Tasman Makos name 2017 Mitre 10 Cup squad

The Tasman Makos coaches and management have named a squad of 28 players to contest the 2017 Mitre 10 Cup Premiership. The team is split between 16 forwards and 12 backs.

There is a good balance of experience – 16 players with Super Rugby caps – and youth, with 3 new faces.

The team will be coached by Leon MacDonald with assistance from Leo Crowley, Andrew Goodman and Greg Somerville. The team manager is Martyn Vercoe.

HOOKERS

Andrew Makalio (Harlequins - 11 Makos caps), Ti'i Paulo (Renwick -9)

PROPS

Ryan Coxon (Waikato - *), Siosiua Halanukonuka (Highlanders - 38), Kane Hames (Chiefs - 14), Tom Hill (Stoke - 1), Tim Perry (Crusaders - 51)

LOCKS
Alex Ainley (Highlanders - 80), Pari Pari Parkinson (Stoke - 3), Quinten Strange (Crusaders - 11)

BACK ROW
Ethan Blackadder (Nelson – 9), Vernon Fredericks (Crusaders / Moutere - 46), Shannon Frizell (Marist – 12), Pete Samu (Crusaders - 29), Liam Squire (Highlanders - 38), Jordan Taufua (Crusaders – 10)

HALF BACKS
Finlay Christie (Chiefs - 10), Billy Guyton (Blues - 42), 

FIRST - FIVES
Mitchell Hunt (Crusaders - 12), Tim O'Malley (Waitohi - 1)

MID-FIELD BACKS
Levi Aumua (Kahurangi *), David Havili (Crusaders - 31), Trael Joass (Wanderers - 11), Alex Nankivell (Chiefs - 15) 

OUTSIDE BACKS
Tima Faingaanuku (Nelson - 8), Will Jordan (Christchurch *), Viliami Lolohea (Harlequins - 13), James Lowe (Chiefs - 37).

*denotes new cap

The team also features two All Blacks – back rower Liam Squire and prop Kane Hames, three NZ Under 20’s representatives – prop Ryan Coxon, winger Tima Faingaanuku and fullback Will Jordan – and NZ Sevens back Trael Joass. 

Two former Makos – hooker Ti’i Paulo (2006) and flanker Jordan Taufua (2012) – return to the fold this season.