Head coach Steve Jackson names a 22-man side featuring seven Harbour debutants for the opening match of the season against Otago in Dunedin on Saturday.
After preseason hit outs against Waikato, Counties Manukau, the All Blacks and Northland, Jackson’s looking forward to kicking off the ITM Cup campaign.
"Really happy with the 22 we've picked to travel. Obviously we've had a few injuries to date but the guys that go out there get to stake a claim for a starting berth for the rest of the competition. The players are excited, we're just looking forward to getting out on the paddock and playing some footy."
In the starting forward pack lock Hayden Triggs and flanker Mario Ozich will make their debuts for the province.
Jackson’s pleased with the mix in the engine room.
"We've got some young talented footballers in there; guys like Jordan Manihera and Brandon Nansen who we think will have big seasons. Also the experienced guys up front like James Parsons, Hayden Triggs and Greg Pleasants-Tate. So there are a few wise heads and also a lot of enthusiasm in the younger players and I'm expecting them to feed off each other which will be great."
Out wide Crusaders wider training squad member Nafi Tuitavake slots in at centre paired with diminutive second five Niko Ratumaitavuki.
"Niko gets an opportunity, he's played every minute of every pre-season game for us so far and he’s been outstanding. Not the biggest midfielder but a very intelligent footballer, I can't wait to see him get out and take the field.
"Tevita Li, Bryn Hall, Nafi Tuitavake - they are quality footballers. They're the type of players who can break open a game,” Jackson said.
A number of players were unavailable for selection due to injury, including Pita Ahki and Robbie Robinson.
"Pita and Robbie are coming along very well. They're both keen and eager to be fit for Southland next Thursday. Robbie's had his first couple of contact sessions this week, but we just have to be careful with these players; we don't want to chuck them in until they're 100 percent ready.
"Hopefully the guys do a good job on Saturday and put pressure on our injured players to perform when they get back,” Jackson said.
QBE Harbour v Otago
1. Greg Pleasants-Tate (Takapuna)
2. James Parsons (Takapuna)
3. Nic Mayhew (Northcote)
4. Brandon Nansen (North Shore)
5. Hayden Triggs* (North Shore)
6. Jordan Manihera (Silverdale)
7. Mario Ozich* (Western)
8. Jim Tuitaviti (Western)
9. Bryn Hall © (Northcote)
10. Matt McGahan* (Silverdale)
11. Tevita Li (Massey)
12. Niko Ratumaitavuki (Massey)
13. Nafi Tuitavake (Massey)
14. David Raikuna (Takapuna)
15. Luke Devcich (Marist)
16. Ray Niuia (Massey)
17. Franck Fricconet* (Silverdale)
18. Michael Farmer (Western)
19. Zak Judge (East Coast Bays)
20. David Bason* (Western)
21. Daniel Halangahu* (Takapuna)
22. Denis Pili Gaitau* (Massey)
*Making Harbour debut
The game kicks off at 2.35pm on Saturday and will be televised live on SS1
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