Head Coach Steve Jackson has been working with a number of our up and coming players in recent weeks at various trial matches. Here is his thoughts...
Blues A v Chiefs Development
The Blues A emerged from Eden Park victors over the Chiefs Development 42-7 and set the tone for the game played later on between the Blues and the Highlanders. These games not only give the Fully Contracted players some game time but is an opportunity for me to introduce our players from QBE Harbour. I was particularly impressed with Lewis Gjaltemas few minutes of rugby. As an 18 year old Lewis had little prepartaion and no training with the team due to studies and he will only grow from the experience. Murphy Taramai, another signing for Harbour, had a great debut off the Bench. Matt Duffie showed glimpses of what he capable of doing and was very safe under the high ball. Michael lLttle was impressive as was Gerrard but it was Bryn Gatland's control and time / space he created for himself in the second spell, which was great to see, as well as being very courageous in defence. Ray Nuiia brought energy and aggression in the second spell also. So as Coach I was proud of the effort and delighted our players are being showcased in front of Super Coaches. In action were Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Michael Little, Matt Duffie, Ray Niuia, Nic Mayhew, Murphy Tarimai, Lewis Gjaltoma, Bryn Gatland.
Blues A v Hurricanes A
We enjoyed a 42-19 win over the Hurricanes A in the heat in Taupo at Owen Delany Park. The Team included 14 currently full contracted players to the Blues while the Hurricanes fronted 15 of their contracted players. The inclusion of our provincial players was successful. Key contributors from Harbour - Bryn Gatland had a great game in the 10 jersey and Michale Little and Gerrard Cowley-Mariner where outstanding and after 2 strong performances must be pushing to crack the top. Nic Mayhew got through 60mns of rugby and was strong in set piece and accurate in defence. Ray Nuiia was industrious in his 20 minutes, Murphy Taramai showed what an asset he is going to be for Harbour with some imposing defence and young 18 year Lewis Gjaltema continues to impress at this level making every post a winner. QBE Harbour players in this match were Nic Mayhew, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Bryn Gatland, Matt Vaega, Michael Little, Ray Niuia, Murphy Tarimai, Lewis Gjaltoma, Whiria Meltzer.
NZ U20’s
At the end of December NZ U20s Camp players were told to go away and work on certain areas and put there hands up for selection for their Franchise teams, do well and look to be selected for the Final camp on 10th March where a final squad will be selected to represent NZ U20 at the World Champs. I would like to congratulate Hapakuki Moala – Liavaa and Martin Brink for their inclusion into the final Camp and wish them all the best. I will also be attending this Camp as a Position Specific Coach looking after the locks but also keeping an eye on our boys.
Manilla 10s
On the 16th March we will be taking a Harbour 10 aside Team to the Philippines to play in the Manila 10’s tournament. Thanks to Geoff Alley, who I will be coaching the team with, and his connection Steve Payne up in the Philippines, this trip is fully funded by Steve and his Team and it has given myself an opportunity to select some of current Contracted players some of our Academy Players and some players on the verge of Mitre 10 Cup.
This is a fantastic opportunity to build a sustainable relationship with Steve Payne, to be able to send a Team away together and experience a different culture, train together, an opportunity for myself to get to know the players and to Coach them is just great.
We will be using 3 local players to give them an experience. The Harbour Team is –
© 2022 North Harbour Rugby | Web Design by Benefitz.