Mako side named for first match
David Havili returns to action with the Mako on Friday evening in Nelson. Photo Shuttersport
The first Tasman Mako men’s side for the 2023 NPC premiership season has been named.
There are several talking points in the side chosen to take on Otago in Nelson. Returning to the team after 979 days away is All Blacks midfielder and former Mako captain David Havili, while Tom Marshall, who has also been off the scene for some time, will make his 50thappearance at Trafalgar Park.
Highlanders’ player Pari Pari Parkinson, who did not play in the pre-season hit-outs, also returns to lock the scrum with skipper Quinten Strange.
Havili will slot into the 12 jersey, relegating Alex Nankivell to the bench.
Three players are set to make their debut. They include former Wallabies hooker Feleti Kaitu’u, plus loosies Tim Sail and Seta Baker, from the Kahurangi and Marist clubs respectively.
Taine Robinson will wear the 10 jersey, with usual first five Mitch Hunt sidelined at the moment with injury.
The Mako team is: 1 Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 2 Feleti Kaitu’u, 3 Sam Matenga, 4 Quinten Strange (captain), 5 Pari Pari Parkinson, 6 Max Hicks, 7 Anton Segner, 8 Hugh Renton; 9 Louie Chapman, 10, Taine Robinson, 11 Macca Springer, 12 David Havili, 13 Levi Aumua, 14 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 15 Tom Marshall. Sparkies: Quentin MacDonald, Ryan Coxon, Atu Moli, Tim Sail, Seta Baker, Noah Hotham, Tim O’Malley, Alex Nankivell.
Match kicks off at 5.35pm.
Also on Friday, the Mako women play Taranaki in New Plymouth, with a 5.05pm kick off.