Marko the Mako says...
Monday was a very special day with the naming of the 2014 Golden Edge Tasman Makos. The squad named is:
Hookers: Quentin MacDonald & Jesse MacDonald (Central)
Props: Tim Perry (Harlequins), Ross Geldenhuys (Waitohi) , Siua Halanukonuka (Wanderers), Reuben Northover (Marist)
Locks: Joe Wheeler (Harlequins), Alex Ainley (Wanderers), Tevita Cavubati (Waimea Old Boys)
Backrow: Jeff Lepa & Peter Samu (Waimea Old Boys, Vernon Fredericks (Waitohi), Shane Christie & Liam Squire (Nelson), Tevita Koloamatangi (Stoke)
Halfbacks: Billy Guyton (Waimea Old Boys), Jimmy Cowan (Stoke)
First Five: Marty Banks (Waimea Old Boys)
Midfield Backs: Tom Marshall & David Havili (Nelson), Kieron Fonotia (New Brighton), Mike Wells (Kahurangi)
Outside Backs: Mitchell Scott, Robbie Malneek & Ben Tyler (Nelson), James Lowe (Waimea Old Boys), Bryce Heem (NZ Sevens).
Ten of the squad have Super Rugby experience in 2014 – Tim Perry, Kieron Fonotia (Crusaders), Joe Wheeler, Shane Christie (Highlanders), Tevita Koloamatangi, Liam Squire, Tom Marshall & James Lowe (Chiefs), Billy Guyton & Marty Banks (Hurricanes).
Bryce Heem has recently returned with the Silver Medal winning Commonwealth Games Sevens team while former Southland, Highlanders & All Black, Jimmy Cowan brings a wealth of experience to the squad.
David Havili represented NZ Under 20’s in the recent Junior World Cup, Quentin MacDonald, a former Super player with the Crusaders & Blues and now signed with the Chiefs, returns to the fold following a playing stint with Munster and Ross Geldenhyus has played Super Rugby in South Africa with the Kings & Lions.
All in all it’s a very strong and talented group of men who will represent the region well. I’m also pretty pleased to be named as Team Mascot and will see you at our home games.
Fins Up, Marko
