Quarter Final line-up set for Northland encounter

It’s a case of one step at a time for Canterbury as they get set to take on Northland in Saturday’s Bunnings Warehouse NPC Quarter Final in Christchurch.

Despite having locked in a home quarter final spot two weeks ago, it almost wasn’t until the final match of the round robin before Northland were confirmed as Canterbury’s opposition.  

“Northland have proven they have stepped up and will perform in the big games, we know they will bring a lot of passion and physicality so it’s on us to bring the best versions of ourselves this weekend” said head coach Marty Bourke. 

“We love nothing more than playing in front of our passionate supporters, it would be great to see a full stand for Saturday afternoon finals footy and getting in behind their team as I know as a whole group, we can’t wait to get out there” 

New Brighton’s Billy Harmon will again lead the Canterbury pack from number 8, with Christchurch’s Tom Christie and Marist Albion’s Dominic Gardiner rounding out the loose forward trio. 

High School Old Boys’ Sam Darry and Burnside’s Zach Gallagher will provide the power in the second row, driving front rowers Tamaiti Williams, Burnside, Sydenham’s Brodie McAlister and New Brighton’s Oli Jager.  

A diverse spread of clubs is also represented in the backs with HSOB half back Mitch Drummond partnering University’s Fergus Burke at 9 & 10. Lincoln University’s Rameka Poihipi and University’s Braydon Ennor link up again in the midfield. HSOB’s George Bridge is set to start on the left wing, with Marist Albion’s Manasa Mataele on the right, and Burnside’s Chay Fihaki at fullback.  

“Playing for Canterbury is a really special thing, it’s about representing the people, past and present, so to see so many of our clubs represented out on the field in the crunch part of the competition is really special,” said Bourke. “It not only represents them, but it also highlights the hard work our clubs do to prepare our guys for playing at this level.” 

Prebbleton’s Ngatungane Punivai will cover the outside backs with Christchurch’s Dallas McLeod looking after the midfield, while Linwood’s Willi Heinz will add his experience to close out the match in jersey 21. Lincoln University’s George Bell will wear 16, with HSOB’s Finlay Brewis and Linwood’s Owen Franks covering the front row. Lincoln University’s Corey Kellow and Liam Allen will provide impact in 19 and 20.