Harmon to lead Canterbury in NPC Grand Final

New Brighton’s Billy Harmon will lead Canterbury in Saturdays Bunnings Warehouse NPC in Christchurch, their first Grand Final since 2018.

The 27-year-old has been in career best form in 2022 leading the red and blacks to nine straight wins, including wins in every game at home this season. “This is really special, when I first came into the side we were on a bit of a roll and I probably took for granted how hard it is to be in a final, let alone be the best provincial team in New Zealand, so I’m just really grateful to be in this position with these men,” said Harmon.

Charismatic winger George Bridge says Saturdays Grand Final is the perfect way for him to sign off his career in red and black, heading to French Club Montpellier next month. “Who would have thought a kid from Gisborne could have played for Canterbury. I’ve been here for 10 years, Canterbury’s been my home and the chance to win another title is pretty surreal.”

It’ll also likely double as the final time cult hero Luke Romano pulls on the red and black, who’s looking for a rest after 14 seasons of professional rugby. “I don’t really want to say the word, I love being part of this team, it feels like I’ve been here forever, but in my first season 14 years ago we took on Wellington in the final and it feels pretty fitting to be in this position again,” said the 36-year-old.

“Luke deserves the right to go out on his terms, so whenever he decides that we will support his decision. But the best way we can honour that is to go out and play our best rugby on Saturday,” said Head Coach Marty Bourke, “after that hopefully he can feel comfortable in his decisions.”

Romano will wear his favoured number 4 jersey but start on the bench with firecracker second rowers Zach Gallagher and Dominic Gardiner set to start at lock. Harmon will be joined by tackling machine Tom Christie in the loose forward trio as well as youngster Corey Kellow.

Tamaiti Williams, Brodie McAlister and Owen Franks will secure the front row. With Romano, Reed Prinsep, Oli Jager, Daniel Lienert Brown, and George Bell all set to add their spark from the bench.

Bourke, who is in his first year as Head Coach, spoke of his gratitude during the week and is looking forward to the people of Canterbury turning out to support the team. “Not everyone gets to experience these opportunities. So, I really challenged our guys to take it all in. I hope the people of Canterbury feel that sense of pride too. Their team has worked extremely hard to earn the right to a home final and I hope they’re there in the stands with us on Saturday.”

Mitchell Drummond returns to the bench, reforming the one two-punch with Willi Heinz at half back while the rest of the back line and back reserves that propelled Canterbury into Saturdays final remains the same. “Combinations and staying connected are key at this time of the year,” said Bourke. “We’re going to have to be at our best on Saturday, but there’s plenty of excitement about the group.”

Orangetheory Stadium gates open at 17:30 on Saturday with kick off at 19:05. Tickets are still available here and will be broadcast on SKY Sport 1 from 18:30