, so it’s awesome to see him develop and become the footballer we all know he can be.” 

Kick off is 2:05pm on Sunday and is broadcast live on SKY Sport.