Pre-season Mako NPC squad named

By Jack Malcolm [Nelson App]

A wider pre-season Mako squad has been announced ahead of their first fixture of the year, against Canterbury in two weekends time.

With a mixture of fresh faces and seasoned battlers back in the mix, the Mako will be eager to start their season on the right foot.

There several notable absences from the preseason squad, with the likes of last year’s co-captains Quinten Strange and Mitchell Hunt not being named.

After back-to-back titles in 2019 and 2020, the Makos were unable to achieve the three-peat after losing 23-20 in the final to Waikato.

The team has finished in the top four of the regular season standings, consistently earning a playoff spot, since entering the premiership in 2014.

Wider pre-season squad: Angus Fletcher, Antonio Shalfoon, Apetone Vaka, Baden Stewart, Caleb Coventry, Campbell Parata, Graham Urquhart, Hugh Renton, Isaac Salmon, Jack Gray, Kershawl Skyes-Martin, Levi Aumua, Louie Champman, Mahonri Ngakuru, Mason Lund, Matt Graham Williams, Netani Baleisomosomo, Nik Vikena, Leopino Maupese, Quentin Macdonald, Sam Matenga, Setaleki Baker, Patelesio Latu, Taine Robinson, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tomasi Alosio, Villiama Napa’a, Zac Harrison-Jones.