NZ Domestic comps

[Dan54]

Teams for opening game.Thought I put it up as we have few Auks overseas in here

Note that Los Spencer's young fella starting at 15 (bloody hell I getting old I from his grandad's time playing in the Nua), also keep an eye on Rico Simpson when he comes off bench, think this kid is ok. Looking forward as always, see the young ones coming through against some old heads.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Waikato with 2 x former AB 5/8's.

 

[Dan54]

I also be interested to see Hawke Eyes line up WOB. They got McLutchie, Harry Godfrey and Zarn Sullivan that can all ply 10. I suspect they will go with Godfrey at 10 and Sullivan at 15. But by geez some of the teams look to have some options.

 

[Tomthumb]

Force legend Alex Harford starting at 10 for Auckland

 

[Wilson]

Had a quick flick through the NPC squads (couldn't find a squad listing for Wellington) looking for Australian/Australian Super Aligned players this year:

Auckland
Alex Harford

Canterbury
Darcy Breen

Counties Manukau
Ioane Moananu (signed to the tahs)

Hawkes Bay
Lukas Ripley

North Habour
Felix Kalapu

Northland
Reesjan Pasitoa
Lachlan Hooper

Otago
Nathan Hastie (signed to the Force)

Tasman
Lopeti Faifua

This is a big drop back from last year, only half as many players, with Harford the only player who clearly has an ongoing contract with an Australian super side (Hooper and Faifua might). I'm guessing Super Au has played a role in that, but it does look like the NPC sides are shifting away from bringing in contracted players from Australia.

 

[Dan54]

Had a quick flick through the NPC squads (couldn't find a squad listing for Wellington) looking for Australian/Australian Super Aligned players this year:


This is a big drop back from last year, only half as many players, with Harford the only player who clearly has an ongoing contract with an Australian super side (Hooper and Faifua might). I'm guessing Super Au has played a role in that, but it does look like the NPC sides are shifting away from bringing in contracted players from Australia.

I think they only really bring them in if they need gaps filled anyway mate. I do think you also right, a few PUs are going more for the local content,
Not sure if there a push for it, or just most unions feel they are going alright player wise. I actually surprised a bit that Auckland have got Harford, but perhaps they not wanting to throw their young 10s in too deep .

 

[Tomthumb]

I'd also say a few of the unions are watching the purse strings too. Seems a lot more regular club players in the squads this year. Could imagine super rugby players would cost a fair bit more

 

[Dan54]

Had a quick flick through the NPC squads (couldn't find a squad listing for Wellington) looking for Australian/Australian Super Aligned players this year:


This is a big drop back from last year, only half as many players, with Harford the only player who clearly has an ongoing contr

Also just noted when seeing Manawatu that Taine Roiri (Reds) named in team. I not sure if he still at Reds.
Know his dad since he a kid in Levin and suspect @waiopehu oldboy would know him too?

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

I'd also say a few of the unions are watching the purse strings too. Seems a lot more regular club players in the squads this year. Could imagine super rugby players would cost a fair bit more

NZR have signaled a salary cap reduction from $1.1Mn to ~$850K from next year so likely to be fewer long-term signings this year & letting existing contracts run out/ run down.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Salary Cap-wise Paul Cully put out an article recently that was paywalled but popped into my Google feed in which he said NPC costs $35Mn to run vs revenue of $31Mn.

$1.1Mn - $850K = $250K x 14 teams = $3.5Mn max saving on salaries, probably nearer $3Mn as the likes of Southland & Manawatū don't spend their full cap.

Not sure how NZR plan to cover the rest but having Unions spending operating grant money that's meant to be for community rugby on NPC needs to stop or there'll be no Clubs to feed into NPC.

 

[Tazzmania]

Had a quick flick through the NPC squads (couldn't find a squad listing for Wellington) looking for Australian/Australian Super Aligned players this year:

add Josh Smith (Western Force signed for 2026/2027) playing for Hawkes Bay

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Also just noted when seeing Manawatu that Taine Roiri (Reds) named in team. I not sure if he still at Reds.
Know his dad since he a kid in Levin and suspect @waiopehu oldboy would know him too?

Bob Roiri?