Moody returns for Canterbury’s first Bunnings NPC home game

Joe Moody will suit up for Canterbury in Saturday’s Bunnings Warehouse NPC/FPC double header in Christchurch.

The Loosehead Prop will partner Oli Jager who earns his 50th cap for Canterbury, the duo sandwiching hooker Ben Funnell in the front row.

Cullen Grace returns to the starting lineup in his favored number 8 spot, which sees skipper Billy Harmon shift to blindside, joined by Tom Christie on the open. Mitchell Dunshea’s return to play takes another leap forward, earning a start in the second row alongside energetic youngster Tahlor Cahill.

“It’s been a bit of a journey for Oli to get to 50 caps, so its great to see him reach that milestone and to have Joe back in Red and Black is a real bonus for us. We’d love for him to be heading away with the All Blacks, but we’re delighted to have his experience and commitment to Canterbury too.’ Said Head Coach Marty Bourke.

Mitchell Drummond slips into the number 9 jersey for the first time this year, while the rest of the backline that beat North Harbour in Albany last weekend retain their starting spots.

“We didn’t quite get the start the way we wanted on the weekend, so it’s another opportunity for us to get that right. There’s plenty of competition for spots in our squad, so were expecting a response from the team.” Burke added.

Glenmark Cheviot’s Nick Hyde is set to earn his first Canterbury NPC cap, as back up to Funnell in jersey 16, while Daniel Lienert-Brown and Seb Calder will provide front row cover. Luke Romano, Corey Kellow and halfback Willi Heinz also slip back to the bench. Alex Harford gets another shot in jersey 22 with experienced midfielder Ryan Crotty back in 23. 

The match kicks off at 4:35 and caps off a day of club celebration with Miles Toyota Club Round. In between the earlier Bunnings Warehouse FPC match where Canterbury host Counties Manukau, a club march past will take place, highlighting the importance Canterbury’s 48 clubs play in province. The NPC players will wear their club socks, furthering the connection between Club and Canterbury, which are proudly displayed on the 2023 playing jersey. “Everywhere we go, they go.”

Canterbury team to play Manawatu:

1.     Joe Moody (Lincoln)

2.     Ben Funnell (Hurunui)

3.     Oli Jager** (New Brighton)

4.     Mitchell Dunshea (Springston)

5.     Tahlor Cahill (Marist Albion)

6.     Billy Harmon © (New Brighton)

7.     Tom Christie (Christchurch)

8.     Cullen Grace (Lincoln University)

9.     Mitchell Drummond (HSOB)

10.  Fergus Burke (University)

11.  Blair Murray (University)

12.  Rameka Poihipi (Lincoln University)

13.  Dallas McLeod (Christchurch)

14.  Manasa Mataele (Marist Albion)

15.  Chay Fihaki (Belfast)

16.  Nick Hyde* (Glenmark-Cheviot)

17.  Daniel Lienert-Brown (HSOB)

18.  Seb Calder (Lincoln University)

19.  Luke Romano (Hurunui)

20.  Corey Kellow (Lincoln University)

21.  Willi Heinz (Linwood)

22.  Alex Harford (HSOB)

23.  Ryan Crotty (New Brighton)

*Debut

** 50th game