There are ten potential debutants in the Pakuranga Premiers for their season opener against Grammar TEC tomorrow.

Kicking off the 2023 season at Bell Park, coach Grant ‘Boof’ Henson has named a new captain for the premier side which is a mix of experience and new faces.

Auckland midfielder Pasqualle Dunn is new to the club and will take the captaincy, starting in the midfield alongside younger brother Tane, both making their Pakuranga debut.

Dunn has played for Auckland and Hawke’s Bay in the NPC and has had a stint playing in Japan.

“What we have been impressed with by Pasqualle is his leadership. He demands high standards which is what we want and leads by example. He’s a strong defender and on attack he has a handy skillset,” said Henson.

The Dunn brothers were members of the Manurewa championship-winning club team in 2022.

Graduating from the Under 21 Cannons, Moses Hafoka, Marc Holzer, Daren Uili, Jardyn Tamati and Antonio Popoali’i all make their premier debut this weekend, while 2022 premier development team members Lisiate Pau’uvale, Jayden Bell and Steph Tabaillou are all in line to debut.

Hafoka, who was recently awarded the Angus Barrett Memorial Scholarship, starts at hooker with Lepani Tuifagalele and Sam Crichton starting props.

“Mose (Hafoka) has been a form player in our pre-season, he has a high work rate and has been awesome on defence.”

Holzer, who was schooled at Pakuranga College, joins Cameron Finefeuiaki in the second row while Carter Hackett anchors the forward pack at number eight, with Daren Uili and Nuikula Osika packing down on the flanks.

“Marc (Holzer) is fresh in the squad, and he is playing out of position at lock but his form is such that we want him on the field. And Daren is similar, we called him in for our second pre-season match and he was probably the best player on the field last weekend.”

Jardyn Tamati takes the number nine jersey and combines with Memphis Ngaruhe at first five-eighths. The back three sees Jayden Bell and Ezekiel Wye on the wings with Popoali’i starting at fullback.

“Antonio (Popoali’i) is one to watch. He was the top try scorer in the club last year for the 21s and is a real game breaker.”

“It’s also really exciting to see the likes of Steff Tabaillou in line for a debut. He has played at the club for a long time, he’s had a good off season and is in good nick so tomorrow is an exciting occasion for him”.

Boof said playing at home in round one, against a quality opposition was a big occasion for the team.

“There is a lot to get up for. We know Grammar TEC will be strong, they are always up there and have rep players to burn so they’ll be a well oiled machine. We want to get a rhythm going if we compete up front and get quality ball for the backs to show their talents, it will be exciting.”

The Pakuranga Premier team is: (*denotes debut)

1. Lepani Tuifagalele
2. Moses Hafoka*
3. Sam Crichton
4. Marc Holzer*
5. Cameron Finefeuiaki
6. Nuikula Osika
7. Daren Uili*
8. Carter Hackett
9. Jardyn Tamati*
10. Memphis Ngaruhe
11. Jayden Bell*
12. Pasqualle Dunn*
13. Tane Dunn*
14. Ezekiel Wye
15. Antonio Popoali’i*
     
16. Gafatasi Su’a
17. Finbar Simpson/Gallipoli Misileki
18. Lisiate Pau’uvale*
19. Matthew Gorrie
20. Sione Hifo
21. Steph Tabaillou*
22. Cameron James
23. Paula Maama

Article added: Friday 31 March 2023