News
Counties Manukau players in Chiefs Development team to play Auckland
17 February 2010
Chiefs winger Lelia Masaga is set to return to rugby this Saturday when he runs out for the Chiefs Development team against the Blues Development team at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.
Masaga, 23, who under went shoulder surgery in September last year, has taken part in a thorough rehabilitation programme over the past few months. Saturday will mark his first foray into full contact on the rugby field since the operation.
Masaga is one of 28 players from within the Chiefs region set to enjoy 80 minutes of top level rugby against equivalent players from the Blues region.
Chiefs skills coach and Waikato NPC assistant coach Scott McLeod will coach the Chiefs Development team. Hooker Vern Kamo will captain the side.
"This match is a good opportunity for all the Chiefs Wider Training group players to put a lot of their learning and hard work into something tangible. This match marks their transition from the pre-season into a season. "
"In the past we have not had the opportunity for such a game at this time of the year. This is a positive step towards ensuring our next tier of Chiefs players are well-prepared and game fit. It is also great to give a number of provincial players the chance to put their hands up to be considered as future Chiefs players."
Former All Black and Blues centre Anthony Tuitavake is named in the Blues Development team starting line-up.
Kick off is 2.00pm on Saturday 20 February at Waikato Stadium. Entry is free, general admission applies, and the public can enter through Gates 3 & 4.
The Chiefs Development team is:
- Hikairo Forbes (Waikato) - CWTG
- Vern Kamo - captain (Waikato) - CWTG
- Toby Smith (Waikato) - CWTG
- Toby Lynn (Waikato) - CWTG
- Jamie Chipman (Counties Manukau)
- Viliami Fihaki (Counties)
- Zak Hohneck (Bay of Plenty)
- Rory Grice (Waikato)
- Tawera Kerr-Barlow (Waikato) - CWTG
- Trent Renata (Waikato) - CWTG
- Frank Halai (Waikato)
- Phil Burleigh (Bay of Plenty) - CWTG
- Siale Piutau (Counties Manukau)
- Lelia Masaga (Bay of Plenty) - Chiefs
- Steve Honey (Bay of Plenty)
Reserves: Dan Perrin (Bay of Plenty), Tristan Moran (Bay of Plenty), Josh Hohneck (Bay of Plenty), Dominiko Waqaniburotu (Waikato), Max Turnwald (Waikato), Ronald Raaymakers (Counties Manukau), Matt Vant Leven (Bay of Plenty), Jordan Smiler (Waikato), Samisoni Fisilau (Counties Manukau), Kane Adams (Waikato), Glen Robertson (Waikato), Declan O'Donnell (Waikato), Ashee Tuala (Counties Manukau).
*CWTG = Chiefs Wider Training Group
The Blues Development team is:
- Mike Reid
- Ash Dixon
- Tevita Mailau
- Liaki Moli
- Andrew Van der Heijden
- Onosai Auva'a
- Tom Chamberlain
- Chris Lowery
- Taniela Moa
- Mike Harris
- Josh York
- Derek Carpenter
- Anthony Tuitavake
- Ken Pisi
- Lachie Munro
Reserves: Mikaele Tu'u, Pauliasi Manu, William Whetton, Sean Polwart, Aaron Smith, Ash Moeke, Roy Griffin, Matt Graham, Daniel Pryor.
