The Pakuranga premiers return to Bell Park this weekend in another east v west battle, hosting Waitakere City at 2.45pm.

After last week’s hearty win over Suburbs, Coach Boof has made several changes as players continue to get their opportunity to impress in the premier grade.

“It seems like an eternity since we’ve played at home,” said Boof.

After opening round loss at home against Grammar TEC, the premiers sat out Easter weekend and then had two weeks on the road.

“We are really looking forward to getting out on Bell Park and making amends for our first performance. There were some good things that day but we have improved a lot in four weeks and we want to put on a good display for our home supporters and hopefully grow that supporter base for the season.”

A continuing balance of managing injury and illness sees a number of changes this weekend. 

Gafatasi Su'a will captain the side from hooker, with Finbar Simpson getting his first start of the year at prop.

Jack McGregor gets his first premier start alongside Carter Hackett in the second row, while Matt Gorrie gets a start a openside flanker.

After two impressive performances for the premier development team, George Emosi starts at second five-eighths replacing injured captain Pasqualle Dunn.

“I love this story – George has returned home to Pakuranga and he has really enjoyed this week, getting back into his mahi with the prems,” said Boof.

George was a member of the 2013 Gallaher Shield winning squad and while more recently has plied his trade at another Auckland club, he is back in green and orange this season.

Riley Harrison made his premier debut last weekend and was instrumental in the team’s victory but returns to the Under 21s for their key match against competition front-runners Grammar TEC tomorrow. Memphis Ngaruhe will lead the backline in the number 10 jersey, while dynamic young fullback Antonio Popoali’i returns from injury to start at the back.

Halfback Polynesia Crichton has returned to New Zealand after a stint playing offshore and is on the bench.

Boof said there is a good feeling within the squad.

“After the hard fought victory last week, the boys have taken a really positive vibe in terms of togetherness; it feels like they can’t wait to get down to the club – we are doing a lot of hard work and no one is shying away from it. 

“It feels like we have a good thing going on, but as we know, these things can come crashing down quickly so we need to continue to raise standards and benchmarks.

“It could be easy to be complacent, but we are focused on building on the momentum  after two wins on the road.”

Its not just the premier results that have the team in good spirits.

“We are a getting a real boost from the other senior teams as well and its making the vibe within the squad awesome – when we come back into the sheds and hear that everyone else is winning – that is special for this team,” said Boof.

Four senior teams will be in action at home tomorrow. The Under 21s have a massive match against Grammar TEC – both teams are currently tied at the top of the table. The Premier Development come up against Puketapapa while the Presidents kick off their season against Ardmore Marist.

The Under 85kg Panthers are away to the University Debt Collectors, while the Belles have a first round bye. The Panthers celebrate two player milestones tomorrow with Jeandre du Toit and Riki McGregor both playing their 50th matches for the team.

The Premier team is,

1.    Finbar Simpson
2.    Gafatasi Su’a
3.    Lisiate Pau’ivale
4.    Jack McGregor
5.    Carter Hackett
6.    Marc Holzer
7.    Matthew Gorrie
8.    Sione Hifo
9.    Steph Tabaillou
10.    Memphis Ngaruhe
11.    Paula Maama
12.    George Emosi
13.    Tane Dunn
14.    Michiale van Wyk
15.    Antonio Popoali’i 

16.    Moses Hafoka
17.    Same Beere
18.    Sam Crichton
19.    Cameron Finefeuiaki
20.    Niu Osika
21.    Polynesia Crichton
22.    Tbc
23.    Jamie Shaw

Article added: Friday 28 April 2023