News

All Blacks Sevens star Sione Molia will captain the Counties Manukau PIC Steelers for the first time when they take on Wellington for the Jonah Lomu Trophy at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe on Sunday.

Molia takes over the reins of the side from regular skipper Orbyn Leger, who is skipping this game due to niggling injuries.

Latiume Fosita comes into the starting side at second five, replacing Leger.

Jason Robertson and Luteru Laulala will inject some attacking flair into the PIC Steelers’ back line after being named in the starting side for the Mitre 10 Cup clash. Robertson will start at first-five while Laulala gets the nod at fullback.

Karaka’s Mickey Woolliams returns to the starting side and will lock the PIC Steelers’ scrum alongside Potu Leavasa.

Two-time World Cup winning former All Blacks captain Kieran Read will start the match at number eight.

Lomu represented both provinces during his stellar career. The Jonah Lomu Trophy has been contested since 2016 with the Wellington Lions holding it on the back of their 29-22 win last year.

PIC Steelers: 1. Ezekiel Lindenmuth, 2. Donald Maka, 3. Conan O’Donnell, 4. Mickey Woolliams, 5. Potu Leavasa, 6. Sam Slade, 7. Alamanda Motuga, 8. Kieran Read, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Jason Robertson, 11. Etene Nanai-Seturo, 12. Latiume Fosita, 13. Sione Molia (capt), 14. Tevita Nabura, 15. Luteru Laulala. Reserves: Zuriel Togiatama, Clinton Malolua, Suetena Asomua, Matiaha Martin, Viliami Taulani, Cameron Roigard, Baden Kerr, Kirisi Kuridrani.