5 players to watch: Manawatu
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5 players to watch: Manawatu
Adam Boult
A fullback-wing utility he brings speed from the back being the fastest player in the squad.
He made his mark in Manawatu rugby, two seasons ago as a 17-year-old when he topped the try-scoring list for his Te Kawau club. Unfortunately, injuries kept him off the first-class scene this year but he showed his best form when returning part way through this season.
A goal-kicker he also possesses a strong left foot.
Brayden Iose
The captain of the NZ Secondary Schools' side of 2016, the No. 8 is coming back from hip surgery which denied him a chance in all of the 2018 season.
Powerful and fast off the back of the scrum, he should offer plenty of drive for his forwards to build on during the campaign.
Josiah Maraku
Another teenager, 18-year-old centre Maraku is a product of Feilding High School and with his mature approach, good running lines and passing skills he should relish any chance he gets to show his wares on the Mitre 10 Cup stage this season.
Ben Wyness
First five-eighths Wyness knows all about patience. The Air Force technician has had to wait his chance behind Aaron Cruden, Otere Black, Jade Te Rure and Sam Malcolm.
Now 26 he should bring solidity to the position. Compounding his patience was a broken leg suffered in the club semifinals last year, just after he signed his first contract.
Once back this year he was called into the Hurricanes Development XV.
Johnny Galloway
A 24-year-old flanker, who is a policeman, Galloway returned to the Manawatu with a desire to play Mitre 10 Cup.
Originally from Dannevirke he was an impressive performer in club rugby and won his way into the provincial squad and with the No.7 jersey vacant he shapes as a good chance to challenge for the starting position.
Credit: Mitre 10 Cup
