Pukekohe’s Jared Page has signed with the Counties Manukau PIC Steelers for the 2021 Bunnings National Provincial Championship and will return home after two seasons at North Harbour.
The utility back earned a Blues Super Rugby contract on the back of an impressive 2019 season with North Harbour and spent the 2020 season north of the bridge as well.
But he has returned home this season and has re-joined his beloved Pukekohe club during the McNamara Cup.
“We are delighted to have secured Jared’s signature,” PIC Steelers coach Tai Lavea said.
“He is a local boy and has already spent a couple of seasons with the PIC Steelers.
“His ability to play multiple back-line positions will be invaluable and we can’t wait to see him take another step forward this season.”
The recent signing of All Blacks number eight Hoskins Sotutu has been backed up by the addition of Blues midfielder Tanielu Tele’a, former Southland lock Ray Tatafu, talented midfield back Amanaki Savieti and Tongan international tighthead prop Sila Puafisi.
Puafisi grew up in the Counties Manukau region and has returned home to play for Karaka in the McNamara Cup. Tatafu has linked with Papakura but is currently nursing a broken thumb while Tele’a is with the Blues but will be released to play for club side Manurewa whenever he is not required in Blues coach Leon MacDonald’s top side.
Savieti had been playing in Japan and made the Chiefs Development team earlier this year. He is playing for Karaka in club footy this season.
The Steelers Super Rugby contingent of Etene Nanai-Seturo (Chiefs), Orbyn Leger (Hurricanes), Viliami Taulani (Chiefs), Ezekiel Lindenmuth (Chiefs), Cameron Roigard (Hurricanes), Nepo Laulala (Blues), Dalton Papali’i (Blues) and Jonathan Taumateine (Hurricanes) are all locked in for the season as well.
Lavea will name his Cavaliers squad, featuring a host of local club players, on Monday to play North Harbour next Wednesday at Windsor Park in Mairangi Bay. The match will be played over 3 x 30min segments with rolling subs.
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