The Hawke’s Bay Magpies have named their side to take on the Manawatū Turbos this Friday night at McLean Park, with the Kel Tremain Memorial Trophy up for grabs in Round 4 of the Hilux NPC. 

The Magpies head into the clash sitting at the top of the Hilux NPC table after a historic victory over Auckland at Eden Park last weekend — their first win at the iconic venue since 1969. 

Hawke’s Bay will be looking to continue their strong record against Manawatū at home, with the Magpies boasting 40 wins, three draws and just eight losses at McLean Park. 

There are a number of changes to the starting XV this week, beginning in the front row, with Kianu Kereru-Symes and Manahi Goulton joining Clément Castets. 

Geoff Cridge and Hunter Morrison are retained in the second row, while Vilive Miramira earns his first start of the season at blindside flanker. Captain Frank Lochore starts at openside flanker, with Tiaki Fabish named at No. 8. 

In the halves, Folau Fakatava and Harry Godfrey continue their partnership, while Lukas Ripley and Bailyn Sullivan remain together in the midfield. 

There is also a change to the back three, with Nic Benn coming into the starting XV on the right wing. Darby Lancaster starts on the left, with Zarn Sullivan named at fullback. 

There are further changes among the reserves, with hooker Valentino Taito coming into the squad and looking to make his first appearance of the season. He is joined by loosehead prop Hadlee Hay-Horton, tighthead prop Joe Apikotoa and lock Tom Allen. 

Loose forward Cooper Flanders also joins the reserves, while halfback Connor McLeod and fullback Will Cole retain their places. Midfielder Anaru Paenga-Morgan rounds out the matchday 23. 

With a big Friday night of NPC rugby ahead, fans are encouraged to get along to McLean Park and get behind the Magpies as they look to defend the Kel Tremain Memorial Trophy and maintain their position at the top of the table. 

HAWKE’S BAY MAGPIES V MANAWATŪ TURBOS

RD 4 | Friday 21 August, 7.10pm | McLean Park 

1. Clément Castets 

2. Kianu Kereru-Symes 

3. Manahi Goulton 

4. Geoff Cridge 

5. Hunter Morrison 

6. Vilive Miramira 

7. Frank Lochore (C) 

8. Tiaki Fabish 

9. Folau Fakatava 

10. Harry Godfrey 

11. Darby Lancaster 

12. Lukas Ripley 

13. Bailyn Sullivan 

14. Nic Benn 

15. Zarn Sullivan 

RESERVES

16. Valentino Taito 

17. Hadlee Hay-Horton 

18. Joe Apikotoa 

19. Tom Allen 

20. Cooper Flanders 

21. Connor McLeod 

22. Anaru Paenga-Morgan 

23. Will Cole 

Tickets are on sale now. Grab your tickets and get along to McLean Park this Friday night to support the Magpies in what promises to be another big NPC clash. 

Article added: Tuesday 18 August 2026