Youth to play important role in Wednesday night match up
Canterbury has given a strong nod to its future with four players named to make their NPC debut against North Harbour on Wednesday, as well as Alex Harford rewarded with his first start in the number ten jersey.
Outside backs Jone Rova and Blair Murray have been named on the bench, along with halfback Joel Lam and loose forward Joe Brial, who had a standout season for Canterbury under 19’s last year, captaining the side and being named their player of the year.
The quartet of new comers will get their opportunities throughout the match, alongside New Zealand Under 20’s team mate George Bell, who gets his second start at NPC level.
Seb Calder (2 caps), Dominic Gardiner (5), Corey Kellow (13), Liam Allen (8) and Wil Gualter (3) will also all feature, meaning tomorrow’s team will showcase some of the best young talent currently around in Canterbury.
“It’s hard not to be excited,” said coach Marty Bourke.
“There’s some real talent amongst these young guys who continue to take strong steps in their professional rugby careers. The NPC is an important pathway for these guys to becoming All Blacks or Super Rugby players and to be able to be alongside these young men as they take that next step is really inspiring.”
It’ll also be an exciting night for the Christie family, with Shirley Boys High School old boy Tom Christie named to captain the side for the first time.
“Tom’s a really passionate Canterbury man. He plays in a position worn by some amazing Canterbury people and I think, whilst making it his own, he really fits the mould of what is required of both a Canterbury number 7, but one that’s the captain as well,” Bourke commented.
The side won’t be without experience though, with All Blacks Owen Franks, Luke Romano and George Bridge all named to start in their respective positions, alongside England International Willi Heinz, who’ll wear the Canterbury number 9 jersey for the first time since 2014.
“Its a great week with 3 games in 10 days, we gained some good momentum against Tasman but this team is really focused on the next couple of weeks and playing in front of our families and supporters. We know if we can put in some solid Canterbury performances then we will play our part in getting people into the stand and creating an atmosphere like no other.” Bourke finished.
Cullen Grace suffered a shoulder injury in the win over Tasman and has since been assessed by a specialist today. An update on his diagnosis is expected in the coming days. Other injured players Reed Prinsep, Shilo Klein, Zach Gallagher and Brodie McAlister are all expected to return to play in the next month.
